What is a Composite Door: A Complete Guide

What is a Composite Door?

A composite door is a type of door made from a combination of different materials. This makes it stronger, more durable, and more energy-efficient than traditional wooden or uPVC doors. 

The core of a composite door is usually made of wood, which provides strength and insulation. The wood core is then surrounded by layers of other materials, such as uPVC or fiberglass. These outer layers protect the wood core from the weather and add to the door’s overall strength and security.

What is Composite Door Made Up Of? 

The composite door is made up of multiple components, including external surface, tough exterior GRP panel, internal space, outdoor space, frame, and Reinforcement.

External Surface: The outermost layer is typically made from a tough, weather-resistant material like Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). This GRP panel is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, resist fading from UV exposure, and resist impacts. It usually has a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

Tough Exterior GRP Panel: The GRP panel is reinforced to enhance its strength. This makes the door less likely to warp or dent over time compared to traditional wooden doors. GRP also provides good insulation properties, helping to maintain your home’s temperature. 

Internal Space: Inside the composite door, you will often find a core made of solid timber or a high-density foam. A solid timber core provides structural integrity and security, while a foam core, with a density of around 40-60 kg/m³, offers superior thermal insulation. The internal space is designed to minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency. 

Outdoor Space: The area between the outer GRP panel and the internal core may be filled with insulating materials. This is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency. The insulation helps achieve an R-value between R-4 and R-6, which indicates the door’s effectiveness in resisting heat transfer. 

Frame: The door frame is typically made from uPVC, aluminum, or wood. uPVC frames are popular because they require little maintenance and provide good insulation. The frame helps support the door and adds to its overall strength. 

Reinforcement: Many composite doors include steel reinforcements within the frame to enhance security. This reinforcement makes the door more resistant to forced entry and improves its durability.

What are the Benefits of Composite Doors?

Composite doors bring multiple benefits that make them a popular choice for homeowners.

Durability: The tough exterior made of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, resist impacts, and prevent warping. This durability ensures that your door will last longer than traditional wooden doors.

Energy Efficiency: Composite doors have excellent insulation properties. The internal space typically contains a solid timber or high-density foam core, helping to reduce heat loss. With an R-value between R-4 and R-6, these doors help maintain your home’s temperature, potentially lowering your energy bills. 

Security: The inclusion of steel reinforcement within the frame enhances the security of composite doors. They are more resistant to forced entry compared to standard doors, giving you peace of mind. 

Low Maintenance: The GRP surface does not require regular painting or varnishing, unlike wood. A simple wipe down is usually all that’s needed to keep it looking good, saving you time and effort. 

Aesthetic Versatility: Composite doors come in various designs and finishes, allowing you to choose a style that complements your home. The outer GRP panel can mimic the look of wood without the associated maintenance issues. 

Weather Resistance: The GRP panel is resistant to UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring that your door maintains its appearance and functionality over time. 

Noise Reduction: The insulation properties of the internal space help reduce external noise, creating a quieter indoor environment. 

What is the Difference Between GRP and Composite Doors?

Both GRP and composite doors offer excellent performance and durability, GRP doors are more durable and tougher. Because GRP doors are composed of foam-filled core that provides exceptional insulation. This means you’ll enjoy lower energy bills and a more comfortable home year-round. While composite doors have a timber core which while offering some insulation, can be susceptible to moisture damage and wrapping over time.

Do Composite Doors Fade?

No, composite doors are highly resistant to fading, because composite doors are engineered to withstand the elements, including prolonged exposure to sunlight. The outer layer of a composite door is typically made of a durable, UV-resistant material, such as GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). This material is designed to protect the door’s color and finish from fading, even in harsh weather conditions.

How Long Do Composite Doors Last?

Composite doors are built to last. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your composite door to last at least 20-30 years. Some high-quality doors can even last much longer.

The longevity of a composite door is due to its robust construction. The door’s core is typically made of solid timber, which provides strength and stability. The outer layer is a durable material, often GRP, which is highly resistant to weathering and fading. This combination ensures that your door can withstand the test of time.

Are Composite Doors Secure?

Yes, composite doors are highly secure. They are designed to be a strong barrier against potential intruders and have multiple layers including a strong core, durable outer layer, advancing locking mechanisms and weather resistance. Let’s learn in detail.

Strong Core: The solid timber core of a composite door provides excellent strength and resistance to forced entry.

Durable Outer Layer: The outer layer, often made of GRP, is highly resistant to impact and weathering. 

Advanced Locking Mechanisms: Composite doors can be fitted with high-security multi-point locking systems that offer multiple locking points for maximum protection. 

Weather Resistance: Composite doors are resistant to warping, rotting, and other forms of weather damage, ensuring their long-lasting security performance. 

Do Composite Doors Scratch? 

Yes, composite doors can scratch, but they are designed to be much more resistant to scratches than traditional wooden doors. The exterior of a composite door is typically covered with a durable, weather-resistant laminate that can withstand everyday wear and tear. However, it’s important to understand the nature of composite doors and how to maintain them to minimize the chances of scratching.

How Thick is Composite Door?

The standard thickness of the composite door is 44mm but composite doors come in other thickness options such as 48mm and 47mm.

44mm: This is the most common thickness and offers a good balance of security, insulation, and cost.

48mm: This thicker option provides enhanced insulation and security, making it a popular choice for colder climates or areas with higher security concerns.  

70mm: This is a premium option that offers superior insulation and security, but it’s also more expensive.

Are Composite Doors Heavy?

Yes, composite doors are heavy, however, a typical 44mm thick composite door can weigh anywhere between 30 to 40 kilograms. Thicker doors, such as 48mm or 70mm, will naturally weigh more.

Why Do Composite Doors Squeak?

The composite doors squeak because the inner plastic material expands and contracts due to the heat. However, if you want to overcome the squeaking sounds you can try lubricating the hinges with a silicone-based lubricant.

Do Composite Doors Need Maintenance?

Yes, composite doors require maintenance, while composite doors are low-maintenance, they still require some basic care to ensure their longevity and performance:

Regular Cleaning: Clean your composite door every few months with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the finish.

Lubrication: Lubricate the hinges and lock mechanisms every six months with a light engineering oil like 3-in-1. This helps prevent squeaking and ensures smooth operation.

Weatherstripping: Check the weatherstripping around the door frame for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any damaged seals to maintain energy efficiency and prevent drafts.

Hardware Maintenance: Keep the door handle, letterbox, and other hardware clean and free of debris. Lubricate any moving parts as needed.

Do You Get Condensation on Composite Doors?

Yes, composite doors can experience condensation, especially in colder climates or during periods of high humidity.  

While composite doors are highly energy-efficient, they can still encounter condensation issues, particularly on the glass panels. This occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with the cold surface of the glass, causing the moisture to condense.