Fitting a Composite Front Door
Are you tired of your existing door? A composite door is an excellent option if you're looking for a new door that's both secure and stylish.
But how do you know if a composite door is the right fit for your home?
This blog post will give you tips on how to measure a door opening for a composite door and what to look for when choosing a new door for your home.
Composite Doors & Why Choose One?
A composite door is made from multiple materials, with the most common type consisting of a wood door frame with a steel or aluminium core. They are typically a combination of glass and plastic, which helps to minimise wear and tear from the elements.
Polyurethane foam is used on the centre of the door, which helps stabilise the temperature within your home. One great thing about a composite door is that its composite material makes it practically indestructible!
Composite doors provide a high-quality solution to homeowners because they are made from a sustainable and durable combination of advanced materials. The composite door provides an excellent balance between beauty and function.
There's a thick plastic layer between every wood or steel door, called a reinforcement layer, to enhance the door's safety and security. This type of material was initially used in LEGO blocks, which - if you haven't guessed - are very sturdy.
Another great perk of choosing vinyl over natural timber is that they have a versatile aesthetic.
Not only are they made to look like wood, but they also have multiple colours and textures to choose from when customising your product! They're also very easy to clean and will require little to no maintenance.
Value Doors offers customers many types of door styles, including classic and modern. To make things easy, we offer a selection of various colours, from white to dark wood, that can suit any property, and we have loads of tips on composite doors on our blog too.
6 Steps On How To Hang A Composite Door
Firstly make sure you read any instructions before starting. Assuming you have already measured the door and have chosen the right size, you will need to:
- Measure the door to make sure it fits the frame
- Mark fixing positions for the hinges and use your screws to fix them into place
- Make cutouts in the door handle and lock
- Hang the door to the door frame
- Mark on the door frame where you need to cut out the door lock
- Close the door to ensure that you do not need to make any more adjustments
How To Measure For A Composite Door
When measuring for a composite door, you will need to consider the door and frame. Measure the distance from one side of the frame to the other (inside).
Then, measure the height of the opening from the top to the bottom of the door frame. Once you have these measurements, you can measure the door itself.
Start by measuring the width of the door at its widest point, typically around the top or bottom hinge. Then, measure the height of the door from top to bottom.
Once you have these measurements, you can determine whether or not a standard-sized door will fit or if you need something custom-sized.
Composite Door Installation
To have an effective installation, you'll need at least two people as some parts are heavy, including the door leaf itself. You should read the instructions first before installing the door and frame.
If you need to remove an old door before installing a new door, you will need to set aside some time for this project and ensure you have the right tools.
You may also need an Allen key to remove your existing door.
During installation, make sure you keep all electrical leads and cables away from sharp and abrasive surfaces. Also, keeping children and furry friends away while installing the new door is best.
You'll need hinges, a door frame, screws, a lock, silicone sealant to seal the edges and cover gaps, the right colour composite door delivered, and a drill to make holes.
You'll note that there are holes on the hinge side, where you must drill correctly sized holes to take the fixings. The more common drill used is an 8mm.
Make sure the door frame is square within the aperture before securing the door to the brickwork. After this, you can attach the door leaf to the fixed door frame, leaving an equal gap around the door leaf.
A new composite door comes in many shades of grey, so choose the right one for your home. One way to know your installation was unsuccessful is if you didn't use all the screws and hinges.
Lastly, check that the key works and that your brand-new composite door opens smoothly.
An Allen key
An Allen key, otherwise known as a hex key, is a tool for driving bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets. Allen keys come in various sizes, so be sure to select the appropriate size for the screw or bolt you want to remove.
To use an Allen key, insert the key into the hexagonal socket and turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to loosen or tighten the screw or bolt. Be careful not to over-tighten the screw or bolt, as this can damage the threads.
Opening The Packaging
Be careful when you open the packaging. We strongly recommend you don't use a knife to tear open the packaging, as you might damage the door.
Check that everything is correct before installing the door: the colour, the door hinges on the correct side, and all necessary ancillaries. Composite doors are shipped in strong, protective packaging to prevent damage during transit.
Once the outer layer of cardboard is cut, carefully remove the door from the packaging. You may need a screwdriver or a similar tool to pry it off - gently.
Next, cut through the inner layer of cardboard and remove it from the packaging. Again, be careful not to damage the door with sharp tools. With the door now exposed, take a closer look at it to make sure that there is no damage.
If everything looks good, proceed to the next step of installation.
The Colours Of Composite Doors
- Dark grey
- Light grey
- Slate grey
- Pebble grey
- Traffic grey
- Stone grey
- Silk grey
- Agate grey
- Mouse grey
- Elephant grey
- Dove grey
- Graphite grey
- Pale grey
- Pearl grey
- Shadow grey
- Twilight grey
- Dusty grey
- Moondust grey
- Anthracite grey
The Benefits Of Installing A Composite Door
A composite door has many benefits, including increased security, energy efficiency, and durability.
Composite doors are made of multiple materials bonded together to create a robust and sturdy door. This toughness makes them much more difficult to break through than a traditional wooden door.
These specialised doors also tend to be better insulated, which can help reduce your energy bills - and because they're so durable, they often have a longer warranty than other types of doors.
Improved insulation, durability and an extended warranty are just a few reasons why your new door should be a composite one.
Types Of Composite Doors You Can Install
- French composite door
- Cottage composite door
- Contemporary composite door
- Modern composite door
- Glazed composite doors
- 1920s composite front doors
- 1930s composite front doors
- 1940s composite front doors
- Arched composite door
- Victorian composite door
- Edwardian composite front door
- Anglian composite door
- Georgian composite front door
Positioning Of Composite Doors
There are composite doors for every part of a home, including front, back, garage, internal, and external doors. There are double doors and single doors.
When it comes to composite door installation, positioning is key. The new door must be level to ensure it is properly sealed and avoids gaps. Start by finding the highest point of the door frame and use a spirit level to make sure the door leaf is flush with this point.
The next step is measuring the door width and height to make sure it will fit in the opening.
Once you've confirmed your new door is the correct size, use shims to fill gaps around its perimeter, which will ensure that the door is level and secure. Finally, use screws or nails to secure the composite door in place.
5 Reasons Why People Buy And Fit Composite Doors
A composite door is very durable and requires little maintenance, making it a popular option for many people, especially those who are too busy to spend time fixing, repairing or revarnishing doors.
Here are a few of the many reasons why people buy composite doors:
- A composite door is highly durable and requires little maintenance.
- You can get a composite door in a wide range of styles to suit any home.
- A composite door is made from various materials, making them a versatile choice.
- A composite door is energy-efficient, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
- A Composite door can increase the value of your home.
Final Thoughts: How To Fit A Composite Door
If you're looking for a way to improve the look of your home without spending a lot of money, fitting a composite door is a great option.
With some know-how, you can easily fit a composite door in just a few hours.
If you struggle to fit the door correctly, try watching a YouTube video on a device to get a visual guide.
Once you've completed the composite door installation process, you'll immediately notice the difference it makes to your home.
Not only does it look more stylish than your existing door, but it will also be more energy-efficient, helping keep your home warm and reducing energy bills.
Composite doors are sure to suit any home, perfectly complete home and stand the test of time.
