Distinction Doors’ Owen Jones explains the performance benefits of composite entrance doors, and why their versatile aesthetics make them an appealing option for small and large-scale developments.
Today, customers want products which deliver return on investment while offering an improved standard of living. Composite doors are one such product. They balance performance with aesthetics to create a door type that’s popular with both private and social housing decision makers.
These doors meet, and exceed, modern expectations. Known for their abundant benefits – including security, low maintenance and product choice – their contribution to a thermally efficient building is being increasingly understood.
Outstanding thermal performance
To understand the thermal performance of a composite entrance door, consider the U-value and Doorset Energy Rating (DSER), when calculated for the complete doorset not just the door blank or glass.
To comply with the latest regulations, entrance doors used in refurbishment schemes, which account for most door sales in the UK, must now achieve a 1.4 W/m2K U-value or Doorset Energy Rating (DSER) B.
Performance can vary depending on the structure of the composite door. When compared to a solid, timber core composite door (48 mm) and a timber panelled door (44 mm), calculations prove that composite doors are 50% more thermally efficient than the alternatives.
Lower heating bills
Over time, composite doors can reduce household heating bills by boosting insulation levels and reducing draughts and cold spots, and help to create a warmer, more welcoming home. The difference is clear when replacing a PVC door. They also support developers in achieving carbon reduction targets and go some way to reducing environmental impact of developments.
Entrance door security
Security benefits have long been associated with composite doors. The solid rigidity of a composite option means that it not only feels secure but is secure.
Many composite door suppliers have sought proof of performance by attaining the enhanced security standard, PAS 24. This standard is updated regularly as the industry advances, the latest version is PAS24:2022 (as of June 2024).
The door leaf and glazing are major components in a doorset (the complete door assembly) and in some instances, these have proven ability to achieve PAS24:2022 in their own right enabling manufacturers to produce the ultimate enhanced security doorset.
Secured by Design
PAS 24 is a prerequisite in attaining Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation, a police initiative to protect against unlawful intrusion. Consumers are becoming more aware of Secured by Design and the positive impact on home security and the peace of mind it offers.
The Secured by Design accreditation exceeds the requirements of Approved Document Q. Specifiers can also be reassured that in achieving SBD the doorset has been tested rigorously and certified by a third party.
Low maintenance & stylish
Usually white as standard, composite doors can be painted under factory conditions. This produces a robust and attractive surface finish. It also means that the door does not need to be repainted or varnished to stay looking good and retain its weather resistant properties. Most composite doors simply need a regular wipe down with warm, soapy water and a clean, lint-free cloth.
Personalise composite entrance doorS FOR CUSTOMERS
People also love to personalise their entrance door – using colour, decorative glass, hardware, and furniture. The doors can be painted on both sides and the colours don’t need to match!
Maximise natural light WITH COMPOSITE OPTIONS
Natural light is also a key factor in building design and renovation. Modern composite door suppliers recognise this, with many expanding their range to include door designs with larger glazed apertures. Glass designs have modernised to reflect this change in demand.
Clear, obscure, stippled and satin glass units are now widely available. These are often laminated, low-E and double glazed, and offer excellent thermal performance when fitted into a thermally efficient composite door.
Owen Jones is technical director at Distinction Doors