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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