Every home is different and what’s right for one home might not suit another. There are also lots of technical details that most people don’t consider. It’s all about identifying what’s actually important to you and which does would suit you best. For example, if you live on a busy street, sound insulation might be more important than thermal values. If your home is in a gated community security might not be an issue but presentation might. Everyone’s needs are different so our advice has to be tailored.
Here are the three types of front and back doors, and the pros and cons for each:
Pros
Upvc doors vary dramatically in price so it’s easy to find one to suit your budget. Beware though as the price fluctuates so does quality and it’s important to make sure you really understand the details of things like the locking systems and the colour guarantee
Easy to install and adjust once fitted
Most are supplied with reasonable seals so can retain heat well I(again tough this can’t be said for som of the cheaper versions)
Very low maintenance and won’t ever require painting or staining
Cons
UPVC doors aren’t great for noise insulation and might not be the best fit if you live on a busy street
While some UPOVC doors boast very sophisticated locking systems they still aren’t quite as secure as their hardwood or composite counterparts
Should the locking system ever need to be changed this isn’t a simple process and can result in a new door being needed
A classic style that will never go out of fashion
Doors can be trimmed to fit existing frames and can work well with older apertures that might not be perfectly square, plumb, and level
Extremely strong and rigid so very secure against unwanted intruders
Colours can easily be changed to keep up with the latest trends
These doors require some maintenance, not much but this can put off those who are afraid of the paintbrush
Hardwood doors aren’t that cheap, especially with recent increases to the cost of timber they are more costly than some UPVC alternatives
The seals around a hardwood door typically aren’t as good as some more advanced systems which can lead to draughts and heat loss
Some of the cheaper wooden doors are prone to warping and movement which can cause issues so unless you know what to look for you can easily be caught out.
Extremely strong both in the door itself and in the locking system by far the most resistant to intruders
Very good at blocking out external noise and the sounds of passing traffic
Great heat insulation values and will retain heat that might be lost through the door or the seals
They can take longer to install and aren’t easily adjusted once in situ
The aperture needs to be both plumb and square which isn’t always the case with very old houses
Cost – UPVC Composite doors are more expensive than the hardwood or traditional UPVc variants
Understanding the best door for your situation isn’t always a straightforward choice and even things as seemingly insignificant like the direction your house faces on a compass should play a part in the decision. So if you’re considering replacing your front or back door then get in touch we’d be happy to share our experience and give some advice.
