Searching For The Perfect Front Door: UPVC Or Composite?
Your front door is a crucial feature of your home and therefore it requires serious thought when purchasing a new front door.
Your front door is the first thing people notice about your home. It should uphold the overall character of the building, but it is also important it enhances its security.
If your front door is ageing, replacing it should be a high priority. Two of the best materials are UPVC and composite.
Most people are familiar with UPVC doors. UPVC doors are made with an insulated steel frame covered in un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride (commonly abbreviated to UPVC). However, less people will be familiar with composite doors.
What exactly is a composite door?
A composite door is a type of door that is constructed using multiple materials, hence the term “composite.” It combines UPVC, foam, wood, and a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) skin.
This combination creates a hybrid door that offers several advantages. Despite its convincing wood grain appearance, the GRP skin ensures that a composite door is much more durable, stronger, and resistant to water compared to a traditional timber door.
One of the key strengths of a composite door is its exceptional toughness and thermal efficiency. At 5 Star, we offer composite doors that are built to be highly resilient and thermally efficient, providing excellent performance and security.
How does a composite door differ from a UPVC door?
While UPVC doors are made from a single material, plastic, composite doors have a greater depth due to their thicker frame, typically around 44mm compared to the 28mm frame of a UPVC door.
This difference in construction also reflects in the pricing, as composite doors tend to have a higher price point. The additional materials used in their fabrication contribute to their durability and performance.
However, it’s important to note that a UPVC door should not be considered inferior simply because it is cheaper. UPVC doors also offer outstanding thermal efficiency and security features.
What’s the best way to maintain and clean a composite or UPVC door?
To clean the frame surfaces of a composite or UPVC door, you can use warm soapy water. It is recommended to avoid using solvent-based cleaners and abrasive materials, as they may damage the surface.
Once a year, it is advisable to lubricate the locks, hinges, and, if necessary, the handles and door furniture to ensure smooth operation.
Regularly remove debris from the threshold and drainage holes of the door to prevent water from seeping into the seals. It is especially important to keep an eye on this during periods of bad weather.
Give your house the front door it deserves and take pride in its appearance. Visit your nearest 5 Star showroom to explore our range of composite and UPVC door options.
LOOKING FOR A NEW REPLACEMENT DOOR?
From French and patio to bi-folding, we offer an incredible variety of doors inlcuding the latest front and back door designs, all of which are made to measure for the perfect fit to your home.
LOOKING FOR A NEW REPLACEMENT DOOR?
From French and patio to bi-folding, we offer an incredible variety of doors inlcuding the latest front and back door designs, all of which are made to measure for the perfect fit to your home.
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