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Composite Doors vs UPVC: Which is Best for You?

When choosing a new front door for your Yorkshire home, two popular options are often at the forefront of every conversation; composite and uPVC doors.

These materials offer excellent benefits, but which one is the right choice for you? Truth be told, both types of doors are recognised as great options, so the best selection for you will depend on your unique priorities – for example, whether you’re looking for a door that excels at thermal efficiency, is more affordable, secure, and the list goes on.

That’s why we’ve put this guide together, to break down those key factors, and closely examine which door will excel in the right departments for your property.

What is uPVC?

uPVC, or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, has been the UK’s most popular door and window material since the 1980s. These doors are made from a rigid, plastic-based material that’s known for its durability, affordability, and low maintenance requirements.

One common misconception about uPVC doors is that they’re only available in plain white. However, modern uPVC doors come in a wide range of colours and even realistic woodgrain effects, giving them the ability to boost the aesthetic appeal of any property.

White uPVC windows and doors

White uPVC windows and doors

What are Composite Doors?

Composite doors, as the name suggests, are made from a combination of materials. They typically feature a high-density foam encased in a durable glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) outer skin. This unique construction began gaining traction in the late 1990s and has since become a popular choice for homeowners seeking a robust, energy-efficient door option.

Key Factors to Consider: Composite Doors v uPVC

Thermal Efficiency

When it comes to keeping your home warm and reducing energy bills, composite doors have a slight edge. The foam insulation provides excellent thermal performance, helping to trap heat inside your home. uPVC doors are also good insulators, but they may not match the superior thermal efficiency of quality composite doors.

Affordability

If budget is a primary concern, uPVC doors are often the more affordable option. Their ability to be mass-produced easily contributes to their lower cost, an important factor for budget-conscious homeowners.

Weather Resistance

Both composite and uPVC doors offer excellent resistance to extreme weather conditions. The GRP skin of composite doors is highly durable and resistant to warping, twisting, or cracking. uPVC doors are also well-known for their ability to withstand harsh weather in the long run without rotting, rusting, or corroding.

The robust GRP outer-skin of a composite door makes it a long-lasting solution.

Longevity

While both door types are built to last, composite doors often have a slight advantage in terms of lifespan, something worth considering when making the initial outlay. The combination of materials used in their construction makes them incredibly robust and resistant to wear and tear. uPVC doors are also durable, but they may show signs of ageing slightly earlier than their composite counterparts.

Security

Both composite and uPVC doors can be fitted with high-security locking systems, making them excellent choices for keeping your home safe. However, multi-layered manufacturing process of composite doors gives them an edge in terms of overall strength and robustness. uPVC doors are reinforced with metal for added strength, but they may not match the inherent sturdiness of a quality composite door.

Low Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of both composite and uPVC doors is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike timber doors, neither option needs regular painting or varnishing. Both can be kept clean with an occasional wipe down using soapy water, making them ideal for busy homeowners.

Appearance

Both door types offer a wide range of styles and colour options to suit various home aesthetics. uPVC doors have come a long way in terms of appearance and now offer realistic woodgrain effects that can mimic the look of traditional timber doors. Composite doors are known for their authentic wood-like appearance and are available in a variety of colours and finishes to complement both modern and period properties.

Grey uPVC French doors

uPVC doors have come a long way when it comes to their ability to be customised.

Colours Available

uPVC Door Colours

uPVC doors from Clear Vision are available in a wide range of colours to suit any home style. Options include classic shades like white and cream, as well as more contemporary choices such as anthracite grey and slate grey. For those who prefer a traditional look, wood effect finishes like golden oak, rosewood, and Irish oak are also available. Some popular colour choices include:

  • Agate Grey
  • Black Brown
  • Brilliant Blue
  • Chartwell Green
  • Dark Green
  • Dark Red
  • Mahogany
  • Natural Oak

View our full range of stunning uPVC door colours. 

Composite Door Colours

Composite doors offer an even broader spectrum of colour options, allowing homeowners to truly personalise their entrance. The Dales Collection from Clear Vision features 15 stunning colours, ranging from classic to contemporary. Some popular choices include:

  • Slate Grey
  • Royal Magenta
  • Moondust
  • Heritage Green
  • Gothic Black
  • French Blue
  • Duck Egg Blue
  • Derwent Blue
  • Berry Red

Additionally, composite doors can be sprayed to any RAL colour, providing endless possibilities for customisation.

Composite doors are available in striking and minimalist shades.

What’s the verdict?

Both composite and uPVC doors are excellent options for Yorkshire homes, offering durability, energy efficiency, and attractive aesthetics. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences, and we’re confident that you wouldn’t be disappointed with either.

Choose a uPVC door if:

  • You’re working with a tighter budget
  • You want a low-maintenance option
  • You’re happy with the range of colours and wood effects available

Opt for a composite door if:

  • You’re willing to invest more for superior thermal efficiency and longevity
  • You want the most robust and secure option available
  • You’re after a wider range of colour choices and a more authentic wood-like appearance

Whichever option you choose, both composite and uPVC doors will provide a significant upgrade to your home’s entrance, improving its kerb appeal, energy efficiency, and security.

Grey composite front door

Grey composite front door

About ClearVision

Clear Vision is a family-run business based in Yorkshire, specialising in high-quality windows, doors, and other home improvement products. We work in partnership with Eurocell to provide and install a comprehensive range of windows, doors, roofline products, and living space options.

Our product range includes:

We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, energy efficiency, and customer satisfaction. All our products come with a 10-year guarantee, giving you peace of mind that you’re investing in durable, long-lasting solutions for your home.

Our team of experienced fitters works to the highest standards, ensuring a perfect installation every time. We believe in building lasting relationships with our customers based on trust, transparency, and respect.

If you’re considering new doors for your Yorkshire home and would like expert advice on whether composite or uPVC doors are right for you, we’re here to help. Visit our showroom at Dryson House, York Road Industrial Estate, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 7SU, open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-12pm.

For more information or to request a quote, call us on 01937 413207 or email sales@clearvision.co.uk. We’re competitively priced and are confident in beating any like-for-like quotation. Let Clear Vision help you transform your home with the perfect doors to suit your style and budget.

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