Choosing the right entrance door for a building can be a daunting task, particularly with the wide range of options available on the market.

Front doors form part of a building’s overall first impression and must withstand continuous use, so making the right decision can be an important (albeit difficult) one. The wide variety of doors on the market come with many pros and cons which can sometimes heighten the confusion.

In this article, we aim to provide a detailed comparison of two types of modern doors – composite and aluminium entrance doors. We will highlight their features, benefits, and the drawbacks of each door, ensuring you are well equipped to advise your clients which door is right for them.

Composite Doors:

Composite doors are a relatively new addition to the door family, with their production dating back to the late 1990s. Over the last 30 years, however, they have evolved and developed.

So what exactly is a composite door?

Composite is made from a combination of materials – wood, PVC, and foam and this type of door has gained popularity due to their exceptional insulation and superior durability. Designed with a solid wood core or interior (polyurethane) foam layer, they provide superior insulation, making them not only highly energy efficient, but also strong. Often these doors are made with a hardwood inner frame making them a popular choice for the trade due to their ease to install.

Composite doors also have the added advantage of being low maintenance, and they come in a range of colours and finishes meaning there is an option for every taste. They can also be customised to meet unique specifications in terms of size, shape, and style.

At Edge Building Products our range of composite doors offer the highest quality heat insulation, secure multipoint locking systems, and meet the latest security and fire regulations, whilst combining durability and style. Each door is completely weatherproof, featuring glazing styles to suit every type of building, residential or commercial. Our composite door range can even feature a range of glass panel design options if required, giving your clients the opportunity to add more character to their property.

Whilst traditional wooden doors are a firm favourite amongst many, composite doors can be designed to mimic these, and, unlike wooden doors, our composite doors require very little maintenance. Composite doors have developed so much over the years, that from a distance, it can even be hard to tell the difference between these and wooden doors.

Aluminium Entrance Doors:

Aluminium Entrance Doors have been on the market for a long time and have stood the test of time with ease. They are known for, and selected for their strength and durability, making them a great option for buildings in areas prone to harsh weather.

Aluminium doors are not easily damaged by moisture, and they are excellent sound and thermal insulators. Like composite doors, they also require little maintenance, which makes them ideal for busy buildings that want to avoid frequent upkeep. Aluminium doors can be powder-coated in any colour, thereby offering flexibility in design whilst providing additional protection to the elements.

At Edge, we work with Smart Architectural Aluminium, who over the past 40 years have become the UK’s leading supplier of aluminium systems including front doors. Smart’s aluminium entrance doors are produced with ‘first class’ security and expertly used high-quality aluminium. For more information on Smart’s aluminium front doors, please reach out to our team today to discuss options further.

In addition to this, a popular product amongst our clients is our range of aluminium bi-fold sliding doors. These have similar qualities to aluminium entrance doors in terms of their insulation, energy efficiency and security qualities. They are often used to connect the inside of a home with the outdoors, and to increase the intake of light throughout a building and to maximise the outside views.

At Edge, we stock a variety of choices including the Korniche System, Origin OB49, and the Origin OB72. Whichever your clients choose, we will ensure that you can create the perfect solution to match their specific needs and requirements. Contact the team today for a no-obligation quote on  [email protected]. We also have a handy Product Comparison table on our website which will assist you as a guide.

Which door to choose?

When it comes to strength and durability, both Aluminium and Composite doors are highly robust, and both offer a range of desirable qualities. Their performance rate is almost indifferent, although they each do offer a slightly alternative aesthetic.

Security is a top priority for everyone, and both Composite and Aluminium doors can offer solid security. As we’ve mentioned, all our composite doors have multi-lock systems that make them highly secure and safe. Aluminium doors are known for their unmatched security features and are often chosen for their burglar-resistant designs.

Due to the nature of the material, aluminium doors are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions and do not corrode over time, making them ideal for high traffic areas, homes and buildings located in areas prone to harsh climates. Composite doors, too, are extremely durable due to their multi-layer make up and have the added benefit of replicating the look of timber, if that style is required.

Finally, choosing between Composite and Aluminium Entrance Doors ultimately depends on your clients’ specific needs. Both doors come with unique features and benefits, and deciding which door is right for your building requires careful consideration. Budget and personal taste may be the ultimate decider when comparing the two.

If you have any questions on our door offering, please contact the Edge sales team, we would be delighted to help. Please email [email protected] or telephone 0345 021 3333.

30th November 2023

This month, we’ve got a slightly different installation award! H.V Carpentry have done a stunning job at installing our Zest bathroom panels, in a sleek marble finish.

The bath room was quite rundown before the company came in, and designed the room and installed a whole new bathroom from start to finish.

