As the main entrance to a home, doors play a key role in both security and the overall look of a property. That’s why they come in a variety of styles and materials, from which you can choose the best fit for your needs and tastes. To help you make the most informed choice when buying a new external door, we’ve put together this handy guide on the different types of exterior doors available. It will help you decide which one is right for you, along with providing some top tips on how to maintain your door.
The most common type of external door is a uPVC exterior door. This type of door is the most affordable and is available in a range of styles and colours to suit both traditional and modern homes. It also benefits from a low maintenance requirement, and is very durable and strong. However, it is important to remember that uPVC can warp over time so it will require regular treatment to prevent this from happening.
Wooden exterior doors are a more traditional option, and offer a beautiful natural appearance to complement both modern and dated properties. These doors are often a little more expensive than uPVC doors, but they do offer superior insulation and will last for a lifetime when properly treated and maintained.
A composite exterior door is a great mid-range option that offers the durability of a uPVC front door with the style and charm of a solid wood door. These doors are made from a mix of materials and have a timber core which helps them to feel more solid or genuine than some other door types. They also have an insulating foam backing which makes them very energy efficient, and can reduce noise pollution from outside.
Bifold doors open up a space and allow more light to flood into your home. They’re a fantastic way to bring the outside in and can look really striking when dressed with long curtains that hang down the sides of the opening. They can be double or triple glazed to further improve the thermal efficiency of your home, and are easy to clean and maintain.
The FD30 fire rating is a key consideration when choosing an external door. This rating indicates that the door meets a certain standard of fire safety, and is often required for commercial or residential buildings where there is a risk of a fire breaking out. It is important to note that while this rating is standard, the requirements can vary between regions so it’s worth checking your local regulations before purchasing a fire-rated door.
While it is not a necessity to have all exterior doors match, many people like their front door and back door to carry a similar design or material theme. It can really boost kerb appeal and create a seamless look throughout the property.