Doors

Doors can provide a range of functions, besides that of security and privacy. For a start they can give a positive first impression to anyone entering the home, so in essence they offer aesthetic value alongside more practical considerations.

The first consideration when choosing a door should concern how it is constructed. Whether for external or internal use, doors can be constructed from numerous materials, including steel and timber.

Commonly used materials in door construction

• Timber – hardwood, softwood, laminated and stabilised, heat treated.
• PVCu – a cheap flimsy material.
• Aluminium – usually used for patio doors.
• Steel – gives an impression of security and is popular in America.

Timber doors

The most widely used material for external doors is timber. Wooden doors tend to be the cheapest available but they do tend to be prone to twisting and warping.

Hardwood doors may at first seem to provide a solution to this problem, but many people consider that hardwood doors suffer just as many problems as softwood ones. One supplier recommends the use of hemlock, a North American softwood which is extremely durable.

Alternatively, you can opt for a wooden door that is laminated or stabilised, particularly if it’s made of oak. This will make the door even more durable and stable.

Acoya heat-treated timber is said to be the most stable of all materials. This is a process that is fairly new, having been developed in Holland and it has been applauded for its ability to make softwood even more durable than many hardwoods.

PVCu & aluminium doors

PVCu is the cheapest alternative to timber but there is very little strength in this material which means that these doors tend to be built around a steel frame and are fitted with multi-point locking which helps to compensate for the flimsy material.

Aluminium is mostly used for patio doors or French windows. The frames conduct a lot of heat and are usually arranged in a sliding arrangement. This started to become unpopular from the 1960’s onwards and many modern patio doors fold back in a concertina arrangement.

Steel & fibre-glass doors

Steel doors are popular in North America but in the UK have tended to be used mostly for social housing. They give an impression of security, something of a fallacy because the door is no stronger than its frame or its locks.

Glass-reinforced plastic, (GRP), usually called ‘fibre-glass’, is another option. It has a far more realistic wood grain effect than PVC and can be stained to effect. As with PVCu it needs a sub-frame which is usually either timber or steel. This means that these doors are usually hollow, but they can be packed with insulation which adds to their thermal efficiency.

What to consider when choosing your door

• Appearance – especially important for the front of your home, because here more than anywhere you want to make a statement.

• Style – from external French doors and hardwood external doors to flush internal doors and moulded panel internal doors, doors come in a variety of different styles to compliment your home and your requirements.

• Security – as your home’s first line of security, external doors need to be secure in order to give you the highest level of protection.

• Insulation – don’t forget that doors act as insulators; a well made door will help your home to retain heat, therefore lowering your home heating bills low.

• Easy to maintain – some materials are easier to maintain than others. Hardwood doors, for example – whether exterior or interior – will need treating to ensure longevity, particularly timber external doors which have to weather the elements.

From French doors to uPVC sliding patio doors, Builder Guide can help you secure the perfect doors; whether you’re looking for French doors, patio doors or even a front entrance door that will perfectly compliment your home.