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Which material is best for a front door?

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With the constant innovations in technology and construction materials, no longer are homeowners restricted to just one material for their front door. Along with door styles, materials have also evolved, allowing us to offer 3 superior materials that can be used for a new front door: aluminium, uPVC, and composite.

To help you decided which material is best for you, for your convenience we have listed all the key facts you need to know about each one below.

Aluminium front doors

There is no doubt that aluminium front doors are ultra-modern. However, they can also be designed to replicate the charming character of a timber door. Aluminium doors are great for the eco-conscious homeowner, as aluminium is one of the most sustainable building materials available; 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today! With a range of premium RAL colours, door furniture, and designs to choose from, here are the performance benefits of aluminium doors.

Performance:

  • U-Values range from 0.9-1.1 W/m2K, depending on design and glazing
  • Thermal barrier technology for improved heat retention
  • Outstanding security performance exceeding PAS 24 testing
  • The coatings applied make them resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV damage
  • Resistant to corrosion and saltwater damage, making them ideal for coastal properties
  • Maintenance-free: no scratches or chippings!
  • Has the longest life span out of all 3 materials

 

Modern aluminium front door

Composite front doors

The stunning appearance of a composite door is why they are fast becoming the door of choice across Essex & London. They provide a striking focal point for both modern and period properties. So, if you have a Victorian townhouse in London or a period property in the beautiful Essex countryside, then a composite door is the perfect choice for enhancing the classical character of your home. Although, if you have a modern flat in the centre of a city, then composite doors can be designed with contemporary features and minimalistic stylings. With an array of colours, designs, and door furniture to choose from, here is what sets composite doors apart from other materials.

Performance:

  • Offer a minimum B rated DER (Door Energy Rating)
  • 100% recycled uPVC thermal inserts within the flush fitting frame
  • Advanced triple weather seal
  • Endorsed by the Association of Chief Police Officers’ Secured by Design initiative
  • The combination of materials used makes it the most robust door material available
  • The ultra-secure multipoint locking mechanism is available with a £1,000 money-back guarantee, in the unlikely event of a break-in
  • Scratch and dent resistant
  • Composite doors never need to be repainted, making them the ideal choice for high-traffic areas.

 

Grey-composite-front-door

 

uPVC front doors

Once known as the ‘white, cheap-looking front door’, uPVC is now a versatile, high performing entryway solution. Nowadays, uPVC front doors can also be designed to look contemporary in an array of colours, including the sought-after modern shade Anthracite Grey. They can also be designed to replicate authentic timber front doors, thanks to the wonderful woodgrain finishes that we offer. The most cost-efficient front door option, here are the performance benefits of our uPVC front doors.

Performance:

  • Manufactured to achieve the official police Secured by Design accreditation
  • ‘A’ rated for energy efficiency
  • Resistant to fading, rotting and salt corrosion
  • uPVC provides excellent soundproofing qualities
  • 100% recycled uPVC components
  • Low maintenance finish – only needs a wipe down every now and again to look good as new.

 

Oak effect uPVC front door

 

Secure and aesthetically pleasing front doors for homes in Essex & London

We understand the importance of a high-quality front door, and we hope this has supported your decision in which front door material is right for you. For more information, our professional team of glaziers are available at our showrooms near you. Please book an appointment online or call us on 0203 667 9707 and we can answer any questions over the phone.

Read our related blogs:

Are bifold doors draughty?

Why choose a company who manufacture composite doors in Essex?

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Aluminium Windows

Our Aluminium Windows offer the perfect mix of contemporary design, high performance, and everyday value. Crafted from premium aluminium with advanced thermal efficiency and customisable styles, they bring comfort, style, and long-lasting durability to any home.

uPVC Windows

Our uPVC Windows bring flawless design and exceptional performance to any home. Whether traditional or contemporary, these bespoke windows are crafted to your exact needs, offering excellent energy efficiency, noise reduction, and lasting security with minimal maintenance and timeless style.

Bay Windows

Our Bay Windows in uPVC and Aluminium combine style and performance. Custom-made for your home, they offer energy efficiency, sound insulation, and security, all with minimal maintenance and a timeless look.

