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When looking for the best exterior door to enhance the security, insulation and accessibility of the home, it’s important to understand the different doors that are available and the benefits each of them offer.
Composite doors and uPVC doors are two popular options when it comes to exterior doors, and both offer a range of advantages that make them an ideal choice for the home.
Did you know that up to 10-20% of a house’s heat can be lost through external windows and doors? The efficiency of these glazing systems is therefore extremely important. In 2010, new doors were required to have energy efficiency assessments, and must score a U Value rating of 1.8W/m2K or less. The lower the door’s U Value rating is, the more energy efficient it is, so when homeowners are deciding which door to pick for their home, it’s important to pay close attention to the lower scores!
Low-maintenance windows and doors are often an important consideration for time-poor property owners, and alongside this, cost will almost always be one of the biggest considerations when choosing a door.
Then there is the all-important security factor. Will the exterior door protect the home from intruders? How strong will be it, and will homeowners sleep soundly at night, safe in the knowledge that their door is robust and secure?
In this blog, we will drill down to both composite doors and uPVC doors and explore the benefits of each.
Best exterior door: Composite Doors
Composite doors are a great option for homeowners looking for a stylish door to protect their property. They are classic in appearance but modern in their make-up, and the combination of materials that are used in their construction makes them incredibly secure and highly energy efficient.
Composite doors are constructed from a mixture of materials, but the main material is timber which is a natural insulator. Other materials in their make-up are insulating foam, laminate, uPVC and fibre glass. This winning combination creates an incredibly strong and secure door.
Newer, modern doors such as composite doors, are both better insulated and more likely to fit tightly into door frames, therefore reducing draughts. Because composite doors have excellent thermal insulation properties, they retain heat within the home during colder months, and this means homeowners don’t have to spend unnecessary amounts on energy bills…. an important consideration during this cost-of-living crisis.
Composite doors also offer a much more aesthetically pleasing look than many other types of doors. They come in a variety of styles and colours to suit many different styles of home, which makes it possible to find a door that fits perfectly with the homeowner’s taste and preference. Many composite doors offer the opportunity to add a feature glass design to add character to the door through bespoke artistic, colourful options or privacy glass.
Composite doors are extremely robust and durable too; they won’t warp or crack over time with fluctuations in the weather and are long-lasting without needing regular maintenance. In addition, composite doors include multi-point locking systems which ensures the home is kept safe and secure from intruders.
They also require very little maintenance; since they are made from several components, there is less risk of damage or wear-and-tear over time. So as a long-term investment, composite doors are a great option.
All in all, composite doors are an ideal choice for those looking for superior energy efficiency combined with added style, bespoke design and security for the home.
Best exterior door: uPVC Doors
uPVC doors have become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades. uPVC, or ‘n-plasticised polyvinyl chloride’, is a synthetic plastic material and the third most widely produced polymer of plastic. uPVC is considerably cheaper than timber, and with a longer life span, and for this reason, they have long been the favoured material for windows too.
uPVC, like composite doors, have excellent insulation capabilities. When fitted correctly, uPVC doors form closed air systems that are effective in minimising heat loss, so they are great for keeping out draughts and keeping heat in, making them perfect for energy efficiency.
uPVC doors also offer a high level of security for the home and are long-lasting with minimal upkeep or repair needed. Not only this, but they are available in a wide range of styles and can be matched with the same style uPVC windows.
PVC is resistant to weathering and rot making them an ideal solution for front doors… it doesn’t react with water or air, making it the perfect choice for properties in locations where high salt content can cause issues, such as by the sea.
Perhaps the biggest reason homeowners choose uPVC doors is their value for money and low maintenance. uPVC is easily cleaned and requires minimal upkeep from the homeowner…. a quick wipe down with a cloth or soft brush is all that’s needed to keep these doors looking as good as new. Installation of uPVC doors is also relatively easy compared to other materials.
Should homeowners choose uPVC or Composite Doors?
In some instances, uPVC doors can be up to 40%-60% cheaper than composite doors, and cost can often be the reason why homeowners choose one over the other. Composite doors have a more advanced make-up, and this is naturally reflected in the price.
Both composite doors and uPVC doors offer plenty of great benefits that should be considered when selecting the best exterior door for the home. Both types of doors provide added security features such as reinforced frames or multi-point locking systems which will help protect the property from potential intruders. However, if comparing the two for security, composite doors do offer marginally more security than uPVC, and they also slightly outperform uPVC doors when looking at their energy efficiency, due to their thickness.
Ultimately, deciding between uPVC or Composite as the best exterior door will come down to personal preference based on budget constraints and desired look and style.
Edge Building Products sell a wide range of uPVC doors with both flat or moulded panels, stable doors, patio doors and French doors….. uPVC remain our most popular type of door! With matching window designs and accessories, such as pet flaps and door hardware, there is a style and price to suit most homeowners’ budgets. Furthermore, all locking systems on Edge uPVC doors are guaranteed against mechanical failure for 10 years.
We also sell a big range of composite doors in contemporary, rural or classic styles. Our bespoke department are able to provide high quality, low maintenance glazing and are completely customisable to meet your clients’ specific needs.
Our counters, located in Croydon, Horsham and Chichester, are able to provide a wide range of low maintenance building products for the trade with next day delivery for the South-East of England. Our team are always available to discuss your requirements and can help you decide the option of best exterior door that best suits your clients’ needs.