Composite Doors in Reading

A composite door is a valuable investment any homeowner would be glad to make due to its numerous benefits. Not only are they super energy efficient and good looking, but also exceptional when it comes to keeping your house warm and guaranteeing your safety and maximum security. They come in wide range of styles, colours as well as personalization options, which makes them one of the most popular and strongest door you can find in the market today. However, the question that hangs over the mind of many potential investors is how fade resistant are composite doors? Would the visual appeal remain intact for a long period of time or fade away after a few years of exposure to intense sun?

The last thing any homeower would want to see is a priced asset looking dull and tired only after a couple of years after installation. Owners of timber doors worry about having to re paint every couple of years. UPVC door owners worry that their doors can, at times, start to fade when exposed to a strong and intense sunlight. So what exactly do composite door owners worry about? The simple answer is absolutely nothing! Proud composite door owners only have to do a quick wash with a warm soapy water as upkeep for their long lasting and durable asset. This is because composite doors are typically made from Glass Reinforced Plastic outer skin which makes them highly resistant to the element. So whether it’s raining heavily or the sun is shining intensely, the colours of your beloved composite door will not fade and will remain exactly the same way it was when purchased. No matter what the UK weather throws at them, the reinforced plastic skin and robust core ensures the door remains water tight and in top condition always.

Composite doors have coloured skins rather than a coloured coating on their surface. This means that their colour is long-lasting and they don’t need repainting. If you want to change the colour of your composite door it’s best to ask the manufacturer about the best way to do this. This is because different composite doors are finished in different ways.

Do you have a composite door and wondering the best type of lock that can be used on your prized asset. To choose the right type of lock for a composite door, it’s of utmost importance to select one that’s designed to work perfectly with the composite configuration. By doing this, you’ll improve the security of your home while also achieving the desired look. To secure a composite door, the most common way is by incorporating a high security multipoint lock. Therefore, depending on the look you want for your door as well as how you want it to function, here are the four types of locks you can consider to go with your composite door.

• Split Spindle Lock

A split spindle lock would be your best bet if you’d like to automatically prevent access to your home from the outside. This lock allows you to open your door smoothly by utilizing the inside handle, however, you’ll need a key to turn the latch bolt to gain access back inside.

• Lever or Lever Lock

If you want an unhindered access in and out of your property, a lever lock gives you this opportunity without the need for a key until it’s totally deadlocked. The lever lock is installed to the back door which makes unauthorized entry even less likely.

• Slam Lock

If you’d prefer a super fast locking, then this lock type is your answer! It automatically triggers the lock hooks immediately you close the door - without having to lift the handle. However, to gain access to the inside of your home or bolt the door from the inside, you’ll need a key.

• Key Wind-Up Lock

This lock is wholly key operated and totally handle-free. Immediately the door is closed, the latch bolt will be automatically activated, ensuring that a key would be needed to gain access back inside.

If you’re going through new constructions or renovations and looking to change your old front door and install a brand new composite door, then you’re at the right place. Composite door fitting can be a DIY project but it’s essential to have the necessary training and experience before commencement. If not, we’d recommend you hire the services of a reliable professional to guarantee the best results and save yourself some time and money.Here, we’ll give a good insight into the composite door fitting process.

To get started, here are some of the tools that may be required - tape measure, hammer, stanley knife, crowbar, chisel, saw. Silicone sealant gun, spirit levels, electric drill ( including the hammer section), rubber mallet and 6mm socket spanner.

lPreparation

• Remove the existing door by rounding up the door frame firstly with a knife to reduce the possible damage to the wall.

• Cut through the door jambs.

• Remove each in two separate sections.

• Ensure the opening is level without any screws, mastic and filler.

lAlign Your Composite Door

• Ensure the sill of the door is level and flat.

• Make sure the frame is square and plumb in both planes.

• Bridge the cavity of the wall and cover the DPC

• Ensure that the frame is square. If not, your composite door won’t function as it should.

lInstall Your Composite Door

• Place the door in the frame.

• Hold the frame firmly in position with wedge packers

• Make sure the packers are positioned close to where the fixing will be placed.

• Make sure the jams are square and plumb in all planes by using a long spirit level.

• Secure the frame to the brickwork with the use of a drill.

• Place the fixings at the top and bottom of each hinge as well as each of the lock keep.

• Top fixings should be fitted 150mm and 250mm from each corner.