Composite and uPVC doors are both popular door types that are widely available. With so many possible options available, it can be difficult to know the difference between them, and which one will benefit your home.
For a long time, uPVC doors were the most popular, however, composite doors have steadily become a market leader due to their advanced innovations. When deciding what door to go for it can be helpful to look at the benefits of both. We have collected the advantages of composite and uPVC doors so you can make an informed decision.
What is a composite door?
A composite door is made of a combination of materials that creates a thicker and stronger door. Composite doors are highly durable, have a high-quality finish and are highly energy efficient.
The external part of a composite door is made from a 2mm layer of glass reinforced plastic, often abbreviated to GRP, otherwise known as fibreglass. It’s a complex, weatherproof material and moulds perfectly to reproduce a wood grain effect for high kerb appeal.
The tough exterior is fused to an internal panel made of uPVC and then layered onto a hardwood frame resulting in a double-framed door for exceptional strength and rigidity. The internal space inside the door is then filled with a thermal polyurethane foam which offers exceptional A-rated insulation making your composite door highly energy efficient. Finally, the door frame is made from 70mm of uPVC and steel reinforcement which makes a composite door a market leader due to it being the most secure door available.
Benefits of composite doors
- Strong and durable offering strength and resilience
- Guaranteed to stand the test of time
- Will keep your home safe against the elements
- Highly secure which will keep your family safe
- Thermally efficient saving on your energy bills – U-value of 1.1 W/m²K
- Personalised touch with a choice of colours and hardware
- Proven to reduce outside noise
- Impressive kerb appeal
What is a uPVC door?
uPVC, otherwise known as unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, is a very versatile material that is used for many things such as windows, plumbing materials, and even dental retainers. The door is made by melting the uPVC and forced into a mould to then be quickly cooled to retain its shape. The uPVC is then cut down to its final measurements before the individual parts are melted together. Extra elements can be added such as glass panes or letterboxes during the production stage.
One of the biggest benefits of a uPVC door is the chambers created inside the door. These chambers trap air pockets within the frame, stopping thermal conductivity and reduces heat from escaping through your door. uPVC doors are incredibly popular due to the material being durable with a low-price tag.
Benefits of uPVC doors
- uPVC doors are amazing value for money
- Impressively durable for their price
- Very low maintenance
- Good insulation to reduce energy bills – U-value of 1.3 W/m²K
- Increased safety and security for your family
- Functional and stylish
- Good soundproofing
- Custom built to your requirements
What are the differences between a composite and uPVC door?
Both composite and uPVC doors offer great benefits but we have broken down the main differences so you can make an informed choice for what is best for you and your home.
Strength
Composite doors are superior in strength and durability as well as an extended lifespan with minimal maintenance. uPVC doors will require some maintenance, although nothing strenuous, to last a good 35 years whereas a composite door will last the same length of time with little to no maintenance at all.
Security
Composite doors are double the thickness of a uPVC door due to the core of a composite construction. The internal structure of a composite door is rock solid creating a robust, strong, and highly resilient door.
uPVC doors have a Styrofoam core which is good for insulation but doesn’t have the strength of a composite door. Modern uPVC doors are far more secure than their outdated predecessors.
Value for money
Prices of composite doors can come with a higher price tag in comparison to uPVC doors which is one reason why uPVC is still highly popular. They offer similar advantages to composite, and it is your choice which door will benefit you most.
Appearance
You can get a wide range of designs with both style of doors. Composite doors may give you more flexibility with décor features, but uPVC doors still offer a wide range of design choices. You can choose between traditional or modern designs to stay in keeping with your home.
Maintenance
Our doors can take a serious amount of battering from the wind, rain and even fade as a result of the sun’s rays. However, modern uPVC and composite doors are capable of withstanding the elements with some infrequent and very minimal maintenance.
So, which is better uPVC or composite?
To summarise, both composite and uPVC doors have a variety of exceptional benefits. The one you choose is completely dependent on your own personal taste, budget and existing style of your home. If you’re still unsure about the door material you’d like to go for, please get in contact with a member of our expert team who will be more than happy to help you. With our years of extensive experience, we have the knowledge to answer any questions as well as provide advice and guidance.
Stunning entrance doors from Halstead Glass
If you’re looking for further inspiration for your replacement door you should check out our recent case studies. If you’re interested in replacing your front door or you’d simply like more information about a home improvement project you’re looking to start, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Contact us today by calling us on 01787 473 517 to speak to one of our friendly staff members or contact us online for your free, no-obligation quote.