UPVC vs Composite

If you’re looking to install a new entry door for your home, you’ll typically come across two primary options: uPVC and Composite.

For many of us, these terms can seem a little foreign making it difficult to make a clear comparison.  Let’s take a look at the distinction between a uPVC and composite door and the benefits of both so you can make an informed decision about the right choice for your home.

What is a composite door?

A composite door looks very similar to a wooden door, offering a classic, timeless look which is sought after by many homeowners.  The benefit of a composite over a wooden door however is that it isn’t flammable and doesn’t fall victim to wood rot.  Composite doors are also low maintenance, unlike an ordinary wooden door they won’t need re-painting each year – saving you time and money.

Composite doors feature an external layer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) which helps to ensure the door remains waterproof and protected against adverse weather. State of the art paint on the top layer of the door provides a significantly longer lasting finish, helping to prevent flaking and further assuring its weather resistance.

What is a composite door made from?

A composite door a made out of a number of different materials which are pressed together to make a tight seal and then glued together to ensure a strong, solid bond.

The center of a composite door is made from a solid timber that ensures the door is sturdy and built on a good foundation. A further 17 layers of timber laminate ensure protection against warping. On top of this is a layer of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), which is an extremely lightweight and sturdy material. The multi-layering of materials protects your home and your loved ones for longer.

What is a uPVC door?

The most common type of entry door in the UK.  Made from plastic these doors are a more economical option than composite, they are typically found in white and black but can come in an array of colours.

What is a uPVC door made from?

A uPVC door is made from an un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) which is surrounded by an insulated steel frame to create a solid door that is strong and thermally efficient, the top layer of uPVC has got a plasticky finish, they are made to be an affordable and effective solution to ensure the home is stylish and secure, as well as this the multi-point lock system which ensures maximum security from the door.

What are the benefits of composite doors against uPVC?

As mentioned above the composite door allows for enhanced and long-lasting weatherproofing as well as being sturdier and more secure than a single material door. The additional 10% of thickness ensures a much tougher time for anyone attempting to break-in as well as further ensuring that it is more energy-efficient.

Both doors require little to no maintenance, so taking a damp cloth to the door ensures that the door can look at its best all year round.

Heat retention

Composite doors are approximately 10% thicker than any door on the market whilst also promoting a higher level of heat retention it also holds an emphasis on minimizing the total loss of energy from the door itself. UPVC however is insulated with a solid steel frame which admittedly ensures SOME heat retention but due to the increased thickness of the composite door, it would not be as efficient at entrapping the heat within the home.