Your front door is key for your home's first impression and security. It should match your home's style and hallway. It's not just about looks; it also affects your home's security and energy use.

There are many styles, materials, and features to choose from. This guide will help you pick the best front door for your home.

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Key Takeaways

• Understand the importance of choosing the right external door for your home's curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency.
• Explore the wide range of door materials, styles, and features available, including uPVC, wood, and composite.
• Consider the thermal efficiency and insulation properties of your front door to minimise heat loss and reduce energy bills.
• Prioritise security features like multi-point locking systems and reinforced frames for maximum protection.
• Ensure a perfect fit in the frame to optimise your door's performance and appearance.

Finding the right external door for your home can be tough. But with this guide, you're on the right path. You'll find a door that's stylish, secure, and energy-efficient. So, let's start and find the perfect door for your home.

Why Buy a New External Door?

Your front door is key to your home's look. It's vital to keep it in top shape. You might need a new one for better energy use, more security, or to make your home look better.

Signs You Need a New Front Door

If your front door is letting cold air in or making your home less secure, it's time for a change. You might also need a new door if it's hard to open or doesn't fit your home's style anymore.

• Your front door is drafty, leading to energy inefficiency and higher heating/cooling costs
• The door is difficult to open or close, indicating potential issues with the frame or hinges
• The door's appearance no longer matches the style of your home
• The door's security features are outdated or inadequate
• You want to improve your home's curb appeal and resale value

Your front door is a big part of your home's look. So, if it's old-fashioned or doesn't fit your home's style, it's time for a new one.

Reasons to Replace Front Door	When to Replace Front Door	Signs You Need a New Front Door
Energy efficiency, security, aesthetics	Drafty, difficult to open/close, outdated style	Drafty, security issues, poor appearance

Factors to Consider When Selecting an External Door

Choosing the right external door for your home involves several key factors. These include the material, glazing, thermal efficiency, and security features. Each plays a vital role in finding a door that matches your property and taste.

First, think about the door's style and design. Do you like a classic look or something more modern? Doors come in many styles, from simple to ornate. Make sure the door fits your home's architecture and character.

• Explore a variety of door styles, from classic glazed to modern minimalist designs
• Ensure the door size and configuration, such as a single or double door, aligns with your entryway dimensions
• Choose a door material that fits the style of your home, whether it's uPVC, wood, or composite

The door material is crucial. uPVC doors are easy to maintain, energy-efficient, and secure. Wooden doors have a timeless appeal. Composite doors offer durability, energy efficiency, and design variety.

Material	Pros	Cons
uPVC	Low maintenance, high thermal efficiency, security features	Limited customization, lower longevity, may not suit traditional properties
Wooden	Aesthetic versatility, secure build with high-quality materials, easy repair	High cost, vulnerability to draughts with low-quality materials
Composite	Excellent security, low maintenance, high energy efficiency, wide variety of styles	Higher cost compared to other materials

Glazing options are also key. The right glass can improve natural light, security, and energy efficiency. Toughened security glass is essential for preventing break-ins.

Thermal efficiency and security are vital. A good external door can save energy and enhance security. Look for doors with advanced locks and strong frames for safety.

By considering these factors, you can choose an external door that suits your home's style and meets your needs. Work with trusted suppliers and measure your entryway accurately for a perfect fit.

Materials for External Doors

Choosing the right external door for your home is important. The material it's made from is key. Let's look at the main options to help you decide.

uPVC Doors

uPVC doors are popular for being easy to care for and offering many design choices. They come in lots of colours and styles, perfect for modern homes. Even though they might not look as fancy, they're reliable and good value.

Wooden Doors

Wooden doors are a classic choice, adding a traditional charm to your home. They're strong and can handle the weather, but need regular care to stay looking good. Wooden doors are great for homes that love a classic look.

Composite Doors

Composite doors mix the beauty of wood with the strength of modern materials. They're made from a mix of materials like glass-reinforced fibre and steel. These doors are warm, efficient, and come in many designs, making them a favourite among homeowners.

