March 28, 2018
Special consideration must be given to the choice of
a front door for homes and offices. The front door exemplifies personality of
the owner and it must impress visitors. Aesthetic factors are but one part;
security and energy efficiency must be part of the door’s features.
Traditionally, wood has been the first choice. This gave way to steel and
aluminium but there are better, more modern materials that combine all the
desired properties with none of the drawbacks. Purists may scoff at materials
other than wood. Steel has an industrial look and aluminium has a commercial
look but composite doors mimic wood and are even better in many respects while
being affordably priced.
Composite front doors from Prime
Windows and Doors are the first choice of discerning homemakers throughout the UK and with good
reason. Unlike uPVC, wood, steel or aluminium that is single materials,
composite doors may be made of a fusion of a combination of these materials.
The combination serves to counteract the drawbacks of single materials and
enhance positive properties like rot resistance, dimensional stability, weather
resistance, durability and lightweight.
Such doors can be made thicker without adding to the weight and appear more
solid and impose beside being more secure and energy efficient.
The material
of construction is one aspect. Aesthetics are just as important. This is where
composite doors truly shine. Such doors can have a GRP cladding with natural
wood grain finish that makes them virtually indistinguishable from real wood
doors. GRP skins are available in a range of embossed designs to mimic
mouldings and sections that are part of traditional wooden doors. If so desired
one can have a cut-out with a double glazing glass. Alternatively, these doors
can have a plain colour matched to fit colour profiles of other doors and
window in the building for complete aesthetic harmony. Hardware can be matched
perfectly, ranging from handles and hinges to the bottom skirt door drip and
knockers for a standard, uniform look. Hardware can also include high-security hinges and multipoint locks that
conform to PAS23 and PAS24.
Composites are entirely machine made which allows
for high degree of precision in dimensional tolerances. This means doors have
an unusually exceptional fit in the frame and this translates to smooth
operation. Though doors may be large and imposing, it takes only the push of a
finger to open or close such doors. The fine tolerances also reduce air gaps
and chances of leakages that cause energy losses. Solider composites from Prime
have a U value of between 1 and 1.4.
Traditional materials are becoming more expensive
and manufacturing doors from steel, wood or aluminium also involve more labour, further adding to the
cost. Then there is the matter of maintenance such materials always need in
order to retain their looks and properties. People lead busy lives and rarely
have the time to care for doors and windows. Choosing composites is a fine way
to ensure that the door remains in pristine condition for years besides proving
to be absolutely secure.
