Common Problems With Composite Doors & How To Overcome Them

Composite doors can sometimes cause minor problems. Find out how to overcome them here.

Your front door is the first thing your guests see when visiting your home. It’s a statement piece that should be stylish, practical and welcoming.

uPVC composite doors offer the aesthetically pleasing benefits of their timber counterparts, as well as the added bonuses of superior quality and all-important durability, which make them an incredibly popular choice with homeowners. As with everything in this world, there are ups and downs when it comes to composite doors, don’t let this sway your decision though. In this blog, we discuss the potential downfalls of opting for composite doors, and provide guidance on how you can overcome them once and for all.

Problem 1: My Door Swells When The Sun Is On It

It’s completely normal for doors to swell, whether they are composite, wooden or uPVC. Unfortunately, they all suffer from swelling when it gets hot outside. When installing your composite door, your installer will ensure the hooks of your door are engaged, as this will help to protect them and ensure it  opens and closes with ease.

Another cause of swelling may be that your door is oversized. When the sun shines on your door, it will naturally swell and expand  further, making opening and closing almost impossible. To combat this issue, make sure the door you’re buying allows for swelling, especially if it will be south-facing.

Problem 2: I'm Struggling To Lock My Door

It’s also  common for composite doors to drop, which in turn misaligns the locking mechanism. If the door locks in the open position, then the issue can be simply resolved with the adjustment of the lock. If the door is difficult to lock when open and is stiff, it may well be a mechanical fault. To resolve this issue, you will need to seek advice from your door installer.

Problem 3: I Have A Stain On My Composite Door

Wear and tear will occur naturally over time. As a result, stains are inevitable, so don’t panic. If your composite door has weather stains or has suffered at the mucky hands of little ones or visitors, then you can simply wipe them clean with a soft cloth and clean, soapy water. If the stain is proving to be a little stubborn, then you will need to try a uPVC cleaning product.

Composite doors are generally more expensive than uPVC, as they are made from a number of different materials, which are glued together under high pressure conditions and are generally thicker than their uPVC counterparts. This means that they are generally more energy-efficient. Plus, there’s often a bigger and better range of styles and colours.

Fortunately, advances in uPVC mean the difference between the two popular types of doors are becoming less, however, your local Independent Network installer will be able to offer you the very best advice based on your needs, style and budget.

For homeowners, composite doors are often a number one choice thanks to the wide range of designs available, as well as the added durability and security. The pros most definitely outweigh the cons, as the most common problems associated with composite doors are very minor and, as a result, can be defeated through simple fixes, as illustrated in this blog. If you’re a homeowner who’s interested in finding out more about the installation of a composite door for your home, as well as the various options available to you, then click here to find your local installer and get in touch today.