One of the questions we get asked most often, whether we are fitting a front door in a new build on the outskirts of Swindon or replacing a tired old door on a terrace near the town centre, is whether to go for composite or uPVC. Both are good products, but they suit different homes and different priorities. Here is how we would explain the difference.
What is the actual difference?
A uPVC door is made from the same plastic profile used in window frames, usually with a foam core for insulation. A composite door is built up from several materials layered together, typically a solid timber core, insulating foam, and a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) outer skin. That layered construction is what gives composite doors their extra strength and their more solid, timber-like feel when you close them.
Appearance
This is usually the deciding factor for a lot of homeowners across Swindon. Composite doors are moulded to replicate genuine timber grain and can be finished in a very wide range of colours and styles, from traditional cottage designs that suit the older streets around Old Town, to sleek contemporary styles that fit newer developments out towards Wichelstowe and the wider Swindon expansion areas. uPVC doors have improved a great deal over the years and now come in a decent range of colours too, but they generally have a smoother, more uniform finish that some people prefer and others find less characterful.
Durability
Composite doors tend to win here. Because the outer skin is GRP rather than plastic, composite doors resist fading, warping and scratching noticeably better over time, which matters on doors that face south or catch the worst of the weather, common on more exposed properties around the edges of Swindon and in villages such as Wroughton. uPVC doors are still a durable, low maintenance option and will comfortably outlast a poorly maintained timber door, but composite is the more robust choice if your door takes a real battering from sun and rain.
Security
Both door types available from reputable installers will come with multi-point locking systems as standard, and the security difference between a good uPVC door and a good composite door is smaller than people often assume. What matters more than the material is the quality of the locking mechanism and hinges fitted, so it is worth asking any installer exactly what hardware is included rather than judging purely by the door material.
Thermal performance
Composite doors generally have the edge on thermal performance thanks to their solid core construction, which is worth factoring in if your home is on a colder, more exposed plot. That said, a well made uPVC door with a good foam core will still perform a great deal better than most older timber doors, so either option represents a significant upgrade if you are replacing something from the 1990s or earlier.
Price
uPVC doors are typically the more affordable option, which makes them a sensible choice for rental properties, secondary doors, or homeowners working to a tighter budget. Composite doors sit at a higher price point but often work out as better long-term value given their durability, particularly if you are planning to stay in the property for years to come.
Which is right for your home
If budget is the main consideration, or the door in question is a side or back door that will not be seen from the street, uPVC is a perfectly sensible and cost-effective choice. If the front door is the focal point of the house, faces a lot of weather, or you want the closest look to genuine timber without the maintenance, composite is usually worth the extra outlay.
We fit both composite and uPVC doors across Swindon and the surrounding towns and villages, and we are always happy to bring samples out so you can see and feel the difference in person before deciding. Get in touch or call us on 01793 480155 for a free, no obligation quote.
