At Essex Window & Door Centre, we believe that your front door is more than just an entryway – it’s a statement of style, security and functionality. We have been serving the community for over 30 years, offering premium window and door solutions that combine craftsmanship, technology and aesthetic appeal. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in our carefully curated selection of products, including composite and aluminium front doors. These doors not only enhance the beauty of your home but also provide essential protection and efficiency.
In this guide, we will explore the features, benefits and considerations of composite and aluminium front doors to help you make an informed decision for your home. Whether you’re looking for a stylish and low-maintenance composite door or a durable, bespoke aluminium door, we aim to provide you with the knowledge to choose the perfect solution for your needs. Contact us today for your FREE quote!
Introducing Composite Front Doors
Composite doors have become increasingly popular due to their superior blend of aesthetics, durability and security. At Essex Window & Door Centre, we proudly offer a range of Truedor composite doors, meticulously manufactured in Britain with an unwavering commitment to quality. Each door is crafted to the highest standards of fire resistance, weatherproofing, and security, making them ideal for any home. Our Truedor composite doors are designed to withstand the elements, ensuring they look as good as new for years to come with minimal maintenance required.
Composite Door Features
- Material
Made from high-impact glass-reinforced polymer (GRP), these doors offer the visual appeal of timber with none of the maintenance drawbacks.
- Core
Typically reinforced with foam, steel, or wood, enhancing stability and durability.
- Security
High-security multi-point locking system with PAS 23/24 compliance, including a dog bolt system with two sets of triple hinge bolts.
- Testing Standards
Meets BS EN ISO 9001 Quality Assurance, providing additional peace of mind regarding security and performance.
- Customisation
Available in a range of colours and finishes, from standard shades to specialist options.
The Benefits of Composite Front Doors
- Durability
Made from GRP, these doors are resistant to cracking, splitting, and warping, even in harsh weather conditions. Their robust construction means they can withstand impact and changes in temperature, ensuring they remain in excellent condition year-round with minimal maintenance required.
- Low Maintenance
Composite front doors require minimal upkeep, in fact, just an occasional wipe-down keeps your front door looking its best. The GRP material makes it easy to maintain, as it does not require regular painting or staining, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful door without the hassle of upkeep.
- Security
Equipped with advanced locking mechanisms and reinforced cores for maximum protection against intruders. The multi-point locking systems and additional features like dog bolts provide an added layer of security, making these doors a robust choice for safeguarding your home and family.
- Energy Efficiency
High-performance GRP construction ensures good insulation, reducing energy bills by keeping the heat in and the cold out. The well-insulated core helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, reducing the need for heating and cooling, and lowering your overall energy consumption.
- Aesthetic Appeal
Available in a variety of colours and finishes to match your home’s décor, including specialist colours and wood stains. Whether you prefer a classic look with woodgrain textures or a modern, vibrant colour, composite doors can be customised to suit your unique style, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home.
Introducing Aluminium Front Doors
Aluminium front doors are synonymous with luxury, durability, and high performance. At Essex Window & Door Centre, we partner with Spitfire to offer a range of luxury entrance doors that are meticulously designed to provide both aesthetic beauty and exceptional functionality. These doors are engineered from bespoke-designed aluminium sections, combined with German Winkhaus precision locking systems, to deliver unmatched security and style. The Spitfire doors are perfect for homeowners looking to make a statement while ensuring their property is secure and energy-efficient.
Aluminium Door Features
- Material
Constructed from bespoke-designed aluminium sections for strength and durability.
- Locking System
German-engineered Winkhaus precision locking systems, providing state-of-the-art security.
- Glazing
Triple glazing with laminated safety glass, ensuring excellent security and thermal efficiency.
- Threshold
Sleek black thermally-broken aluminium low threshold as standard; an option for a 15mm threshold packer for extra clearance.
- Design Flexibility
Range of styles including simple, complex, linear, and curved designs, with options for sidelights, toplights, and French doors.
The Benefits of Aluminium Front Doors
- Security
High-performance German-engineered Winkhaus locking systems provide RC2-level security, ensuring your home is safe. These locks are meticulously tested to resist forced entry, offering peace of mind with every use. Additionally, the solid aluminium construction further enhances security, making it a robust choice for homeowners who value safety.
- Thermal Efficiency
Low U-values as low as 0.92 W/m²K, which means better insulation and reduced energy bills. The advanced materials and design allow for effective thermal performance, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This not only contributes to energy savings but also enhances the comfort of your living space year-round.
- Aesthetic Appeal
Sleek, modern designs, available in a range of colours and finishes, including bespoke options to suit any home. Aluminium doors can be customised with a variety of colours, including bold shades and subtle hues, as well as woodgrain textures. This allows homeowners to choose a door that perfectly complements their home’s architecture and style.
- Durability
Resistant to corrosion, weathering, and UV damage, making them ideal for harsh climates. The aluminium construction ensures longevity and performance, even in challenging environments. These doors are built to withstand the elements, maintaining their appearance and functionality year after year with minimal maintenance.
