HOW TO SPECIFY ENTRANCE DOORS
Matt Higgs, from specialist doors and windows company Kloeber, shares his views on the key considerations that should go into selecting the right front door for your home
Choosing the right entrance door for your property is one of the most important decisions on any build. It can give your house presence and personality while helping to create a positive first impression. To find the best product, you need to weigh up a number of factors that are essentially linked to your home’s style, the material the unit is manufactured from and how the product performs.
There are a lot of different options on the market for front doors and it can be difficult to understand the specific pros and cons of each model. It’s highly recommended that you speak to an expert when making your selection and that you go and view any product you’re considering. By doing this, you can get a feel for the quality and features included, so you can see exactly what value you’re getting for your investment.
Aesthetics
The choice of colour is always one of the biggest design considerations. This factor can also be linked to the material you specify – for example, natural timber products present the option of adding a stained finish to create warmth and depth. Greys and black are always popular; certainly for a more modern look. 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
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 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.
Installation
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.