Material	Strength	Wear and Tear	Maintenance	Insulation	Aesthetics	Cost
Aluminium	Very Strong	Resilient to Warping	Low Maintenance	Excellent Efficiency	Sleek and Contemporary	Higher
Wood	Strong	Susceptible to Warping	Requires Regular Treatment	Reasonable Insulation	Traditional and Varied Designs	Moderate
Composite	Reasonably Strong	Reasonably Durable	Reasonably Low Maintenance	Reasonable Efficiency	Woodgrain Effects but Limited Colours	Affordable
uPVC	Weakest	Can Warp, Expand, and Contract	Reasonably Low Maintenance	Varying Quality	Least Aesthetically Pleasing	Cheapest

In summary, picking the right door materials for your home's exterior is key. It's about finding the right mix of function, looks, and cost. Whether you choose uPVC doors, wooden doors, or composite doors, each has its own benefits to match your needs and style.

Glazing Options for External Doors

Decorative glazed panels can greatly improve your front door's look and function. You can choose from clear, frosted, or opaque glass. Each type adds a special touch to your home's entrance.

Glazed Panels for Natural Light

Glazed panels let more natural light into your entrance hall. Some people like clear glass to see who's at the door. Others prefer frosted glass for privacy. It's important to use toughened glass for better security.

Here's a table to help you decide:

Glazing Type	Transparency	Privacy	Security	Approx. Cost (inc. VAT)
Clear Glass	High	Low	Moderate	£109.10 - £291.39
Frosted Glass	Moderate	High	Moderate	£291.39 - £610.01
Opaque Glass	Low	High	High	£610.01 - £935.91

Think about what you need and want. Choose the right glazing for your front door. It will make your entrance look great and work well.

Thermal Efficiency Considerations

Choosing the right external door for your home is important. A poorly insulated door can cause heat loss, leading to higher bills and discomfort. Luckily, there are energy-efficient options that keep your home warm and save money.

Look at the door's U-Value to check its insulation. A lower U-Value means better insulation. For instance, a solid wooden door has a U-Value of 3.0W, while uPVC can be as low as 1.8W. Aim for a U-Value of 1.8W/m2K or lower for the best performance.

The door's energy rating is also key. Ratings range from 'A+' for top efficiency to 'G' for the worst. The average UK home is a 'D' rating. Choose a door with a rating of 'C' or higher to support your energy goals.

Material	U-Value	Energy Rating
Solid Wooden Door	3.0W	D
uPVC Door	1.8W	B
Insulated Steel Door	1.6W	A
Composite Door	1.2W	A+

Choosing an energy efficient front door greatly reduces heat loss. This makes your home more comfortable and saves on energy bills. It also helps make your home more eco-friendly.

Security Features for External Doors

The front door is key to keeping our homes safe. At Everest, we mix style with security to meet your needs. Our doors are designed to protect your family and belongings.

Locks are a big part of door security. We suggest a multi-point locking system. This includes mortice and euro cylinder locks for better security. Also, choose locks that meet British Standards like TS 007 or SS 312 diamond.

Security Feature	Importance	Recommended Standard
Multi-point Locking System	Improves resistance to forced entry	-
Mortice Lock	Provides a secure primary lock	BS 3621 or EN 13309
Euro Cylinder Lock	Enhances overall security	TS 007 or SS 312 diamond
Reinforced Steel Door Frame	Prevents the door from being forced off	-
Hinge Guards	Adds an extra layer of protection	-

The material and build of the door matter too. Composite doors are strong and hard to break into. They're made from wood, PVC, and glass-reinforced plastic.

Everest focuses on keeping your home safe. Our doors are stylish, energy-efficient, and meet high security standards. They have Secured by Design (SBD) accreditations. Choose an Everest door for peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right External Door for Your Home

Choosing the right front door is key for your home. You need to think about the material, glazing, thermal efficiency, and security. The right door can make your home look better, feel cozier, and safer.

