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What’s the difference between a PVCu and a composite front door?

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What’s the difference between a PVCu and a composite front door?

What’s the difference between a PVCu and a composite front door?

In a world where first impressions matter, your front door has a big part to play. It’s what your guests first set eyes on as they approach your house – and just as importantly, it’s what you come home to at the end of each day. 

But looks aren’t everything. You also want your front door to be sturdy, secure and energy-efficient, amongst other qualities – so when you’re faced with the decision of exactly which door to choose, there’s a lot to consider. To make things easier, here are the pros and cons of the two most popular types of door – PVCu and composite – and your guide to knowing which is best for you. You can also learn more about Britannia’s different options on our PVCu panel and composite door pages.

What do you want from your front door?

No two homes are the same – so the best place to start is by thinking about your house, and what’s important to you. Do you live in an older property or a new build? And do you want a door in keeping with its current style, or something that gives your home’s exterior a completely new feel? Either way, the style you choose should complement your house. The area you live in might also affect your decision. If you live on a main road, noise reduction is key. These are just a couple of things to keep in mind as you weigh up the options.

What is a PVCu panel door?

PVCu stands for Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride – a type of tough plastic that encases the door’s steel frame. While the door might have a plasticky finish, this doesn’t mean any compromise on quality or looks. PVCu panel doors are incredibly durable, are proven to stand the test of time, and we offer a vast array of different colours and wood finishes.

What are the advantages of PVCu?

Secure – The steel core beneath the lightweight plastic means PVCu panel doors are near impossible to break, and as they come with a built-in multi-point stainless steel locking mechanism, they offer maximum security against intruders. 

Price – PVCu panel doors are the most cost-effective way to keep your home secure. If you’re looking for the best all-round solution within a tighter budget, it’s hard to go wrong with PVCu – and at Britannia, we have a huge range of glazing and colour options to choose from, including decorative glass.

Low maintenance – Unlike other materials, PVCu doesn’t require any form of varnishing, sanding or repainting, so once your door’s installed, it’ll look as good as new for many years. Any build-up of grime or dirt can be easily tackled with a quick wipe down using soap and water. 

Insulation – PVCu panel doors have a multi-chamber profile and advanced glass technology that adds an extra layer of insulation – preventing noise from coming in, and heat getting out. The combination of a more peaceful home, and lower energy bills – what’s not to love?

What are the disadvantages of PVCu?

Aesthetic appeal – Some buildings simply don’t suit the look of PVCu. Typically, if you live in a more traditional property, a wooden door is a safer option for maintaining its original character, while PVCu panel doors are a more popular choice for new builds – but this is just a general rule of thumb. If you have a certain look in mind, go for it!

Environmental impact – While they’re installed, PVCu panel doors are great for energy efficiency, but as they’re made from plastic-based materials, they release harmful fumes into the atmosphere when they’re destroyed. If you’re considering the sustainability of the door’s entire lifecycle, this is something worth noting, but at Britannia, we’ll take your PVCu doors away and recycle them for free.

What is a composite door?

Composite doors are built from a combination of different materials, such as wood, steel, glass, foam and even PVCu, glued and pressed together under high-pressure conditions. They’re designed to mimic the appearance of classic wooden doors while improving on their natural properties to provide a more practical solution in the long-run.

What are the advantages of composite doors?

The wow factor – When you’re dreaming of a picture-perfect home that oozes kerb-appeal, it most likely features a traditional timber front door – and looks-wise, a composite door is a close relative. An attractive composite door can work wonders for your home’s overall look – especially if it’s matched up to enhance the rest of its features. And there’s no shortage of designs and colours, so the possibilities are endless.

Secure – The combination of materials composite doors are made from means they’re engineered for optimal strength. This is especially the case with composite doors from Britannia, which have a 100% CFC-free polyurethane foam core. The structure in itself is thicker and sturdier than PVCu.

Weather-resistant – Composite doors are designed to withstand the toughest conditions. Where wooden stores chip and rot, composite doors stand strong – whatever the weather. Britannia’s composite doors have extra resistance due to their 100% CFC-free polyurethane foam core. This is used as an alternative to timber, which warps over time when the damp gets in.

What are the disadvantages of composite doors?

Cost – The only downside of a composite door can be the price tag. In comparison, you’ll have to spend more than you would on uPVC – it just comes down to how much you want to spend.

Hopefully, you’re a little closer to knowing which door’s the right match for your requirements – now it’s time for the exciting part! To discover all the styles and colours available, take a look through the Britannia brochure. You can also take the first steps to turn your vision into a reality using our Design Your Solution page. Or, if you’d rather discuss your vision with a member of our team, get in touch – we’ll be happy to answer any questions online or at one of our showrooms.

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