PVCu or double-rebate composite doors?
Choosing the right front door is a big decision, with so many different suppliers, products, styles, colours and hardware to think about. Not only does a front door need to look great, but it must also provide security, energy efficiency and ease of operation.
Whilst modern replacement front doors all tend to offer these benefits, some are better than others and costs can vary. The following information will help you to make an informed decision when choosing your new front door.
At Window Wise, we have a range of tools to help you choose the right door. We can superimpose different styles onto your home, or send you our online door configurator so you can take all the time you need or visit our showroom with an array of doors on display.
In this guide we are going to discuss the differences between PVCu doors, single rebate composite doors and double rebated composite doors.
PVCu doors
PVCu doors are well suited for both front and back doors.
Manufactured from 100% lead-free PVCu, our doors feature multi-chambered profiles, which lock in warm air and make them highly energy efficient.
One of the key aspects of PVCu doors is the huge choice of style and finish that is available. Contemporary or traditional, solid or glazed, there is really no limit to the combinations on offer.
Where required, all our PVCu doors are fitted with double-glazed, toughened safety glass that is WER (Window Energy Rating) A-Rated, for energy efficiency.
From a cost perspective, the breadth of choice means that PVCu doors can be a slightly less expensive alternative, depending on the elements selected.
They are available in contemporary white or traditional timber finishes with cottage styling, through to a range of Georgian designs with glazed panes set in astragal bars.
Perhaps you are looking for a stable door to your back garden, or a fully glazed front door to give your hallway plenty of natural light – we can design the door that suits you.
In terms of colour and grain, you can choose from our selection of standard, more traditional finishes. However, if you would like to tailor your PVCu door to a particular look, there are hundreds of combinations in woodgrain or solid colour finishes.
The PVCu finish reduces the need for cleaning and maintenance by retaining its clean appearance.
This is achieved because the material’s finish resists airborne pollutants and mould.
Composite doors
As the name indicates, a composite door is made up of more than one material.
Manufactured from durable synthetic materials, composite doors are a hardwearing option, with a reinforced core and heavy-duty surface that offers security.
This combination of materials is specially selected to create an incredibly strong fabrication, which is highly insulating, as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Single Rebate or Double Rebate?
Above, we have shown the difference between a single and a double-rebate door. At Window Wise we believe in offering superior, high quality products and that is why we only supply and install a double-rebate composite door rather than the industry standard single rebate.
Constructed to be 54% thicker (68mm) than a single rebate composite door (44mm), Our ‘DUO’ composite double-rebate doors are steel reinforced and at their core is high density, CFC-free, polyurethane foam. The outer material is GRP (Glass reinforced polymer) with natural woodgrain finish.
With 28 styles to choose from, we are confident you will find the perfect door for your home. Whether for a rural setting or a statement contemporary home, we offer an array of styles, colours and glazing options.
A glazed double rebate composite door will be installed with triple toughened safety glass as standard, to further enhance its insulating properties. As a result, noise reduction is a subsequent, additional feature of these substantial doors.
The glass reinforced polymer (GRP) that is used for the external surface of composite Duo Doors is extremely durable. This means that colour and condition is maintained over many years thanks to the material’s waterproof qualities and resistance to UV fading.
Hardware options
PVCu doors
With our PVCu doors, there are two door handle styles available – a modern lever ‘pad’ handle, or a classic scroll lever.
Both styles come in a choice of aluminium or stainless-steel construction, and seven white or metallic finishes.
Composite Doors
With composite doors there is also a choice of hardware in range of white or metallic finishes.
From classic and pad lever handles, to pull bars and knockers, it’s possible to customise this important aspect of your door.
Security
All doors supplied and installed at Window Wise carry the ‘Secure by Design’ mark for increased safety, protection and peace of mind. Secure by Design is a police initiative and we are proud to offer this on all our products.
Energy efficiency
PVCu doors
Our PVCu doors have a chamfered door and frame. These features enhance their energy efficiency.
The weather bar, carefully designed threshold and sub cill form a profile that is designed to keep draughts out and warmth in.
Solid, reinforced panels can be built into any part of the door by using additional transoms and mullions, according to the required design.
Double-glazed, toughened, A-Rated glass ensures that glazed PVCu doors are weather-proof and warm.
Composite double-rebate doors
Energy efficiency of replacement doors and windows is measured in U-Values, which measure the amount of energy lost. An energy efficient door should achieve a U-Value of 1.6W/m2K or less.
Because composite DuoDoors create a highly effective, insulating seal, they are able to achieve a U-Value of 0.8 or less. Exceeding building regulations. This low U-Value is additionally achieved because the doors are 54% thicker than a standard composite door.
If you would like to see some inspiring examples of PVCu and composite DuoDoors, we would be pleased to welcome you at our showroom.
To discuss your specific requirements for a replacement door, please call us on 01444 45 71 45.