What’s in a door?
Congratulations. If you’re choosing which uPVC door is right for your home, you’ve already made some important decisions. For example, you’ve decided that uPVC is the right material for your specific needs.
A great many homeowners choose uPVC doors because they offer a great many benefits. They’re strong and secure and they’re energy efficient, which is important. A lot of people don’t realise how much heat can be lost through a doorway, even when the door is closed. uPVC doors require very little maintenance compared to some doors made with other materials. You just have to keep them clean, lubricate the working parts and check the weather seals every once in a while. With little effort, your uPVC doors will keep their showroom shine for many years to come. When you combine the benefits of durability, minimum maintenance, energy savings, and longevity, uPVC doors offer excellent long-term cost efficiency.
uPVC doors also come in a much greater range of styles, colours, glazing and accessory choices, compared to some doors made of other materials. And, if it seems a bit daunting trying to decide on which combination of styles, colours and fixtures to choose within your budget, don’t worry, you’ll find the answers below.
What are the different types uPVC Door and what should I look out for?
uPVC is used in a number of different kinds of door – residential front doors, side doors, back doors, French doors, and patio doors. As each door is individually made to meet your unique specifications, there are a great many options to choose from.
Depending on the size of your doorway and the style of your property, you may wish to have a double front door rather than a single door. Some people prefer glazed front doors which allow more light into their hallway. Double and triple glazing options are available, so you can also create your own unique coloured glass window. Then there’s the overall style of your door which can be anything from minimalist modern, to Georgian style, depending on your individual taste and the architectural style of your home.
Overall, uPVC doors offer a broad selection of styles and practical advantages such as durability, minimal maintenance, energy efficiency and security, while composite, aluminium and wooden doors each bring their own unique strengths.
Which security features are available for uPVC doors?
In selecting uPVC, you have already chosen a robust door which will stand up to the effects of weather, time, and the rigors of daily life.
The most important security decision is the lock you choose. With a traditional lock your door is secured at the hinge points and where the mortice enters the door jamb. This will delay an intruder but not deter them. A multi-point locking system, on the other hand, secures your door in several places. Depending on the make and model, there can be multiple secure points along the length of the door.
If you have chosen a door with glazing, you must ensure they have thermally toughened safety glass to meet Irish regulations. It’s also best to have internal glazing for added security.
How do I choose the right door furniture and hardware?
We’re all so used to going in and out of doors that most of us don’t even notice all the accessories and add-ons on most front doors: letterboxes, locking systems, door knobs, door handles, knockers, house numbers and more. Not all of them are essential but they’re worth considering, whether for their usefulness or for the way they enhance the overall look of your home.
The best approach is to prioritise the essentials. What type of lock? What kind of handle? Which letterbox? Once you have decided on these you can think about what other items will improve or protect the functionality of the door. For added security, you may wish to consider the optional Safe T Catch. For added convenience, a thumbturn door cylinder is also available as an optional extra.
What about Cost and Budgeting?
Before choosing your ideal door consider your budget. The ultimate cost depends on the size of door, its colour, and your choice of security features and door furniture, but you’ll find uPVC doors are still very cost-effective compared to some other materials. Factor in the long term benefits, such as durability, minimal maintenance and energy savings, and their cost-effectiveness increases. But tomorrow’s savings won’t change today’s budget, so there are costs to consider: the cost of the basic door; locks and other security features; door furniture; glazing; and the one many people forget until the last minute, the cost of installation. If you’re going to require framing or sidelights around the door put them in your budget too. Finally, many people find that, once they’ve installed a new front door, they want to upgrade the porch or entranceway as well.
The main thing is to be aware of all the things that need to be considered, that way there will be no nasty surprises down the road.
Do uPVC Doors offer Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency is the best way to reduce your fuel bills and keep your home warm. As a material, uPVC is a good insulator. Modern uPVC doors are designed to fit as snugly into frame as possible, with carefully placed seals to eliminate draughts. The door itself is constructed with a thermally efficient five chamber profile which dramatically reduces heat loss. Along with triple glazing, this ensures minimum loss of heat and elimination of draughts. As well as keeping the family warm and comfortable, you are reducing your carbon footprint and by using less energy, you’re also lowering your energy bills.
Are uPVC Doors a Low Maintenance Option?
Some people prefer wooden doors and windows. That’s fine if you’re prepared to strip them and repaint them every five years. Varnished wood can change colour through weathering, leaving them tired and patchy.
uPVC couldn’t be simpler to maintain. Every 3 to 6 months, close your door and wipe uPVC and glass down with a clean dry cloth or if you prefer wash it down with warm soapy water. Washing up liquid or something gentle will do. Avoid ammonia and abrasive cleaning agents, particularly on handles and other metal fixings. For handles, just wipe down with water if a dry cloth won’t suffice. As well as keeping your door looking great, this helps stop dust build-up which, over time, can cause problems.
For parts exposed when the door is open, simply wipe down removing grime from old lubricant, airborne debris and remains of insects. Special attention should be paid to keep the drainage channels free and clear of blockages. Aside from that it’s a good idea to lubricate the hinges a couple of times a year.
Over the years, door furniture may come loose and need to be tightened, which is easy enough to do. Older doors may become stiff or out of line, which simply means they need to be re-aligned.
Is a New Door Installation a Straightforward Process?
When looking for a uPVC front door it’s a good idea to ask the supplier about installation services. It’s not every day you get a new door so it’s worth getting help from people who actually do install them every day. It’s the best way to ensure it’s done correctly.
Professional installation, with the backing of a guarantee, is the way to ensure peace of mind in the short term, and economy and comfort in the long term.
Are Bespoke Door Options Available?
In short, if it’s not bespoke, don’t buy it. Your door should be made to your exact specifications and the people making the door will do the measuring. They know exactly what measurements they need. Precise measurements mean greater heat retention and lower fuel bills. In other words, leave it to the professionals.
Another benefit to having your door built specially is you can make it exactly the way you want it. Whether it’s colour, style, shape, glazing, locks or hardware – it’s all done exactly the way you want. You can have a dual colour door if you want, with one colour on the inside and another on the outside. You can have a stained glass insert if you want. It’s an opportunity to express your own, individual sense of style on your home
Door Materials and Finishes of uPVC Doors
uPVC is durable, weather resistant, energy efficient, secure, it requires very little maintenance, and it’s available in a wide range of colours and styles, with a choice of smooth or woodgrain finishes.
When you’re choosing your uPVC door, don’t just think in terms of your doorway, think of the entire house. The front door is the focal point of your home, it’s what people are drawn to, whether they’re coming to visit or just passing by. Choosing from among all the variables is a journey and its fun. It’s an opportunity to enhance the style of your home while expressing your own sense of style. Enjoy the journey!
Ready to choose the perfect uPVC front door for your home?
Windows and doors are a once‑or‑twice‑in‑a‑lifetime purchase—so expert advice is essential. We’ve helped thousands of homeowners choose the right solutions for energy‑efficient, low‑maintenance homes built to last. Locate your nearest Senator Showroom and arrange a visit, so you can view the uPVC doors on display. Contact us today and we will happily go through all the options with you and provide a free quotation.
