UPVC Doors vs Composite Doors: Which is the Best?

For some time now, there’s been an ongoing battle between upvc and composite doors. For years, many people have tried to determine which is better by considering the critical aspects of both external door types.

When choosing an exterior door for your home, there are many options but so little time in many circumstances. From the materials, design and maintenance, it can become overwhelming when trying to make a decision.

There are two popular door choices you can choose from: upvc doors and composite doors. As you continue reading below, we’ll look at the critical differences between upvc vs composite doors and determine which is the best.

What is a Composite Door?

A composite door is constructed using several different materials, such as upvc, steel, timber and glass reinforced plastic. The way the door is built varies on its manufacturer; however, one component remains the same, and that’s the slightly higher price tag. The reason a composite door costs slightly more than upvc is because of its strong materials, thermal performance, strength and enhanced security features.

So, what exactly will a composite door get you for the money? Well, for starters, composite doors are more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, which makes them a popular front door choice for homeowners. With composite doors, you’ll have many colour options to choose from that can withstand all types of weather conditions.

While composite doors look similar to solid wood, they won’t warp the way solid wood does. Wood warping occurs when the wood has been exposed to moisture and temperature changes over an extended amount of time, causing its expansion. With a composite door being made of several different materials, warping won’t occur and gaps will be non-existent, keeping out cold drafts.

In addition, composite doors are an excellent choice to keep your home warm and make it difficult for unwanted intruders to enter your home. With the use of solid materials and advanced multipoint locking systems, composite doors are one of the most secure doors you can choose.

What is a UPVC Door?

UPVC doors are made of flexible material called Polyvinyl chloride, plastic found in some items of clothing. Without a plasticising agent, however, it’s used to create doors. This is precisely where upvc gets its name.

However, the majority of upvc doors aren’t made entirely from plastic. While some businesses will install upvc doors with non-reinforced panels, many reputable companies, like GRP Composite Doors UK will use mdf reinforced panels as standard. Before you decide to purchase an upvc door, ensure that your door has a frame with strong metal reinforcement and reinforced panels.

UPVC doors are more affordable than composite doors and also come with little maintenance since their material can withstand the majority of weather conditions. Any marks you get on your upvc doors can simply be wiped off.

Even though upvc doors require very little maintenance, you must avoid using certain chemicals on the door as they can cause discoloration, which is unable to be fixed. In addition, once upvc has reached its maximum lifespan, it must be broken down into parts and disposed of accordingly.

UPVC vs Composite Doors: Price & Other Key Differences

When comparing the price of upvc vs composite doors, composite doors are a little more expensive than upvc doors and for good reason. This is primarily due to the fact that composite doors are more sophisticated and use higher quality materials that cost more, as we touched on a bit earlier.

Although composite doors are initially more expensive, both upvc and composite doors both offer great styles, excellent value for your money, savings on energy costs and will also help protect your home more against burglars.

Door Maintenance

When it comes to comparing upvc vs composite doors and their maintenance, there truly isn’t a comparison. Regarding maintenance, simply take a damp cloth and wipe the door down from top to bottom to keep it in tip-top shape.

Door Security

Many upvc front and back doors are found in homes in the UK because they are known to be a more secure solution to prevent intruders from entering homes. However, regarding security, composite doors take the cake due to their strong structural frames and lamination that keep even the toughest burglars out. The main difference between uPVC and composite doors regarding security is due to their structural framing and thicker door set.

In comparison to upvc doors, composite doors are built tough. Even without adding extra locking advancements, trendy hardware and other accessories, they come with resilience in protecting you from the outside world. With its rock-solid exterior and technology, there are some vital differences in security when comparing upvc and composite doors that both help you rest comfortably.

Door Thickness

Due to its high-quality material, composite doors are much thicker than upvc doors. While composite doors are thicker, both options are resilient and come with excellent insulation qualities. The typical thickness of a composite door is around 44mm, whereas upvc doors have a thickness of 28mm.

Door Longevity

In terms of lifespan, you can expect a composite door to last around thirty five years with proper maintenance while being guaranteed by companies for at least ten years. UPVC doors have less life expectancy, but not by much, lasting around twenty to twenty-five years, depending on how well it’s maintained.

Door Design & Styling

In terms of style and design, upvc has limited options due to its material. While upvc doors still have colour options you can choose from, composite doors offer a better, more versatile selection. Composite doors provide various colour, glazing and contemporary hardware options and provide an impressive entrance to the property.

UPVC vs Composite Doors: Thermal Efficiency and Performance

Regarding energy efficiency, composite doors have a better performance rating than upvc doors because of their extra thickness and density, with some doors achieving a U Value as low as 1.0. However, when comparing upvc to composite doors, both can reduce your heating and energy costs significantly by reducing the amount of drafts in your home.

At GRP Composite Dooors UK, our composite doors have the best durability and reliability and provide the best long-term solution to save you money on heating and fuel costs.

UPVC vs Composite Doors: Pros & Cons

When purchasing your new door, there are many factors to take into consideration, such as the price, value and insulation, only to name a few. Let’s set aside some time to discuss the pros and cons of each door to help make your decision-making process a bit smoother.

Pros & Cons of UPVC Doors

There are many pros regarding upvc doors, especially their price. Homeowners who are on a budget and want to save money on their door while still wanting a certain security standard will likely choose a upvc door. UPVC doors also have excellent insulation levels.

However, in other areas, homeowners can do better than upvc doors, particularly when it comes to durability. Over time, upvc doors will degrade and limit their security and energy efficiency. This prominent factor is sometimes a deal-breaker for homeowners.

Pros & Cons of Composite Doors

Composite doors come in various styles and designs, have strong durability, and are virtually maintenance-free. Composite doors also come with the option of having a glass reinforced plastic skin finish. These doors are resistant to even the harshest weather conditions and won’t fade in appearance, unlike upvc doors.

Some of the best composite doors come with enhanced security features, making them one of the most secure doors for homeowners. Composite doors also have special gaskets and seals that are weather-resistant.

The core of a composite door is made from one hundred percent CFC-free insulated polyurethane, making it able to outperform timber by up to nine times the amount. The perimeter of a composite door also has water-resistant features that make it impossible for water to reach the door’s core.

The only main disadvantage of a composite door is the price. Composite doors are slightly more expensive because of their versatility, security and locking features. Considering all of its benefits, the small difference in price is definitely worth it!

UPVC vs Composite Doors: Why GRP Composite Doors UK?

At GRP Composite Doors UK, we are known as the UK’s number one reputable external door supplier. We offer a wide range of custom made to measure doors that include grp composite doors, stable doors, fd30 fire doors, timber solid core composite doors, upvc doors and aluminium front doors.

As the UK’s leading external door manufacturer, you can enhance your home’s safety, security, property value and thermal efficiency. If you’re looking to replace your entrance door today, give us a call today on 01530 515160!