A composite door is a modern entrance door constructed from multiple materials including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), high-density polyurethane foam, solid timber, and uPVC, combined under high pressure to create a single, superior door structure that offers exceptional security, thermal efficiency, and durability compared to traditional single-material doors.
Composite doors combine several high-performance materials to achieve superior strength and insulation properties. The construction process involves layering a solid timber or high-density polyurethane foam core with a glass reinforced plastic (GRP) outer skin that provides weather resistance and aesthetic appeal. This multi-layered approach creates a door thickness of 44-48mm, significantly thicker than standard uPVC doors at 28mm.
The materials used in composite door construction include:
The outer GRP skin uses compression moulding to create realistic wood grain effects whilst remaining immune to sun fade and bleaching. Internal reinforcement comes from galvanised steel components and aluminium inserts that prevent warping or bowing. This sophisticated combination of materials working together produces a door that outperforms any single-material alternative.
Here at Countrywide UPVC we understand the importance of superior materials, which is why our composite door range incorporates these premium construction methods to deliver exceptional performance for Merseyside and Lancashire homeowners.
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Composite doors meet PAS24 British Standard requirements and achieve Secured by Design accreditation, an official police security initiative. They offer the highest level of security available in residential entrance doors through multi-point locking systems and reinforced construction. The thick, multi-material construction makes them extremely difficult to breach, whilst advanced locking mechanisms secure the door at multiple points along the frame.
Multi-point locks feature robust security components including:
The reinforced frame structure, combined with the solid core construction, creates a barrier that significantly exceeds the security performance of traditional timber or standard uPVC doors.
Countrywide UPVC ensures all our composite doors incorporate these advanced security features, providing homeowners across Liverpool, Maghull, Ormskirk, Formby and Southport with maximum protection.
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Composite doors are amongst the most energy-efficient entrance doors available, achieving 19% better thermal efficiency than traditional timber doors. The high-density polyurethane foam core acts as an insulating thermal barrier, significantly reducing heat loss and helping to lower energy bills. This superior insulation capability means composite doors achieve U-values of 1.4 W/m²K or better, meeting and exceeding current building regulations requirements.
The thermal performance stems from advanced construction features including:
According to building energy efficiency research, poorly insulated timber doors lose 15% of a home’s heat, whilst composite doors lose six times less heat due to their superior insulation properties. The thermal barrier created by the polyurethane foam core maintains consistent performance throughout the door’s lifetime.
Composite doors require minimal maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Unlike timber doors that require regular painting or varnishing every 2-3 years, composite doors maintain their appearance and performance with minimal intervention. The GRP outer skin resists weathering, fading, and discolouration, eliminating the need for regular repainting.
Essential maintenance tasks include:
Maintenance requirements exclude abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the surface. The low maintenance nature of composite doors represents significant long-term savings compared to traditional alternatives, with estimated annual maintenance costs being 80% lower than timber doors.
Here at Countrywide UPVC we provide comprehensive care instructions with our installations, ensuring customers can maintain their doors’ pristine condition with minimal effort.
High-quality composite doors have a life expectancy of 30-35 years, significantly longer than alternative door types. This exceptional longevity stems from the durable material combination and weather-resistant construction that prevents common issues like warping, cracking, or rot. The lifespan comparison shows composite doors outlasting uPVC doors (20-25 years) and matching hardwood doors whilst requiring substantially less maintenance.
Durability factors contributing to longevity include:
Most composite door manufacturers offer comprehensive warranties, typically 10 years for manufacturing defects and 5 years for hardware components, demonstrating confidence in their longevity. The extended lifespan translates to superior value over the door’s lifetime compared to alternatives requiring replacement after 15-20 years.
Countrywide UPVC stands behind our composite door installations with robust warranties, reflecting our commitment to providing long-term value for customers across our 25-year established service area.
Composite doors offer extensive customisation options with hundreds of colours, styles, and glazing choices to suit any property aesthetic. Modern manufacturing techniques allow for realistic wood grain effects including oak, mahogany, and pine finishes, smooth contemporary finishes, and vibrant colour options from the full RAL colour range spanning over 200 colours.
Design customisation options include:
Glass options range from clear panels to decorative etched designs, privacy glass, and triple glazing for enhanced thermal performance. Hardware choices include various handle styles including lever, pull, and knob designs, letterplates in horizontal and vertical orientations, door knockers, and security features in multiple finishes including chrome, gold, black, and graphite.
The versatility extends to door furniture coordination, allowing hardware finishes to complement both external architecture and internal décor schemes. Countrywide UPVC’s extensive range ensures customers can create truly personalised entrances that enhance their property’s kerb appeal whilst maintaining our high-performance standards.
Composite doors significantly outperform uPVC doors in security, thermal efficiency, durability, and aesthetic options, though at a higher initial cost. The multi-material construction provides superior strength compared to uPVC’s single-material design, with composite doors offering twice the thickness at 44-48mm versus uPVC’s 28mm and substantially better security performance.
Performance comparison details include:
Cost considerations show uPVC doors providing good value for budget-conscious customers at approximately 40-50% lower initial cost, offering reasonable security and thermal performance. However, lifecycle analysis demonstrates composite doors provide superior long-term value through extended lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.
Countrywide UPVC offers both options, allowing customers to choose the solution that best matches their performance requirements and budget considerations.
Countrywide UPVC brings over 25 years of established expertise to composite door supply and installation across Merseyside and Lancashire. Our comprehensive service covers all areas including Liverpool, Maghull, Ormskirk, Formby and Southport, ensuring local customers receive professional installation and ongoing support.
Our service advantages include:
We provide convenient contact options including dedicated phone lines for Lancashire (01695 579 764) and Liverpool (0151 245 7067), plus email support at info@countrywideupvc.co.uk for expert advice and service access. Our established reputation for professionalism and quality workmanship, combined with our comprehensive range of composite door options, makes Countrywide UPVC the natural choice for homeowners seeking superior entrance door solutions throughout the North West region.
Our commitment to quality extends beyond supply to include detailed aftercare and maintenance support, helping customers maximise their composite door investment over the full 30-35 year lifespan. This comprehensive approach ensures customers receive exceptional value and performance from their composite door installation.
Related:
What’s the Difference Between a Composite Door and a uPVC Door
Countrywide Upvc (NW) Ltd | Double Glazing | UPVC Windows & Doors
104 New Ct Way,
Ormskirk
L39 2YT
01695 579764
info@countrywideupvc.co.uk
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed