You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
in the middle of a renovation / build and it's time to order a new front door. Which I was just going to get from the glazing / bi-fold company. But then I thought I'll just check online what makes a secure good door and there seems to be a world of choice and some purport to be "ultimate security" etc , can't tell what is sales BS and what is genuine.
I had specified a composite door, but I'm just after a good door that won't be easy to break in through and will last a while.
So what do the collective recommend for good quality secure front doors ? What do I need to look for re security / construction etc ?
I'd rather not go for timber again - had to at the last place as we were in a Conservation area (which was a full PITA) and annual painting of the door was a job I never enjoyed.
Having being burgled in our old 30's house - I'm really keen to ensure that I do the best for security and looks with this new build.
Hoping STWers can point me in the right direction.
Doh.
We've recently fitted an aluminium door and it's fantastic.
Well insulated, closes perfectly and should never need painting.
But.... ££££
(We used Origin doors)
Solid core comp might be the way to go if you're fussed about having your door kicked in. Endurance Doors and Solidor were the two big players (when I used to work for Endurance Doors). Endurance use a laminate core, not sure exactly what Solidor use but it's not as good supposedly. They both use a vac formed outer so no faff with painting.
Both are super secure though I think they're both still behind foam core doors in terms of insulation, which might be a consideration. And whatever you do, if you're security conscious make sure you get a good, snap proof lock or you're wasting your time.
I think both (and foam cores to be fair) can suffer from warping and delamination in certain climates (like being near the sea).
I buy and fit my own Windows and doors from AWM in Doncaster.
New Solidor door with side panel on the way here, with better lock, better glass and lower threshold for £850 plus £30 of cover strips in case, plus fitting (myself and neighbour who is window fitter...)
https://www.doncasterupvcwindows.co.uk/
Rock Doors were recommended to us. They seem damn solid! Not cheap
Had a composite door fitted last year, after a fair bit of research I went with a Solidor one (seemed to be the best of the big makes from reviews, with a 48mm core so not sure what the poster above talking about them not being as good as Endurance ones means). Ended up pricey though, about £1700 fitted (had a few quotes so wasn't just one rip-off company). Looks great, had a couple of issues with it though, first the lock started getting really hard to open (worried about snapping the key tight), it wasn't the lock but the door alignment and then noticed a gap would appear on the internal frame when the door was opened. The install company fixed both issues (the second fitter apologising that the first lot hadn't done a great job), it's been fine since.
I did look at a steel or aluminium door but couldn't get pricing from anyone local and when I did from a national fitter it was pretty eye-watering.
Oh and if getting a designer one with glazing make sure you get a letterbox half way up not at the bottom else your postie will hate you, I ended up with an Italia Naples model
Consider the lock barrel being match to your backdoor, saves having lots of keys.
cheers fellas.
Rock door and Solidor seem to be quite popular. Will need to look at the make up of the panel.
Took a look at Origin doors and they are aluminium skin front and back with ply and foam internal.
So far the key point anyone has made is to make sure there is s one piece core. Not sure how secure the Origin door can be, with the central core part of the door being high density foam.
Will get a quote for a metal door, but I suspect it will make my eyes water.
Anyone got any more suggestions ?
We went rock door, solid, been in 10 years and still feels/looks great.
So far the key point anyone has made is to make sure there is s one piece core. Not sure how secure the Origin door can be, with the central core part of the door being high density foam.
secure enough, it is the hinges that give way. if it is south facing stay away from black.
The slabs are much of a muchness, GRP with a PU foam core.
Nothing useful to add, but I've never bought a door before but I'm keen to replace mine. Can't believe how expensive they are for a nice one, bonkers.
Hardest job in the world, selling front doors, door to door.
Yep couldn’t agree more - prices are bonkers
Its actually cheaper to get a solid wood door made by a chippie, than a composite door !
Bonkers