When it comes to choosing a front door for your home, there are plenty of options available. However, one type has been steadily growing in popularity across British homes over the past decade – the composite door. At Dream Installations, we’ve been fitting these doors throughout Suffolk and Norfolk, and we’ve seen firsthand why homeowners are increasingly choosing them over traditional wooden doors or uPVC doors.
A good front door needs to do several essential jobs simultaneously. It must keep your home secure, help with thermal efficiency, stand up to the British weather, and of course, look good. Composite doors have become a popular choice because they tackle all these requirements exceptionally well.
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s worth noting that not all composite doors are created equal. The quality can vary significantly between different manufacturers and installers. That’s why we’ve carefully selected our range to ensure our customers get doors that will serve them well for decades, not just years.
What is a Composite Door?
A composite door is made from a combination of materials, including a solid timber core, surrounded by various insulating materials, and wrapped in a weather-resistant GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) outer skin. This combination creates a door that offers the authentic timber appearance of wooden doors but with modern performance benefits.
Why Are Composite Doors So Popular?
Durability That Stands Up to British Weather
Traditional wooden doors can look beautiful, but they’re notorious for maintenance issues. They swell in wet weather, shrink in dry conditions, and generally need regular attention to keep them looking good and functioning correctly.
Composite doors, on the other hand, have taken inspiration from the technology used in the hulls of boats and are designed to withstand constant exposure to the elements. The GRP outer skin doesn’t warp, rot, or fade significantly over time. This weather-resistant quality is particularly valuable for homes in coastal areas like Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, where properties face harsh sea air.
The door’s multi-layered construction provides superior strength compared to single-material alternatives. Our composite doors include a comprehensive 10-year guarantee for peace of mind.
Energy Efficiency That Makes a Difference
In terms of energy efficiency, composite doors are hard to beat. The multi-layered construction creates an excellent thermal barrier, helping to keep warm air inside your home during winter and hot air outside during summer.
The solid timber core provides natural insulation, while the outer frame and additional insulating materials work together to prevent heat transfer. Our composite doors achieve impressive A++ energy ratings – the highest possible standard.
This excellent thermal efficiency directly impacts your energy bills. By reducing heat loss, you’ll find your home stays warmer with less energy input.
For period property owners who want to maintain character while improving energy performance, composite doors offer an ideal solution. They can provide the authentic timber appearance with none of the drawbacks when it comes to insulation or maintenance.
Security That Gives Real Peace of Mind
When it comes to home security, your front door is your first line of defence. Composite doors excel in this area, with their solid construction making them extremely difficult to break through.
The solid timber core provides substantial weight and strength, much more so than hollow uPVC doors. This is then reinforced with a rigid outer frame and secured with multi-point locking systems that engage at several points around the door.
At Dream Installations, our composite doors meet relevant security standards, including PAS024 certification. We also offer the option to upgrade to the industry-leading Ultion cylinder lock, which provides even greater protection against common burglary techniques.
The security benefits extend to the glazed panels. Unlike older doors, where glass could be a vulnerable point, modern composite doors feature toughened or laminated glass that’s securely bonded into the door structure, allowing natural light without compromising security.
Dream Installations Composite Doors
As a local company serving Suffolk and Norfolk, we understand what homeowners in this region need from their doors. Our composite door range combines quality craftsmanship with practical features.
We offer doors with both 48mm and 70mm thickness options, depending on your requirements. All come with multi-point locking systems as standard, with the option to upgrade to Ultion locks for the ultimate security.
You can choose from a wide range of colours, including contemporary shades like Anthracite Grey, heritage options like Chartwell Green, or classic woodgrain effects that provide an authentic timber appearance.
We can also supply and fit composite doors for both front and back entrances, with designs to suit any style of property from modern homes to traditional cottages.
The Galactic Range
For homeowners looking for the very best in composite door technology, we’re proud to offer the Galactic Range. These premium doors feature a substantial 70mm door leaf that’s 59% thicker than standard composite doors, providing exceptional strength and insulation.
Every door in the Galactic collection comes with triple glazing as standard and achieves A++ energy ratings. They’re built with a clever rebated design that includes an extra seal around the entire door to keep out draughts, rain, and noise.
The Galactic range offers 19% better thermal efficiency than standard solid timber core composite doors, helping to reduce your energy bills further. They come with Secured by Design approval, the official UK police standard for security products.
Why Choose Dream Installations for Your Composite Door?
When you’re investing in a new composite door, the installation is just as important as the door itself. At Dream Installations, we’ve been fitting doors throughout Suffolk and Norfolk since 2003, building a reputation for quality workmanship and excellent customer service.
Our experienced fitting teams take pride in their work, ensuring your new door is perfectly installed for optimal performance and security. We’re FENSA registered and a Which? Trusted Trader, so you can be confident you’re dealing with a reputable company.
We welcome you to visit our showroom in Lowestoft to see our composite door range in person. You can touch the doors, test their operation, and get a real feel for the quality before making your decision.
Improve Your Home with Us
Composite doors have become a popular choice for British homes because they offer the perfect combination of durability, energy efficiency, security, and style. They require minimal maintenance while providing maximum performance – exactly what busy homeowners need.
If you’re considering a new door, we’d be happy to show you our range of composite doors and provide expert advice tailored to your property. Whether you’re looking to improve security, reduce energy bills, or simply update your home’s appearance, a quality composite door offers an excellent long-term solution.
To arrange a free, no-obligation quote or to discuss your requirements, get in touch with our friendly team today. Call us on 01502 585 620, email info@dreaminstallations.org.uk or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do composite doors last?
A quality composite door should last at least 25-30 years when properly maintained. Thanks to their durable construction and weather-resistant outer skin, they don’t deteriorate like wooden doors and maintain their performance throughout their lifespan.
Are composite doors better than uPVC doors?
Composite doors generally offer better insulation, security, and durability than uPVC doors. Their solid timber core provides superior strength, and they tend to maintain their appearance better over time. They come at a higher price point that many homeowners find worth the investment.
Do composite doors need much maintenance?
No, composite doors are designed to be very low maintenance. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep them looking their best.
Are composite doors secure?
Absolutely. They are built with solid construction and multi-point locking systems, making them stronger and more secure than many alternatives. We offer Ultion locks with our doors as an optional upgrade.
