Which door is better: UPVC vs Composite?

The big door debate - which should you choose? UPVC door or a composite door?

As with any home improvement project a great deal of your time will be spent researching the various options that are available.

If you are looking to install new doors at your Gloucestershire property, then a major consideration will be the material that your doors can be made from: UPVC or composite and what are they?

Here at Cheltenham Glass and Glazing we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of both types of door and have a team of experts who can advise and guide you through the decision-making process.

So, let’s start at the beginning: what is a UPVC door and what is a composite door and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

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What is a UPVC door?

UPVC or Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride is an exceptionally durable plastic.

It has become one of the most widely used materials for external doors in UK homes. Its hard-wearing properties mean that it can withstand everyday life and is easy to look after. It is also a relatively cheap material, making it affordable to many.

Prone to discolouration over time however, the lifespan of a UPVC door is usually shorter than composite doors.

In addition, being largely plastic based, UPVC doors cannot be recycled and so have more of an impact on the environment when it comes to disposal. That being said, with an average lifespan of around 15-20 years, UPVC doors offer great value for money and also have many security features to help protect your home.

Pros of a UPVC door:

Value for money

Security features

Durable and easy to maintain

‍Cons of a UPVC door:

Prone to discolouration

Shorter lifespan than composite

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What is a composite door?

Just as the name suggests, a composite door is constructed from a combination of products, usually UPVC, steel, wood, glass and insulating foam. Composite doors are therefore somewhat more expensive than standard uPVC however they also have a number of advantages too.

Composite doors offer increased security benefits and have a choice of styles and finishes. As mentioned, these options do come at a higher price. In addition, composite doors offer better thermal insulation than their UPVC cousins due to the nature of their construction and being up to 10% thicker than other doors, helping to keep your home cool in summer and warmer in colder weather.

Despite their higher price tag, composite doors come with a lengthy guarantee making them a great long-term investment for those with a slightly higher budget.

Pros of a composite door:

Enhanced security

Better thermal insulation

Wide choice of colour and style of finish

Long life span

‍Cons of a composite door:

Higher price tag

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Conclusion

Ultimately the choice of whether to buy standard UPVC or composite doors will be a personal decision, guided principally by your budget and of course, by your preferences.

The team at Cheltenham Glass and Glazing is dedicated to giving you free and impartial advice about your project and the materials that are most suited to you.

What matters most to us is that you end up with the best product for your home at the right price so that your investment in your home makes you proud.

You can find out more about the products that we offer to our Gloucestershire customers either by browsing our website or by contacting us direct on 01242 238887.

We look forward to your call!

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