Key Findings – Composite Doors vs Cheap Alternatives
- Cheap front doors often lead to unexpected costs due to poor insulation, security risks, and ongoing maintenance.
- Composite doors offer a robust, stylish, and energy-efficient alternative that stands the test of time.
- Their multi-layered construction improves thermal efficiency and security, surpassing traditional wooden or uPVC doors.
- Homeowners can save money in the long term thanks to their longevity, minimal upkeep, and reduced energy bills.
- At Double Glazing Direct, our premium composite doors are backed by a 10-year guarantee, with custom options to suit every home.
Most of us have experienced the shopping dilemma of choosing between a budget and premium option of what seems to be a similar product.
Whether you’re on the weekly food shop and are debating between branded tomato sauce and the supermarket’s own, wondering how much to invest in a first car, or choosing between a basic smartphone and the latest flagship model, we’ve all faced decisions that come down to budget versus premium.
It’s the same story when it comes to home improvements. Though with products like entrance doors expected to last for years, making the right choice really matters.
In this blog we’ll compare cheap entrance doors with high-performance composite doors, and explore why the extra upfront investment will pay for itself in the long run.
Composite doors are renowned for their durability
What Are Composite Doors?
Composite doors are external doors crafted using a blend of materials to maximise strength, durability, thermal efficiency, and visual appeal. Unlike traditional timber or uPVC doors, composite doors combine a high-density foam core with a tough Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) skin. This intelligent design gives them the look of real wood without the constant upkeep.
Our composite front doors are available in a huge range of styles, colours, and finishes, making them the perfect fit for homeowners across Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Hertfordshire. They have the unique ability to transform the entire appearance of your home, whilst also adding immense strength, security, and energy-saving features.
Why Choose Composite Doors Over Cheap Alternatives?
There are a few reasons why composite doors are well worth considering.
Long-Term Value and Durability
Cheap external doors may look like a bargain upfront, but they often need replacing or repairing far sooner than expected. They’re prone to warping, fading, and cracking, with the short-term savings only leading to long-term headaches and further investment. Our composite doors, however, are built to last. Their GRP skin resists damage from the elements, while the foam core helps to reduce heat transfer.
Thermal Efficiency and Energy Ratings
Inferior doors can allow draughts into your home, driving up your heating costs.
Composite doors from Double Glazing Direct offer outstanding thermal efficiency, with U-values as low as 0.8 W/m² and energy ratings up to A++. This means a warmer home in winter, a cooler home in summer, and lower energy bills all year round, helping to repay the initial investment.
Low Maintenance
Timber doors are particularly prone to insect damage and are easily altered by the elements. This means you’ll have to spend precious time, whether it be on the weekends or after work, cleaning and repairing the entrance to your home.
Our composite doors maintain their colour and structure without much effort, thanks to their weather-resistant GRP surface. Enjoy the bonus of maintenance-free style that lasts for decades.
Increased Security
Security should never be compromised. Cheap doors with basic locks can be a target for burglars, who are well-versed when it comes to weaker front doors.
Our premium composite doors include multi-point locking mechanisms and exceed PAS 24:2016 British Standards Institute certification for security performance. For homeowners, this translates into complete peace of mind.
Aesthetic Appeal
A front door isn’t just an entrance, it’s an individual statement.
Composite doors offer a world of customisation, allowing you to select colours, glazing, side panels, and hardware to match your property.
Whether you love the classic charm of Chartwell Green or the modern edge of Anthracite Grey, we have something for every taste.
Composite doors are highly customisable
Problems You May Encounter with a Cheap Entrance Door
Poor Insulation
Low-quality external doors typically have poor thermal efficiency, letting warm air out and cold air in. This not only makes your home less comfortable but can significantly increase energy costs over time.
Frequent Maintenance
From peeling paint to swollen panels and squeaky hinges, cheaper doors can become a time-consuming nuisance. What seems like a saving at first can quickly become a drain on your wallet and free time.
Security Concerns
Inadequate locks, weak frames, and thin panels all compromise your home’s security. Cheap doors can struggle to meet modern security standards, leaving your home vulnerable.
Lack of Longevity
Doors that aren’t built to last will fail the test of time. Constant replacements, repairs, and upgrades can add up to more than the cost of a single, quality composite door.
If you install a composite door, you’re investing in a product for the long-run.
Verdict: Are Composite Doors Worth It?
Absolutely. While the initial price of a composite door may be higher than other materials, the benefits far outweigh the cost. From unbeatable security and energy savings to decades of style and no maintenance headaches, composite doors deliver exceptional value.
Composite Doors from Double Glazing Direct
At Double Glazing Direct, our composite door range is hand-picked for performance, style, and reliability. Featuring:
- Multi-layer construction with polyurethane core
- Durable GRP outer skins
- Wide selection of colours including rosewood, golden oak, Irish oak, cream, white, grey, and black
- Stylish glazing options like mayflower, tribal, taffeta, and more
- Hardware in antique black, chrome, stainless steel, and gold
- Optional advanced triple glazing and laminated glass
- 10-year parts guarantee for your complete peace of mind
Whether you’re after a bold statement entrance, a back door style that blends in, or even elegant bifold doors, our range has something for every home.
Solidor composite doors in Aylesbury
FAQs
Q: What makes a composite door more secure than a standard door?
A: Composite doors feature multi-point locking systems and are engineered to exceed security standards like PAS 24:2016, making them highly resistant to forced entry.
Q: Are composite doors worth the cost?
A: Absolutely. Though more expensive upfront than uPVC doors, their durability, thermal performance, and minimal upkeep make them a smart long-term investment.
Q: Can I customise my composite door?
A: Yes! From colours and glass designs to hardware and side panels, our composite doors can be tailored to match the look and feel of your home.
Who Are Double Glazing Direct?
We’re a full-service double glazing company serving homeowners and businesses across Aylesbury, Buckingham, High Wycombe, Marlow, Amersham, Chesham, Beaconsfield, Burnham, and the wider Buckinghamshire area. From windows and doors to conservatories and commercial shop fronts, we offer high-quality, cost-effective home improvements.
We’re proud to be FENSA Approved, Which? Trusted Traders, Green Deal Approved, and TrustMark accredited, ensuring our installations meet the highest British Standards. Visit our Aylesbury showroom or call 01296 320252 to see our premium composite doors for yourself.
Ready to Upgrade Your Front Door?
Get in touch with us today to explore our full range of composite front doors. We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your home, with expert advice, professional installation, and peace of mind built in.
Call 01296 320252 or email sales@doubleglazing-direct.com to get started. Your dream entrance starts here.
