The term composite refers to an item or material that is produced using a combination of different materials. The result of combining different materials with different qualities is that the composite will be better than them all. This is the thought process that was behind the invention of composite doors.
Fortunately, as their popularity will attest to, composite doors are superior in terms of strength, durability, energy efficiency and aesthetics compared to more traditional single material doors made from uPVC and wood.
At Affordable Windows, we are happy to give you a no-obligation free quote on a stylish brand new, state-of-the-art composite door:
In the following post, we are going to discuss how they are made and which materials they consist of.
What Materials Are in A Composite Door?
Composite doors, as their name hints at, are doors made from not just one material like uPVC or wood, but a combination of materials.
Generally, you will find that most composite doors consist of an external layer of GRP or glass-reinforced plastic, which is often referred to as fibreglass. (Fun fact: This is the same weatherproof and toughened material used in fishing boots!)
That layer of GRP is then fused securely to an internal frame for the door manufactured from high-quality uPVC.
To complete the composite nature of the door, the innermost core of the door consists of layers upon layers of solid timber to provide it with an incredibly strong centre and foundation.
The space in between the other internal components is filled with injectable and warm thermal polyurethane foam that helps provide warm and energy-efficient insulation.
What materials are our Endurance brand composite doors made from?
Like all composite doors, our Endurance composite doors are made of a specific combination of different materials.
This includes at the heart of them a 48mm thick, solid, and incredibly robust timber core featuring 17 toughened layers of skilfully engineered timber, a hardwearing and durable uPVC with laminated material skin.
This state of the art design adds a level of security and strength not achievable in a uPVC or timber door alone.
image credit: endurancedoors.co.uk
What Benefits Does This Give Composite Doors Over Other Types of Doors?
The very design and material makeup of a composite door were developed to address many of the common issues related to more traditional front doors such as:
- warping
- buckling
- colour fading
- weathering in general
- and the constant need for maintenance, care and attention. The composite door is fairly low maintenance (you can read our guide on how to clean a composite door).
Just some of the great benefits you can gain from having composite doors instead of either uPVC, metal or wooden doors include:
Longer Lifespan
Front doors should be considered as investments rather than just fixtures for your home.
When you choose a composite door as an investment, you are getting the benefit of a door that will last as much as 35 years and possibly even longer.
A door made from composite materials won’t look shabby, faded, or start to warp, neither will it peel or crack paint like uPVC and timber doors.
Harder Wearing
The basic premise of composite doors is that the combination of the individual components and materials is stronger than the individual elements. This makes a composite door long-lasting.
They are designed to cope with a greater amount of natural and unnatural knocks, bumps and wear and tear than traditional doors.
Safer and Securer
With any door, particularly the front door to your property, whether it’s a house or your business premises, one of the most important features is just how safe, secure, and strong it is.
Thanks to the specific and truly ingenious way they are manufactured with multiple layers of different materials all working in harmony, composite doors are far safer and offer more security than the alternatives.
The one thing you need to take care of, is to ensure the composite door you are investing in is of the highest quality and the company behind it is recommended with a good reputation, like Endurance.
Energy Efficient
It’s not just burglars and uninvited guests that a good quality door can help you to keep out of your home – it can also keep out any draughts during the colder parts of the year that may be trying to sneak their way in.
Fortunately, composite doors are very energy efficient.
As aforementioned, they don’t shift or warp, meaning there are no gaps or draughts that are caused over time.
You will find that all good quality composite doors have an A-rating for their energy efficiency and can keep heat in your home – a must during the cold autumns and winters we experience here in the UK.
Does a composite door contain wood?
Yes, the simple answer is they do contain some wood. As described above, the core of most good quality composite doors is generally a layered timber core made from hardwood. This gives the door enhanced security via its strong and stable centre.
What is the difference between a uPVC door and a composite door?
Composite doors are by far the most advanced type of door available and used today.
Compared to uPVC doors that are made almost exclusively out of plastic, the biggest difference is that composite doors are made from a wide variety of materials, including plastic.
Composite doors, therefore, make the best use of all the different materials used in their production. Whereas uPVC doors suffer from the disadvantages of that material as well as the advantages.
For a more in-depth discussion of uPVC doors vs composite doors << check out our detailed guide on the subject.
Summary
As you may already be expecting, initially at least, composite doors are more expensive than the cost of uPVC, timber, or even aluminium doors.
However, we say initially, because thanks to their thermal performance, the lack of maintenance they need on a day to day basis and the fact that they can, under the best circumstances, last longer, we think they are a better investment over time.
Another way to look at it is, you are getting the best of multiple types of materials all in the one door for your property and in a style you like.
As with anything, it is down to your budget, and what you are looking for in a front door.
If you have any questions or queries though, don’t hesitate to get in touch and contact one of our team who will be more than happy to fill in any gaps for you as well as offer you a FREE no-obligation quote.
