What’s the difference between uPVC and composite doors?
Both uPVC and composite doors are regularly found upon the entranceways to people’s homes. But whilst they both fulfil the same purpose, they’re significantly different in a number of ways:
What are uPVC doors?
uPVC stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. It is a lightweight but strong plastic used in construction. Whilst the majority of uPVC doors are constructed from it, high-quality variants, like the ones here at Associated Windows, are reinforced with a strong metal or carbon fibre for increased security.
What are Composite doors?
Composite doors are constructed from a number of materials; their exterior is constructed from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), their core from a combination of ultra-dense timber and a number of insulating materials. These are combined expertly, ensuring for a level of performance that’s exceptionally difficult to match.
Which door material requires the least maintenance?
In regards to maintenance, both types of door require minimal amounts to keep them looking their best. The occasional wipe down using a non-abrasive sponge and soapy water is all either will ever need. Spend more time relaxing, not cleaning, with either material.
Is there hardware available for uPVC and composite doors?
Both have a wide range of hardware available, including handles, knockers and letterplates, ensuring homeowners have plenty of scope for customisation with either door. The types of available hardware will differ slightly depending on the door material.
Which door material offers the most security?
uPVC doors are highly secure and are fitted with advanced locking systems. However, the levels of security are unable to match those present on composite variants. Composite doors from Associated feature a unique 48mm solid timber core and leading security hardware, guaranteeing an incredible security performance.
What front door material looks the best?
The exterior of a composite door is finished in a choice of woodgrain textures, designed to emulate actual timber. A mix of 20 contemporary and traditional colours can be applied to them, allowing homeowners to achieve almost any type of look.
Here at Associated Windows, we can apply a range of traditional finishes, such as Irish Oak and Rosewood, as well as any RAL colour, to our uPVC doors. This ensures there’s a shade available to suit any purpose. Their exterior is, generally, smoother in appearance than composite entrance doors.
Are uPVC doors more energy efficient than composites?
Thanks to the use of multi-chambered profiles, uPVC doors are extremely energy efficient and do a great job keeping homes at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, composite doors from Associated surpass them in this aspect, achieving an ‘A’ energy rating as standard. This provides homeowners with ample opportunities to lower their energy bills.
The cost of different door materials
In terms of cost, uPVC doors are the more affordable option, costing less to install. However, composite doors offer increased durability, lasting up to 35 years, and a better thermal performance, meaning they may prove to be a more worthwhile investment as the years go by.
Composite or uPVC door?
Ultimately, whether a composite or uPVC door is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Both are excellent choices, although composites just about have the edge in terms of performance and durability. But on the other hand, the initial outlay for a uPVC door is lower.
Related to this post: What are composite doors made of?
Interested in either a uPVC or composite door for your home? Get in touch with Associated Windows today. Our team of expert installers fits either type throughout Bristol and the surrounding areas.
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