Choosing the right front door is an important decision for your home. This can be due to aesthetics, security, insulation or durability.
Two popular options for front doors include uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) and composite doors. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Not sure which is right for you? Read on to find out whether a uPVC or composite door is the right option for you and your home.
Material and Build
UPVC doors are built using a steel frame encased in unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, a strong yet lightweight building material. They are relatively cheap to make, making them an affordable option for homeowners wanting a new door on a budget.
Composite doors on the other hand are made using a variety of different materials constructed together to make a solid door. The mix of materials makes composite doors stronger than uPVC. However, due to this, their construction process costs more.
Durability and Lifespan
Composite doors are the more durable option. They are extremely durable due to their solid core and tough exterior. This makes them resistant to warping, cracking and fading from the elements. Composite doors also have a lifespan of up to 30 years.
While they aren’t as durable as composite doors, uPVC doors are still resistant to rot, rust and corrosion. They are still a durable, long-lasting option for most homeowners which will hold up over time. They will typically last 20-25 years and perhaps longer with the proper care and maintenance.
Maintenance
Both doors require minimal maintenance which consists of a simple wipe down with a damp, non-abrasive cloth every once in a while. They are both good for those who don’t have the time to keep up with regular maintenance.
It is important to note that uPVC doors can fade over time. While maintenance can help reduce this risk, it can still happen with some doors that are exposed to a lot of sunlight.
Composite doors shouldn’t fade over time and will look as good as the day it was installed despite being exposed to the elements. So not only should they last longer, but will also look better for longer.
Security
Security is often one of the biggest factors to consider when buying a new front door. Your front door is the first line of defence to stop intruders from entering the home.
Composite doors are more secure than uPVC doors, but they both offer sufficient security. This is due to composite doors having a solid timber core providing more resistance to any forced entries. UPVC doors on the other hand aren’t quite as resistant as composite doors but they still offer a good amount of security.
Modern doors often come with multi-point locking systems which adds a layer of security to your home giving you some peace of mind.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
UPVC and Composite doors both offer excellent thermal insulation. However, composite doors often outperform uPVC doors in terms of energy efficiency, making them slightly more efficient.
However, this is rather minimal. You will get slightly more insulation with composite doors due to them being thicker than uPVC.
Look and Customisation
Composite doors have a lot more options when it comes to their looks and customisation than uPVC. However, that’s not to say you don’t get any customisation with uPVC doors.
UPVC doors while they are more limited with customisation options, you can still get them in a variety of colours and styles. It typically comes in white, but you can get them in a variety of colours as well as wood grain effects. But again, you can get more customisation with composite doors.
Choosing the look of your door really depends on your taste and the style of your home. If happy with some simple customisation then a uPVC door should be fine, but if you want more customisation options then you may want to look into a composite door. This will however come at a price.
Cost
UPVC doors are typically more affordable than composite doors. This makes them ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option. Their lower cost makes them great value for money due to their durability and low maintenance.
Composite doors on the other hand are generally more expensive. This is due to their materials and construction method. While their initial cost may be higher, they offer a longer lifespan, security and energy efficiency may make them more cost-effective in the long run. Keep this in mind when you are investing in a new front door.
Choosing The Right Door
The choice between getting a uPVC door and a composite door is entirely up to you. The choice really depends on what you are looking for in your new door and the budget you have set.
If you are looking for an affordable and low-maintenance option that still offers a sufficient amount of security and insulation then uPVC doors may be the option for you.
However, if you want a higher level of security, durability, energy efficiency and the ability to customise your door to your taste and style then a composite door may be the perfect choice.
At Homeshield, we offer a variety of customisable door styles including both uPVC and composite doors. They are complete with double glazing and top security features.
We are highly rated for door installation in Scotland, providing you with top-quality external doors that your home deserves. We can help you pick and customise a door that is right for you and your home.
Browse our door selection here.
