Composite doors boast a number of unique benefits like increased durability, low maintenance and extra security. These selling points have allowed composite doors to become incredibly popular.
But while these features are certainly nice, it’s important to question how long composite doors last because without longevity, these other benefits hardly matter. So, let’s dig into exactly how long you can expect your composite door to last.
How Long Do Composite Doors Last?
While there are certainly a number of factors that can affect the lifespan of a composite door, typically you can expect a good quality one to last upwards of 30 years.
Composite doors are known for their longevity and low maintenance, but taking care of your door will help extend its lifespan too.
Again, it’s worth reiterating that not all doors are made the same. For example, NOW Aluminium will always use a solid timber core, uPVC outer skin and extremely high quality adhesives in the assembly process. This upfront effort is what ensures our composite doors last for decades.
Some manufacturers are willing to cut certain corners to bring down their costs, but it also means you will be left with a product that just won’t last nearly as long.
Why Do Composite Doors Last So Long?
The keyword to note here is “composite”. These doors are made up of a collection of high quality materials that together are worth more than the sum of their parts.
A timber frame which provides the door’s strength with stability and high thermal efficiency which is the benchmark for a long last door.
However, timber is prone to elemental damage from rain, wind and the sun such as warping or swelling. This is why composite doors have an outer skin made of fibreglass or uPVC which protects the core from these issues.
Metal is often also used to reinforce the base and frame of the door which gives it added security that stands up very well to brute force.
Finally, NOW Aluminium doors also use CoolSkin as their outer skin which makes our doors even better at standing up to heat damage and makes our doors impervious to warping in the sun.
Composite Doors Vs uPVC Doors
uPVC doors are a cheaper, more lightweight alternative to composite doors but that also comes with a number of drawbacks. They are made by encasing an insulated steel frame in unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC).
While not a matter of durability or longevity, uPVC doors also have a plastic-like finish that many people simply don’t appreciate as much as the grand, wooden features of a composite door.
How Long Do uPVC Doors Last?
uPVC doesn’t have the durability or longevity of a composite door. Most uPVC doors have an expected lifespan of around 20 years and lack the thickness and security that composite doors with, their timber frame, can boast. Their lack of rigidity means they’re prone to dropping and their colour often fades.
Composite Door Maintenance
Another huge benefit of composite doors is that they are incredibly easy to maintain. Unlike purely wooden doors, you don’t need to worry about chipping paint or re-varnishing jobs.
At most, you just need to keep your composite door clean of any debris that can appear over time. But warm water and a soft cloth is more than enough to do this. Just be sure not to use any harsh soaps or solvents as this could damage the finish.
One area that may need a little extra maintenance is the locks. Over time these can stiffen. Make sure to use a Teflon-based lubricant every six months (or when you notice any stiffening).
Summary
Composite doors are known for their longevity and can last upwards of 30 years. But if you want to guarantee a long lifespan, then it’s important to buy from a trusted seller that uses only the highest quality materials like NOW Aluminium, and ensure you do some basic maintenance work to keep your composite door in top condition.
If you have any questions about our composite doors, make sure to get in touch with us today!
