UPVC or Composite front door

[dobbass]

Hi
I'm in the process of replacing windows and doors from single glazed to double glazed upvc but I wasn't aware that you can get a composite upvc door which is much more hard wearing. The cost tends to be on average £2-300 more, but is this worth it for a door which will be more durable?
Any advice gratefully received.!


thanks
Dobbass

[ram]

Provided to make sure a timber framed door is treated and painted
correctly. ( Round the edges and particulaly the bottom ) then
stick with timber.

I have seen too many doors that after fitment, they have no
protection at the hinge, and no paint whatsoever at the underside
of the door.

This applies to anything.
I have had to insist with builders, that they cut any timber that
needs fitting, to correct size, but before they fit it, they paint
ALL sides and edges, wait a few days for paint to dry this weather,
then they can nail / screw the timber in place.

Otherwise, they fit raw timber, and only paint the sides you can see,
so water gets behind, and if no protection, starts rotting from dayone.

Doors are a bit different, as they are thick and take 50 / 100 years
to rot at the bottom.

Also, having seen on T.V. police bashing doors down with the
"enforcer" battering ram, Have seen PVC doors come apart.
The frame stays intact, so does the lockandhandle, but the inner
part just pops out.
Not very secure ! but you can get through any door with enough
force, but seems too easy with "Plastic" doors.

[mk1fan]

Depends on what you want from the door. What do you mean by 'durable'?

[dobbass]

Thanks Ram, but timber door isn't in the running as it is susceptible to warping with the damp.
Appreciate the advice all the same.
Dob

[dobbass]

Hi MK1fan
By durable I mean will it withstand normal - ish wear and tear and traffic any better than a plain UPVC door. Am i likely to be replacing the door inside 24 months (albeit partially through the tennants bond).
thanks
Dob

[mk1fan]

Even the cheapest uPVC door will last 24-months normal wear and tear.

[Interlaken]

I have yet to have a UPVC door replaced yet and some of mine are 15 years old. Have you not seen on TV the police trying to get in through such doors on drugs raids - they really take some hammering?
A couple of years ago a tradesman tried to get me to have a composite at 3 X the price but I could not see any advantage. Another pyramid selling scam I expect.


I think the opposite of RAM and would get rid of any wooden exterior door that gave trouble.

[Hudson01]

I think the costs of composite doors have come down recenlty and i for one would consider it over a standard UPVC, i do think they are better made and you can tell how well made they are by just the feel, i know they will withstand an '' attack '' better than a standard UPVC (I know because i have seen them put in !), Although they are a bit more i think they could add to the rental package as they can be sold as more secure ? If you rent to say a single woman or womann and child then i think this could be a benefit.

[midlandslandlord]

In any case I go for bump-proof locks, as they are only perhaps £20 extra.

Just don't lose all the keys.

ML