Here are the main things to look at when picking an external door:

1. Material: Wooden, uPVC, and composite doors have their own perks. Wooden doors add security and keep warm. Composite doors are strong and save energy. uPVC doors are cheaper and block sound well.
2. Glazing: Glazed panels let in light, but think about privacy and safety too.
3. Thermal Efficiency: A well-insulated door can cut down on bills and keep your home warm.
4. Security Features: Look for strong locks, sturdy frames, and other safety features to guard your home.
5. Style and Design: Your door's look can really affect your home's curb appeal. Pick a style that fits your home's look and feel.

Think about these points to find the perfect door for your home. Remember, a new door can cost over £1,000. So, do your homework and choose wisely.

Material	Cost Range	Lifespan	Thermal Efficiency
Wooden	£5,000 - £10,000	30 years	High
uPVC	£250 - £500	10 years	Low
Composite	£900 - £1,500	35+ years	High

Door Styles and Designs

Choosing the perfect external door for your home can be exciting. There are many front door styles and designs to explore. This lets you find a door that matches your home's style and your taste.

From classic glazed doors to modern steel-look designs, there's a lot to choose from. You might prefer a wooden door for its traditional look or a uPVC or composite door for its durability. The right door can greatly improve your home's look and feel.

When picking a front door, think about how it will look with your home. A good door can really enhance your home's character. Whether you like the elegance of a wooden door or the modern look of a metal door, there's something for everyone.

Exploring Front Door Styles

Here are some front door styles to consider:

• Traditional wooden doors for a classic look
• Contemporary, minimalist designs for a modern feel
• Glazed doors for more natural light
• Country cottage-inspired doors for a rustic charm
• Composite doors for durability and a woodgrain finish

Door Style	Key Features	Suitable Architectural Styles
Wooden Doors	Timeless appeal, versatile, secure, thermally efficient	Traditional, period, country, modern
Contemporary Doors	Sleek, minimalist design, durable materials, energy-efficient	Modern, industrial, minimalist
Glazed Doors	Increased natural light, versatile design options, enhanced visibility	Traditional, contemporary, country

The right front door can really change your home's look and feel. By looking at different styles and designs, you can find a door that fits your home and your style perfectly.

Getting the Right Fit for Your External Door

Choosing the right external door for your home is key. Measuring for a new front door and ensuring it fits well is vital. A door that doesn't fit right can cause drafts, security problems, and look bad.

Measuring for the Perfect Fit

To get the perfect fit, measure the width and height of the frame at different points. Measure at the top, middle, and bottom. Then, subtract 10mm from the smallest measurement to find the ideal door size. This ensures a secure and snug fit.

Think about the door swing (left or right-hand) and any accessibility needs when choosing. By measuring and planning well, your new door will look great and work perfectly.

Installing a new front or back door usually takes between two and four hours. But, hiring a professional can save you time. They ensure the door is installed securely, with the right weatherproofing and security features.

Measurement Considerations	Recommended Practices
Width and height of the frame	Measure at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the smallest measurement minus 10mm
Door swing (left or right-hand)	Ensure the door swing matches your needs and accessibility requirements
Trimming allowance	Different door types allow varying amounts of trimming for the perfect fit
Gap sizes	Aim for a 2mm gap on either side and at the top, with the bottom gap depending on flooring/carpet thickness
Hinge requirements	At least three hinges are recommended for an external door installation

By carefully measuring and considering all the relevant factors, you can ensure your new external door fits seamlessly. It will provide the perfect combination of style, security, and energy efficiency for your home.

External Door Installation and Warranties

When we choose a new front door, we look for quality and peace of mind. A good door should look great and come with strong installation and warranty promises. Suppliers like Window Wise offer warranties that cover any issues within a certain time frame.

They might replace faulty parts or even the whole door if we're not happy. This gives us confidence in our choice.

Pre-hung door sets make installation easier. They come with the frame attached, saving us time and effort. Thinking about these details helps us pick the right door for our homes.

At Window Wise, we've been in business for over 34 years. We guarantee our work and products for 10 years. Our Duo Composite doors are especially durable, thanks to steel reinforcement in both frames.

They're also 54% thicker than usual UK composite doors. This makes them last longer.