Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home, it adds kerb appeal and provides vital protection against the elements and intruders.
When homeowners across Wales come to Falcon Installations looking to upgrade their entrance door, the most common question we hear is:
“Should I choose a uPVC door or a composite door?”
Both are excellent options, but there are some key differences that can make one a better fit for your home than the other. In this blog, we’ll break down what sets uPVC and composite doors apart, from materials and energy efficiency to style, cost, and long-term performance.
What is a uPVC door?
uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is a strong, rigid plastic material that’s used throughout the home improvement industry for doors, windows and conservatories.
A uPVC door is made from a single layer of uPVC wrapped around a galvanised steel or aluminium frame for stability. This gives the door strength, keeping it lightweight and low maintenance.
Benefits of uPVC doors are:
- Energy efficiency: uPVC doors have multi-chambered profiles that trap heat and reduce heat loss, this will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Low maintenance: Your uPVC door will only require a wipe down with soapy water to keep then looking good all year round. There is no need to sand, paint or varnish!
- Styles and finishes: You can choose from a traditional style or a sleek modern panel in a huge range of colours and glazing options
While uPVC doors have improved significantly over the years, they can’t quite replicate the solid feel and authentic timber look of a composite door. They’re also slightly less resistant to heavy impact, though still very secure when fitted with quality multi-point locking systems.
What is a composite door?
A composite door combines several different materials, typically a solid timber or high-density foam core surrounded by layers of uPVC and GRP (glass-reinforced plastic). This design merges the best qualities of each material – the natural strength of wood, the thermal efficiency of insulation, and the weather resistance of modern plastics.
Benefits of composite doors:
- Exceptional strength and security: The solid core and robust shell make composite doors extremely strong. They’re fitted with advanced multi-point locking systems for outstanding home security.
- High-end appearance: Composite doors can perfectly replicate the look and texture of natural timber, with beautiful woodgrain finishes and colours that won’t fade or peel.
- Superb insulation: The combination of materials and solid core makes composite doors extremely thermally efficient, keeping draughts out and warmth in.
- Noise reduction: Due to the door’s density, they help block out external noise, making them ideal for a home on busy roads or near train lines.
- Low maintenance: No more sanding, painting or varnishing! Simply wipe your door down – that’s all it will need to keep it looking good.
- Long-lasting: With a lifespan of 25-30 years, a composite door is long-lasting and is highly resistant to warping, cracking, and fading.
Composite doors are more expensive than uPVC doors, but they justify the higher price with their superior performance, design and longevity. One way to think of it is that it is an investment for your home, which adds long-term value and security, and therefore peace of mind for you and your family. Use our online door designer and style a door which is perfect for your home.
Composite vs. uPVC: Which Door is Right for You?
If your priority right now is practicality, low maintenance and affordability, choose a uPVC door. If you’re looking for enhanced strength, excellent insulation and a premium look, then a composite door will be a better long-term investment for your home.
Why choose Falcon Installations to supply and fit your new door?
We have been installing doors into Welsh homes since 1980, and our fitting teams ensure that all products are installed to the highest standards, backed by a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee and fitted by FENSA and Trustmark-registered door installers.
So, whether you are upgrading your front door or back door, we’ll help you choose the perfect door for your budget and lifestyle.
Get in touch with us today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote.
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