Expert Guide to Specifying Entrance Doors

Saying that, people are increasingly opting for more daring, vibrant shades like orange, yellow and pink, which really add a focal point to the front of a property and give it individuality.

Materials for front doors

The most widely-used materials are composite, PVCu and, for the higher end products, timber and aluminium.

PVCu and some composite units make for very cost-effective options, but be aware that quality varies.

Cheaper models on the market don’t generally present value for money, as with a front door you have to invest enough to ensure quality, security, longevity and stability.

Timber and aluminium doors usually offer a higher-quality finish, a more solid feel and better performance.

Technical specifications

The main technical factors that you need to weigh up are:

• Thermal performance One of the primary functions of any door is keeping the heat in and the cold out.
• Airtightness So many older units seal poorly onto the frame and let in drafts. Letter plates can also allow the cold air to come inside.
• Security Keeping your home safe is paramount. A high performance entrance door can deter burglars. Look for models that have been tested to PAS24 or Secured By Design standards. PAS24 testing is one of the ways you can achieve Part Q of Building Regs for security applying to new builds.
• Threshold Most people like to have a flush thoroughfare from outside into the house. To achieve this, it’s important to look at the cill or threshold details. Building Regs stipulate you must have a flush boundary on at least one entrance on a newly constructed property.

Installing entrance doors

The best way to go about having your new door fitted is to give the responsibility to the supplier, as this will provide you with peace of mind that everything is in the hands of one company.

Some are easy to install by the homeowner, but others can be slightly complicated and thus require more experience and knowledge. With guidance from a trusted professional, you should find the right solution for your requirements.

Matt Higgs is a director and co-owner of Kloeber UK. He has been involved in manufacture
and construction for over 20 years, and has experience in production, design, engineering and project management roles. For 10 years he has been on hand to advise self builders, developers and home improvers on doors and windows and has managed many glazing projects including Passivhaus builds, extensions and eco homes as well as large scale developments.