Congratulations to H.V Carpentry and thank you for sharing your installation photos with us!

BEFORE

AFTER

Introduction to Cladding

Cladding is an exterior finishing system used in construction to decorate or protect walls and it has become increasingly popular in recent years, instantly transforming a building or outdoor space. It typically comes in different colours and styles and can be made using a wide range of materials, including wood, PVC, metal, and fibre cement.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of cladding is that it enhances a building’s external appearance, making it more appealing aesthetically and driving up its value, while concealing soiled or marked materials underneath. This is becoming a hot choice for homeowners who are looking to revamp or improve an existing building, during a time where housing prices are at an all-time high.

Cladding also provides an additional layer of insulation, which can help regulate a building’s temperature, saving energy and associated heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, a cladded exterior wall can improve a building’s protection from the elements.

What is Fortex Cladding and what are the advantages of using this brand?

Fortex Cladding is one of our leading cladding products, readily available in anthracite, it is one of the most in-demand colourways for cladding and external fittings such as doors and windows, creating a contemporary look and feel to a property.

Fortex Cladding is a high-quality PVC cladding that boasts excellent performance, long-lasting durability, and a beautiful finish. PVC itself is a widely used material in the construction industry for many reasons including its sustainability, high durability and quality. PVC is manufactured to meet strict quality standards and yet is low maintenance to manage and easy to install.

The Fortex Cladding System comes with a 10-year guarantee, and it can withstand the toughest environmental conditions. It is also produced with sustainability in mind and is made using lead-free materials. Moreover, Fortex Cladding is cost-effective and easy to install, cutting down on labour and installation costs.

Why is Fortex Cladding so popular?

Fortex has been designed to mimic natural wood, with an attractive embossed wood effect finish, offering a stylish and affordable alternative for those looking for timber effect cladding without the maintenance hassles associated with wood.

The cladding is UV resistant, will not rot, warp or discolour, making it the perfect choice for builders and renovation experts alike, as well as cost-conscious homeowners. As a leading supplier of building materials, we can provide Fortex Cladding in different sizes, styles, and colours, including the popular anthracite finish that’s taken the market by storm.

When looking at the various cladding brands we offer here at Edge Building Products, including Shiplap, Fibre Cement and Open V cladding, Fortex sits around the mid-range price point, so is an accessible option for many.

The rise of Anthracite and other colours available for cladding:

One of the reasons cladding has soared in its popularity is due to the variety of colour options available, allowing your clients to inject a hint of their personality and style into their home design, easily. The Fortex Cladding system is available in 10 colours including anthracite grey.  We have a short video overview on our YouTube channel, which you can watch here.

Anthracite is a relatively new and trending colour that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The colour’s characteristics feature a dark grey tint, with hints of blue or green depending on the light’s direction. Anthracite’s popularity has compelled manufacturers to produce cladding panels in this hue, fulfilling the demand from architects, builders, and homeowners seeking to make a structural statement.

This unique, dark shade of grey is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also provides numerous benefits to homeowners, including its ability to blend in seamlessly with almost any type of architectural style. From traditional to modern, anthracite grey complements any design and creates a stunning contrast against light-coloured walls.

In addition to its versatility, anthracite grey also provides practical benefits. As a dark shade, it is less prone to showing dirt and stains, making it a low-maintenance option. This also means that it maintains its fresh and clean look for much longer than other lighter shades.

Another advantage of anthracite grey is its energy efficiency. In areas with hot climates, this colour absorbs less heat than lighter shades, reducing the amount of energy required to cool down a home. This can lead to significant savings on electricity bills and a more environmentally-friendly home.

Aside from its practical benefits, anthracite grey may also add value to a home. With its sleek and modern look, an anthracite grey-clad house can stand out in the market and attract potential buyers. An added bonus is the fact that anthracite grey can increase the curb appeal of a home, making it more attractive to passers-by and visitors.

Black vs anthracite:

Black has been used in the construction industry for decades, and is popular for similar reasons to anthracite grey, its ability to create a striking contrast against lighter colours, yet until recent years was most commonly used in roofing.

Much like anthracite grey it can help to create different styles within a building, for example, when paired with brick or stone it can complete a traditional look, yet when matched with metal or glass, a more modern look and feel is created. It does appear however that in the UK, anthracite grey has the edge over black in the current market, with the former being more of a styling choice for cladding, windows and doors. Anthracite does retain many of its desired characteristics and can project more of a luxury feel as a result.

Consistency is key, and at Edge, you’ll be pleased to discover that you can purchase most of our products in Anthracite Grey as well as Black. From guttering and window trims to roof lanterns and silicone, we’ve got it covered, we’re committed to serving you and making your life easier so you can continue to create striking, quality projects for your clients.

