Composite doors - opinions please

Tringa

Tringa

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After our dog's encounter with the front door - https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/our-dog.671985/ - and the fact the door is old, not in good condition and lets the draughts in, we are getting a new one.

Composite doors are expensive but appear to offer advantages - good security, pretty much maintenance free, good insulation, are fitted with a new frame so there isn't the possible problem of trying to fit a door into an old frame that might be past it best.

Grateful for any views on them.

Thanks

Dave
 
I don't have much comparative experience but we recently had our wood front door replaced with composite. Did a fair bit of research and composite doors seemed to be the only really sensible option. Worth researching the various lock and barrel options though as there is a big range available. Very happy with ours for what it's worth.
 
Glad your dog's ok. Whats a composite door though? Is it an alternative to a plastic double/glazed type affair?
 
We have composite doors to side and front. Great choice of colours and designs, very solid feel and easy to clean.

Wash 02 by Scott, on Flickr
 
Depends of where you are ?

In my previous house I was advised when I had the doors/windows done not to have one of those that have a laminate type cover as the direct sunlight would crack it.

So I went for a more expensive option, a year later the door warped in the heat and we couldn't open it!!!!

NO problem the manufacturers came and replaced it under guarantee :)

Another 2 years and it happened again , this time they had modified then with a new frame etc

But it seems if we had a fire it was virtually impossible to break, still a free replacement.

When I sold the house 12 years later I notice the facia on the door was cracking.
So I would say if you are in an area where the afternoon sun hits the door at the hottest time, make sure you have
a good warranty
 
Solidor are supposed to be good. I have one. It's on a South facing wall and it's not bent after 3 years so it must be ok.
 
I've had a composite front door and the usual UPVC back door for 10 years - the composite is as good as new, whilst the UPVC is still OK, but not as pristine.

I definitely think the extra cost of the composite is well worth it from a security and appearance perspective.

Chris
 
As part of renovating my parents house i wanted a new door, after humming and haghing i went with a Rockdoor, mega expensive but wow what a great looking solid door it is, i wouldn't hesitate recommending one.
 
Thanks all for your comments. I read about the possible effect of the sun on these doors, Ingrid. Fortunately the door faces just a few degrees away from due north and inside an open porch. I doubt it gets any direct sunlight.

Dave
 
Thanks Frank.

Dave
 
Look on Ebay for composite doors. Quite a few genuine traders on there that sell mis-measured doors at bargain prices.

We paid £120 for ours and got a frame made to fit.

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Thanks Philip.

Dave
 
Make sure you go with one that does not contain glass, composite doors are amazing for security but put glass in it it and bingo all that security is gone.
 
We have a black rock door - expensive but solid! No sign of colour fade after 6 years, it’s pretty much south facing. Put one in previous house too. Wasn’t to concerned about all the security just wanted a have decide looking front door.
 
Mr Bump said:
Make sure you go with one that does not contain glass, composite doors are amazing for security but put glass in it it and bingo all that security is gone.
Click to expand...
Same can be said for any door with glass. :rolleyes:
 
IF you want security, stability in sunlight, resistance to cracking etc, then go for steel as your material. I have a steel front door made by Hormann and love it, but it was very expensive compared to something like Solidoor or rockdoor. However, it should outlast me and is likely to be the only thing left standing if the house falls down :p
 
Can you get a composite door without that “wood effect “ finish?
 
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