Explore the benefits, costs, and features of uPVC vs composite doors to make an informed choice with our comprehensive comparison guide. Discover which option saves you more money and find out which is best suited for your needs.
The Battle of Materials: Composite vs UPVC Doors
The difference between composite doors vs UPVC doors comes down to their construction, which affects their features and performance.
Understanding these differences helps homeowners make informed decisions based on their priorities, whether it’s cost, appearance, durability, or security.
Understanding Composite Doors
Composite doors are crafted from a combination of materials, including wood, foam, UPVC, and a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) skin.
This multi-material construction gives them superior strength, durability, and insulation properties. The GRP skin provides a realistic wood grain finish, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
Composite doors are more expensive but offer better security and longevity compared to UPVC doors.
Understanding UPVC Doors
UPVC doors are made entirely from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC), a type of plastic.
UPVC doors are lightweight, cost-effective, and offer good thermal efficiency. They are low-maintenance and resistant to rotting, warping, and weathering.
Pros, Cons, and Everything in Between
Composite and UPVC doors both offer unique advantages. Composite doors are known for their superior thermal efficiency and robust construction, but they can be more expensive. UPVC doors are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and provide good insulation, though they may not offer the same level of energy efficiency as composite doors.
Security Features
Rest easy— both doors are as secure as they come. Our composite doors are designed to be impenetrable when locked, ensuring they remain strong and secure for many years. This not only guarantees a lasting attractive appearance but also provides enduring peace of mind, whether used as a front or back door.
Similarly, ERG’s UPVC doors offer robust security with a multi-point locking mechanism that includes a central deadbolt and latch, hook bolts, an anti-lift pin, and roller cams on the opening side. Both composite and UPVC doors prioritise the safety and security of your home.
Thermal Efficiency
An energy-efficient home relies on well-insulated doors and windows. Composite doors, made of wood, UPVC, insulating foam, and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), offer superior thermal properties with U-Values as low as 0.8 W/m²K, slightly surpassing UPVC doors.
UPVC doors also provide excellent thermal efficiency, significantly contributing to lower fuel bills and enhanced comfort by effectively keeping cold air out and retaining heat.
While composite doors lead in energy efficiency, UPVC doors remain a cost-efficient option for maintaining thermal insulation in a home. Both types play a crucial role in energy conservation and reducing heating costs.
Maintenance and Longevity
Maintaining and cleaning your composite or UPVC front door is hassle-free. Both types of doors require cleaning with warm, soapy water every four months, avoiding abrasive materials and solvent-based cleaners.
Annually, lubricate all hardware components, including hinges, locks, and handles. Additionally, regularly clear debris from the threshold and drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and ensure longevity, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Composite and UPVC doors are designed to withstand the elements, providing excellent weather resistance and durability. With minimal maintenance, both door types offer long-lasting performance, ensuring they remain in good condition for years to come.
Styling, Colours & Design Options
Customising your doors allows you to make a lasting impression on the exterior of your home. With both UPVC and composite doors, ERG Scotland ensures you can create a door that perfectly suits your home’s aesthetic and needs.
For UPVC doors, consider a dual-coloured finish with contrasting colours on each side, such as Golden Oak, Rosewood, and White, among many others. Adding textured or patterned glass can also enhance the door’s appearance. Finish off with a varied array of stylish handles available in different colours and finishes, and intricately designed hardware like letterboxes, number plates, and hinges to bring your design to life.
Composite doors offer extensive customisation options as well as our UPVC doors. ERG offers a wide selection of composite doors in various styles and colours, with options for glass sections or solid designs. You can choose from a wide range of colours, including red, blue, black, white, Chartwell Green, and Darkwood, the latter providing a wood-like appearance. Personalise your composite door further with bespoke, handcrafted glass designs created by our in-house artisan glaziers. Additionally, you can select from a range of obscure backing glass to meet your needs for energy efficiency, safety, and privacy.
UPVC vs Composite Doors: Cost-Effective Choices
Composite doors generally have a higher upfront cost compared to UPVC doors due to their advanced construction and materials. Composite doors offer greater durability and lower maintenance needs, potentially saving money over time.
Factors Influencing Cost
Installation: Professional installation costs can vary based on door type and installer rates. At ERG Scotland, expect to receive our best possible prices every time you enquire.
Customisation: Custom designs, colours, and finishes can increase the price of both UPVC and composite doors.
Maintenance: UPVC doors are low-maintenance but may require occasional repairs. Composite doors are more durable, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Energy Efficiency: Better-insulated doors can lead to savings on energy bills, impacting overall cost-effectiveness.
Composite vs UPVC Doors: Which is Worth the Investment?
Key Considerations
Security: Composite doors offer superior security features due to their robust construction. However, UPVC doors are incredibly secure too.
Energy Efficiency: When it comes to UPVC doors vs composite doors, both door types offer good insulation, but composite doors generally have better thermal properties, leading to lower energy costs.
Maintenance: UPVC doors are low-maintenance but might require more frequent repairs. Composite doors are highly durable and require minimal upkeep.
Durability: Composite doors have a longer lifespan and are more resistant to weather and wear compared to UPVC doors.
Recommendations Based on Different Homeowner Needs
Budget-Conscious Homeowners: UPVC doors are a more cost-effective choice upfront and still offer good thermal efficiency and low maintenance.
Security-Minded Homeowners: Composite doors provide superior security features, making them ideal for those prioritising safety.
Energy Efficiency Seekers: Composite doors have better thermal properties, making them a better choice for energy savings in the long run.
Style Preferences: In UPVC vs composite doors, composite doors offer more customisation options and a more aesthetically pleasing finish, suitable for homeowners with specific design preferences. However, UPVC doors also have a lot of options at ERG.
Harsh Climates: Composite doors are more durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for homes in extreme weather conditions.
Save making a final decision until you have seen our showcase of composite and UPVC entrance doors at our Invergordon showroom. You can better appreciate what they have to offer that way.