We understand the importance of durability and reliability when it comes to sourcing building materials for the trade. Building contractors and self-employed construction workers rely on their suppliers to be able to complete their projects, and at Edge Building Products, not only are we committed to providing top-notch building materials that last, but we also pride ourselves on offering top-quality customer service.

As technology continues to advance, building materials are constantly evolving to meet the changing demands of the construction industry. With an increasing focus on sustainability and longevity, builders and homeowners alike are looking for products that not only provide high-quality performance but also stand the test of time.

At Edge Building Products, our continued commitment to the trade and to our customers has solidified us as a leader in the industry for over 20 years.

We know that when it comes to building products, a quality product should not only perform well but also be able to withstand harsh elements along with time-related wear and tear. We take pride in our product’s durability and ensure they are built to last.

Whether you’re installing new roofing, fencing, or decking, we have the materials you need to get the job done right, first time.

Our products are reinforced with tough, durable fibres that provide added strength and longevity. You can trust that our products will hold up to the toughest conditions, ensuring that your finished project not only looks great, but also lasts for years to come.

Our Product Offering:

At Edge Building Products, we are proud to offer an extensive range of products designed to support all your building needs, whether it is for a larger building renovation or a singular, smaller project, we’ve got you covered.

We supply a variety of external cladding, which has become a popular option for existing home renovations and building design. Our range includes Shiplap Cladding, Open V Cladding, PVC Cladding Trims and both Fortex and Fibre Cement Cladding Systems. In addition to our external cladding range, we also offer interior cladding systems too.

Fascia and soffits are both components of a building’s exterior that are often overlooked by the homeowner, but their importance in protecting a building by offering support for the roof’s gutters is paramount. Without fascia and soffits, rainwater can seep into the roof structure, entering the internal structure of the building and cause rot and other damage. We supply a wide range of both fascias and soffits, which can be sprayed to match any RAL or BS colour and are low maintenance and easy to install. Give us a call on 0345 021 3333 and let us know what colour you are looking for, we’ll be happy to help.

Composite decking is one of our popular products with more and more people looking at maximising their outdoor space in the wake of the Covid lockdowns. We offer both our signature, non-slip and reversible composite decking range, as well as the Triton Decking Range.

Speaking of outdoor space, we also offer an innovative range of Linear uPVC fencing systems made from lead-free window grade, durable uPVC. With 36 stocked foils, and over 3000 combinations available, our fencing systems can be either from stock or made to order. We have a comprehensive fencing brochure should you be interested.

If that wasn’t enough, we also stock a variety of doors and windows. From PVC doors and windows, to composite doors or aluminium sliding doors and windows, we have glazing for every project. To browse our full product offering of both windows and doors, visit our website.

Whilst these products form our core offering here at Edge, we offer an extensive range of hardware, fixings, tools, sealants and consumables.

The Edge Process:

We believe in only using the highest quality materials, all of which undergo rigorous testing processes to guarantee that our products can withstand even the harshest conditions. Our goal is to provide building materials that not only meet, but exceed industry standards for durability. This is why our customers have come to trust us as their go-to source for high-quality building supplies in the South East with branches in Chichester, Croydon and Horsham.

We genuinely understand the importance of being able to rely on your building supplier and know that a reliable product is one that performs consistently and meets the expectations of our customers.

Our commitment to customer service:

We take great pride in providing superior customer service to all our clients, whether they are visiting us for the first time or are one of our many regulars. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always available to answer any questions, assist with product or delivery information and can also help with scheduling.

Our exceptional customer service is rooted in our commitment to customer satisfaction above all else. We understand that every project is unique, and so with this in mind, we strive to provide personalised attention to each client, we understand that homeowners have specific needs and we offer tailored solutions for this reason. This, we believe, sets us apart from our competitors and has helped us secure our position as the ‘go-to’ supplier in the South East for low maintenance building materials.

Sustainability for a better tomorrow:

We are also committed to sustainability and supporting our clients in their effort to operate more sustainably within the construction sector. We understand the impact that the industry has on the environment, and here at Edge, we strive to minimise our carbon footprint by offering a range of sustainable building materials.

From using recycled materials in our products to implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment where we can.

By choosing our products, you can not only build with confidence but also be part of a sustainability focused future for construction. If you’re unsure, just ask a member of our team about our sustainable products, we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

We are passionate about our extensive product range, and are constantly looking to expand our offering to better serve our client and to keep up with our constantly evolving industry.

Quality customer service is a priority of ours. We value our customers and want to help make their lives easier, so through our three branches, convenient opening times and communication methods to suit you, we are dedicated to working with our clients, not just for them.