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Table Of Contents

What is a composite door?

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.

what is a composite door

What Materials Make Up a Composite Door?

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:

  • Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) outer skin for weather resistance
  • High-density polyurethane foam core for thermal insulation
  • Solid timber reinforcement for structural integrity
  • Galvanised steel components for durability
  • Aluminium inserts for dimensional stability

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.

Click here to see our composite doors.

How Do Composite Doors Provide Superior Security?

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:

  • Two security hooks measuring up to 25mm for maximum compression
  • Central deadbolt mechanism
  • Euro cylinder locks with anti-pick technology
  • Anti-bump and anti-drill security features
  • Anti-snap cylinder protection

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.

Click here to see our composite doors.

Are Composite Doors Energy Efficient?

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:

  • Multi-chamber foam core construction
  • Advanced sealing systems that eliminate draughts
  • Weather seals and wool pile barriers
  • Weatherproof thresholds for airtight sealing

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.

What Are the Maintenance Requirements for Composite Doors?

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:

  • Monthly cleaning using mild detergent and warm water
  • Annual drainage system inspection to clear slots and drain holes
  • Bi-annual weather seal inspection for damage
  • Hardware lubrication using light oil or WD-40 type products

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.

How Long Do Composite Doors Last?

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:

  • GRP outer skin that maintains structural integrity
  • Foam core providing consistent thermal performance
  • Galvanised steel components resistant to corrosion
  • Weather seals designed for extended service life

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.

What Design Options Are Available?

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:

  • Traditional styles including Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian designs
  • Contemporary options with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics
  • Cottage-style doors for period properties
  • Dual-colour options for interior and exterior finishes

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.

How Do Composite Doors Compare to uPVC Doors?

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:

  • Thermal efficiency: Composite doors achieve U-values of 1.4 W/m²K compared to uPVC’s 1.6-1.8 W/m²K
  • Security rating: Composite doors meet PAS24 standards with multi-point locking versus basic cylinder locks on standard uPVC
  • Lifespan: Composite doors last 30-35 years compared to uPVC’s 10-20 year expectancy
  • Aesthetic flexibility: Composite doors offer realistic timber effects and extensive customisation versus uPVC’s limited style choices

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.

Why Choose Countrywide UPVC for Composite Doors?

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:

  • Quarter-century experience in home improvement installations
  • Comprehensive aftercare and maintenance support programmes
  • Professional installation teams covering Merseyside and Lancashire
  • Quality workmanship backed by robust warranties
  • Extensive composite door range with premium construction methods

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

About Countrywide UPVC

Countrywide UPVC has been supplying and installing doors and windows across the North West for over 20 years. As a FENSA-registered installer, we meet strict UK building regulations for energy efficiency and security on every installation. Many of our products are tested to PAS 24 standards and are available with Secured by Design accreditation for complete peace of mind.

Our experienced team offers impartial advice on composite and uPVC doors to help homeowners choose the right option for their property. All installations are carried out by trained professionals and backed by long-term guarantees.

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Get in Touch

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

 

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Countrywide UPVC (North West) Ltd, registered as a limited company in England and Wales under company no: 06667069

Registered address: 104 New Court Way, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 2YT


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