5 Things to Look For When Buying a Composite Door
Buying a composite door is an important purchase.
Don’t expect composite doors to come cheap, but a good one should last for years to come and be a warm and secure addition to your home. And there’s a huge amount of difference between the doors and the people who install them, so here are the 5 most important things to check before you hand over your cash.
1. The core material
Not all composite doors are made equal. They are made from a variety of materials that are bonded together, often a tough outer skin of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) and an inner core. Better quality doors typically have a solid timber core or dense high-performance insulating foam core, often reinforced. Some cheaper doors are made with lighter construction or even a hollow core which can affect security, sturdiness and insulation. It’s worth finding out what core a door has; a good supplier will happily explain how a door is constructed.
2. Security features and certification
When looking for home security doors, look for products that have been tested to PAS 24, the BSI security standard for doors and windows. Also look for products that have been approved under the police-backed Secured by Design scheme. Also look at the locking mechanism on the door. Does it have a multi-point lock that locks into the frame at several points? Is the cylinder capable of withstanding being snapped, drilled, picked or bumped? Look for products that have been tested to the TS007 3 star standard or Sold Secure Diamond.
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3. The warranty terms
The guarantee: how long will it last? A good composite door will have a long warranty, often covering the door for 10 years or more. However, check the small print to see what is covered and what is not, including the frame, hardware, locks, glass and the installation, or only the door slab. Also check what will invalidate the warranty, for example painting the door or lack of normal maintenance.
4. Thermal performance
Composite doors are generally well insulated, but performance varies. Look for the U-value, with a lower figure signifying better insulation.
According to the building regulations in England for replacement external doors to existing homes the maximum U-value is set at 1.4 W/m²K. Many good quality composite doors have a better thermal performance than this, but a badly insulated or poorly fitted door could cancel out one of the main reasons for choosing one by allowing heat to escape and draughts to enter the home.
5. The company’s reputation
Research the company selling and fitting the door. How long have they been in business? What do customers say about them in reviews? Even the best door performs badly if poorly installed, so check that the installer is registered with a competent person scheme like FENSA or Certass, which lets them self-certify that the work meets building regulations. Watch out for high-pressure sales and deals that seem too good to be true.
Composite door checklist
| Check | What good looks like |
|---|---|
| Core | Solid timber or dense insulating foam, clearly described |
| Security | PAS 24, Secured by Design, multi-point lock, anti-snap cylinder |
| Warranty | Ten years or more, covering frame and hardware |
| U-value | Meets or beats 1.4 W/m²K |
| Installer | Good reviews, registered competent person scheme |
Frequently asked questions
How long does a composite door last?
A high quality composite door, properly fitted, can last for decades with minimal maintenance. The skin of the door is coloured to prevent fading and does not require painting. Locks, hinges and seals can require the occasional adjustment or replacement over time, just as with any door.
Do I need building regulations approval for a new front door?
Replacing your external door must comply with the building regulations, including energy efficiency. If you use an installer who is registered with one of the competent person schemes then they can certify the work for you. If not then you will have to apply to the building control department yourself.
Take your time
A well chosen composite door is an investment to protect your home, improve energy efficiency and improve the look of your property.
Letting the property? Read our advice on whether landlords should change the locks between tenants.
Locks, insurance and overall door security
The front door is often the easiest way into a home, and your security is only as good as your weakest entry point, so a new door needs to deter burglars as well as look welcoming. Composite doors fitted in a steel frame offer some of the highest levels of protection.
The lock matters as much as the door. Popular secure options include deadbolts, cylinder and Euro cylinder locks, and multi-point locking systems, which secure the door at several points along the frame for maximum protection. Certification such as the BSI Kitemark and PAS 24 confirms that a door and its hardware have passed rigorous testing and meet a minimum standard of security.
Check your home insurance too. Policies often set minimum security requirements for external doors and locks, and if yours do not comply, a claim could be refused after a break-in. Confirm what your insurer expects before you buy, and keep the paperwork that shows your door meets it.
