First impressions count and your front door will go a long way to influencing how people see your home. Regardless of whether you are looking to purchase an Entrance Door, Bi-Folding Doors or French doors you will need to ensure that your new doors not only look good but offer you a high level of security and are energy efficient. At Amber Windows we have in excess of 25 years’ experience of installing thousands of quality doors across the Midlands including Composite and uPVC Double Glazed Front Doors.
Why Choose a uPVC Door?
Materials – Sidestep the need for constant maintenance by choosing external uPVC Doors. They are sturdy, resilient and secure. An unplasticised polyvinyl chloride door consists of tough plastic which is wrapped around a galvanised steel core, which is great news for homeowners in a climate as damp as the UK’s, because that means the door won’t swell with moisture and stick or warp, as wooden doors tend to.
Style & Colour – uPVC Doors are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles, so there’s almost always a door available to suit any home. You will be able to choose from a wide range of double glazed front doors and while you are at it, you may as well have a browse at a double glazed back door as well. Gone are the days of plain white doors. They are now manufactured in a broad spectrum of colours – from traditional reds and blues to the latest colour trends.
Aesthetics – Many estate agents suggest that it takes just seconds for homebuyers to make up their minds about a house and that a surprisingly high proportion of that is spent looking at the front door. A shabby example is a real no-no, but even if you have no intention of selling your home, a smart uPVC front door has numerous benefits.
Construction – That tough plastic and steel construction makes for an incredibly hard-wearing front or back door. They’re extremely hard to break down, so security is high on the list of advantages. uPVC doors feature anti-crowbar seals and edges: because every edge of such a door lies almost completely flush against the surface, there are no gaps to slip a crowbar into. And since the plastic casing doesn’t warp after wet weather, the inviting slots that might otherwise form between the door and its frame simply don’t appear.
Locks – By adding a state-of-the-art multi-point locking system, the mere sight of a uPVC door is often deterrent enough to would-be burglars. They usually realise such a door means its owners are security conscious and so they may often decide it’s not worth the effort.
Insurance – You might find your home and contents insurance premiums are lowered when you let your broker know you have uPVC external doors fitted.
Soundproofing
Street Noise – Thanks to that snug fit between the door and the frame not to mention the multi-layered construction, uPVC doors are renowned for shutting out irritating street noise. Passers-by and traffic noise are greatly reduced, meaning your home remains an oasis of relative peace.
Glazing – Double glazing will greatly reduce unwanted noise, while the thin pocket of air between layers in the door acts as an extra insulating shield.
Insulation – As well as keeping sound out, a uPVC door is a great way to make sure warmth remains inside. The very same components and build quality that help noise stay on one side of the door ensure heat stays on the other. When you get cold, extra layers of clothing trap pockets of air against your skin, helping to maintain body warmth. The same principle applies to a uPVC door. Its layers of hard material ensure the air in between stays at a constant temperature. Damp, cold air therefore finds it very difficult to pass through, while the heated air from your home is similarly unable to move the other way. Fitting a good quality uPVC external door in conjunction with uPVC double glazing throughout your home means you could cut down your energy consumption and reduce your heating bills.
Low Maintenance – uPVC doors are reliable and require very little maintenance. Whereas a traditional wooden door might need wood-planing and adjusting to combat warping. A uPVC door’s durability means it only needs general cleaning. A quick wipe and polish are all that’s really needed to keep it in good order.
Locks – The only component of a uPVC door that could require attention over time is the locking system. With regular, extended use your door locking mechanism may require oiling occasionally to keep it in good condition. The same applies to the door’s hinges. However, you’ll find that the door’s superior insulation results in next to no rust, thanks to damp air being kept away from its interior metal parts.
Added Value – As well as saving you money, installing external uPVC doors before putting a property on the market could add a small boost to the asking price, In fact, some buyers will stipulate the installation of new doors before agreeing a sale. Even if it’s not on the requirement list, uPVC doors will let buyers know that a house has been cared for and is in good order.
French Doors
French Doors
Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-Fold Doors
Patio Doors
Patio Doors
Choosing a Secure Door
Locking System – Many uPVC doors feature multi-point locking systems. This means that the door is locked in place at the top, middle and bottom of the door, making it far harder to force entry.
Letterbox Position – It is recommended that any letterbox is positioned at least 40mm from the edge of the door. That way structural integrity is maintained.
Attack Testing – Look for British Standard PAS 24-1 when selecting a uPVC door. This proves that the door, frame and locking mechanism has withstood a series of physical tests using police-recommended methods and tools.
For more inspiration take a peek at the range of Doors available from Amber Windows.