- Customisation
Wide range of sizes and configurations, allowing for bespoke solutions tailored to your property’s needs. From simple, linear designs to more complex, curved options, homeowners have the flexibility to create a unique door that meets their specific requirements. This level of customisation ensures a perfect fit for any home.
Should I choose a composite or aluminium front door? Things to Consider…
Choosing the right front door for your home is a significant decision. Both composite and aluminium doors offer distinct advantages, and the choice depends on your preferences and needs. Here’s a comparison to help guide you:
Style
- Composite Doors
Offer a classic, timeless look that can complement traditional and modern homes alike. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including woodgrain textures.
- Aluminium Doors
Known for their sleek, contemporary appearance. Ideal for modern homes and those looking to make a bold design statement.
Maintenance
- Composite Doors
Require minimal upkeep and an occasional wipe-down is usually enough to maintain their appearance.
- Aluminium Doors
While resistant to weathering, they may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their finish, particularly in coastal areas.
Security
- Composite Doors
Equipped with high-security multi-point locking systems and additional features like dog bolts for enhanced protection.
- Aluminium Doors
German-engineered Winkhaus locking systems offer superior security, including options for RC2 and RC3 ratings for increased resistance to forced entry.
Energy Efficiency
- Composite Doors
Provide good insulation with their GRP construction, reducing energy bills through better thermal efficiency.
- Aluminium Doors
Superior thermal performance with U-values as low as 0.92 W/m²K, helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency in your home.
Customisation
- Composite Doors
Extensive colour and finish options, including wood stain finishes and specialist colours.
- Aluminium Doors
Bespoke design options, including a wide range of configurations and sizes to suit specific property styles and requirements.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and the style of your home. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a composite door or the modern sophistication of an aluminium door, Essex Window & Door Centre can help you choose the perfect solution for your front door needs. Get in touch with us today for more information about our front door ranges!
Choosing the Perfect Front Door for Your Home
At Essex Window & Door Centre, we understand that choosing the right front door is an important decision, not just for its aesthetic appeal, but also for security, energy efficiency and maintenance. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance and low-maintenance benefits of a composite door, or the contemporary style and superior security features of an aluminium door, we have the expertise to guide you through the selection process.
Are you ready to make your home’s entrance an inviting and secure statement? Our team of experts at Essex Window & Door Centre is here to assist you every step of the way. We offer a wide range of composite and aluminium front doors to suit your style preferences and practical needs. From initial consultation to installation, we ensure that you receive a high-quality service and advice to choose the right door for your home. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect composite and aluminium front doors that meet your needs and enhance the overall beauty and functionality of your home. Contact us today for your FREE quote and let us help you make a statement with your new front door!
Composite and Aluminium Front Doors FAQs
What are the main benefits of composite doors?
Composite doors are highly durable, providing excellent resistance to cracking, warping, and splitting. They require minimal maintenance and are highly secure, featuring advanced multi-point locking systems.
How do composite doors compare to traditional timber doors?
Unlike timber doors, composite doors do not warp, crack, or require frequent repainting. They offer the same aesthetic appeal but with better insulation and reduced maintenance needs.
Are composite doors energy efficient?
Yes, composite doors are designed with good thermal efficiency in mind, helping to reduce energy bills by keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
What security features do Truedor composite doors have?
Truedor composite doors come with a high-security multi-point locking system, dog bolt system, and options like a ‘split spindle’ for enhanced security against forced entry.
Can composite doors be customised in terms of colour and style?
Absolutely! Truedor composite doors are available in a range of colours, finishes, and wood stains, allowing for a personalised look to suit any home.
What are the benefits of aluminium front doors?
Aluminium doors offer exceptional security with high-performance locking systems, better thermal efficiency with lower U-values, and a modern aesthetic that complements contemporary homes.
How do aluminium doors perform in terms of insulation?
Aluminium doors from Essex Window & Door Centre feature triple glazing and low U-values as low as 0.92 W/m²K, making them highly effective in retaining heat and reducing energy bills.
Can I design my own aluminium door with Spitfire?
Yes, Spitfire aluminium doors offer a bespoke service, allowing for custom designs, including sidelights, toplights, and varied door sizes to perfectly fit your home’s style and needs.
Are Spitfire aluminium doors suitable for all types of properties?
Absolutely. The Spitfire range includes doors that can be customised for any type of property, from classic to modern, and can be configured with sidelights, toplights, and various sizes to fit your specific requirements.
How do I choose between a composite and aluminium front door?
Consider your home’s style, your budget, maintenance preferences, and energy efficiency needs. Composite doors are ideal for traditional homes looking for durability with minimal upkeep. Aluminium doors are best suited for modern properties looking to combine cutting-edge design with superior performance.
Are you ready to enhance your home’s entrance with a composite or aluminium front door? Contact Essex Window & Door Centre today to find out more and receive a FREE quote. Our friendly team is here to help you make the right choice for your home.
