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The front of a house in Dorset, with a white roofed porch and a black composite front door with two side panels. The facade looks modern and stylish.

What Is The Difference Between Composite And UPVC Doors?

The difference between composite doors and UPVC doors is the material they’re made from. UPVC doors are made from Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, a hard plastic that is lightweight and durable. Composite doors have a solid timber core that is coated in UPVC, Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP, also known as fibreglass), or polyurethane foam. This makes composite doors stronger and more secure than UPVC doors or traditional timber doors, and reduces the risk of warping.

What Type Of Composite Door Is Best?

There are several different types of composite door, with each one using a different material for the core and the outer coating. RILU offers glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite doors with a solid timber core for the ultimate longevity, security, thermal efficiency and soundproofing. These are modern composite doors designed to offer great weather resistence and last for many decades, and can be fully customised to your Bournemouth or Dorset home. There are also foam-filled polyurethane cores and UPVC outer coatings available.


Are Composite Doors Worth The Extra Money?

While composite door prices are usually slightly higher than those of UPVC doors, they offer enhanced security features and are more thermally efficient, meaning that you will save money in the long run from your lower energy bills. This option is low maintenance and can last for up to 30 years, and can be a great value option. Many homeowners opt for a composite front door and consider UPVC back doors to ensure security and great value.


How Do You Measure For A Composite Door?

To measure for an external composite door, you’ll need to take 3 measurements from the top, bottom and middle, for both the width and the height of the door. It’s important that you measure the opening to the brickwork, rather than your old door frame, as your door installer will fit a new frame. When you hire RILU to install composite doors on your property, we will carry out all the measurements for you, so you know you’ll get the right door the first time round.


Will a new composite door improve my home's energy efficiency?

Yes. Composite doors are designed with insulated cores and high-performance weather seals that help reduce heat loss and minimise draughts. This can make your home feel warmer and more comfortable throughout the year while improving energy efficiency. Alongside their thermal performance, composite doors are also highly durable and require very little maintenance, making them a practical long-term investment for homeowners.