Casement Windows

Our Casement Windows in uPVC and Aluminium offer sleek design and reliable performance. Tailored to suit any home, they provide excellent ventilation, energy efficiency, and security, with low maintenance and lasting style.

Flush Casement Windows

Our Flush Casement Windows in uPVC deliver clean lines and understated elegance. Designed to sit flush within the frame, they offer a sleek, modern or heritage look with superb energy efficiency, security, and low maintenance.

Sliding Sash Windows

Our Sliding Sash Windows in uPVC combine classic charm with modern performance.
Perfect for period-style homes, they offer smooth operation, excellent energy efficiency, enhanced security, and easy maintenance without compromising on traditional aesthetics.

Double Glazing

Double Glazed Windows, Doors & Home Extensions Modern double glazing offers excellent insulation, security, and energy efficiency—helping reduce heat loss, block out noise, and lower your energy bills. Our high-performance windows, doors, and extensions feature two layers of glass with an argon gas-filled cavity for maximum thermal performan

Back Doors

Back doors built to last, designed to impress. Our custom uPVC and aluminium doors deliver superior insulation, advanced security, and effortless maintenance—all wrapped in sleek, tailored style. Classic or contemporary, we’ll create the perfect fit for your home.

Bifold Doors

Transform your space with bifolds engineered for perfection. Precision-crafted panels glide smoothly on premium hardware, delivering exceptional thermal efficiency and weather resistance. Choose from elegant aluminium frames with ultra-slim profiles, available in limitless configurations and finishes to suit any home.

French Doors

Bring timeless elegance to your home with French doors that combine classic design with modern performance. Our made-to-measure doors create a stunning focal point while flooding your space with natural light. Available in uPVC or aluminium, they deliver exceptional thermal efficiency, robust security, and effortless charm.

FRONT DOORS

Make a lasting first impression with a front door that’s uniquely yours. Choose premium aluminium for contemporary style, robust composite for timeless appeal, or thermally superior uPVC for exceptional value. Custom-made with outstanding security and energy efficiency.

INTERNAL DOORS & SCREENS

Define your space without closing it off. Our internal doors and screens create distinct zones while maintaining an open, connected feel. Choose sleek aluminium frames with expansive glass or elegant designs for traditional interiors—each custom-made to enhance light flow and architectural style.

Sliding Doors

Connect your home seamlessly to your garden with sliding doors engineered for effortless operation. Expansive glass panels maximise natural light while slimline aluminium frames create unobstructed views. Custom-made with superior thermal performance and security for year-round comfort.

ATTLAS DESIGNER DOORS

Designer Doors offer the perfect blend of style, security, and sophistication. Crafted from high-quality aluminium, these doors feature bold, modern aesthetics and advanced performance—making them a statement piece for any home or commercial entrance.

ATTLAS SIGNATURE DOORS

Signature Doors combine striking contemporary design with outstanding security and thermal performance. Made from premium aluminium, they offer exceptional durability, low maintenance, and a luxurious finish—making them a superb value-for-money choice for modern homes.

Composite Doors

Composite Doors combine style, strength, and sustainability. With the widest selection of styles, glazing, and colours available, they deliver top-tier thermal performance and security — all backed by a 10-year guarantee. Perfect for homeowners and trade professionals alike.

Layla Flush Doors

Layla Flush Doors offer a sleek, modern look with clean lines and flush-fitting design. Available as single or French doors, they combine style, energy efficiency, and PAS24-certified security — perfect for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Heritage Doors

Discover the timeless elegance of Heritage Doors — the ultimate fusion of classic steel-look design and modern performance. With slim sightlines, bespoke detailing, and a wide range of customisation options, these beautifully crafted doors elevate any space while delivering outstanding energy efficiency and security.

Rehau Doors

REHAU Doors combine sleek, modern aesthetics with exceptional durability and performance. Expertly crafted by Chigwell Window Centre PLC, these doors offer a versatile range of styles and finishes that suit any architectural design—delivering lasting beauty, thermal efficiency, and enhanced security for your home.

AluSpace Doors

Aluspace interior doors bring a striking blend of industrial charm and refined elegance to any home. Inspired by heritage and Art Deco styles, these aluminium-framed doors and screens are fully bespoke, offering timeless aesthetics, seamless functionality, and exceptional durability — perfect for stylish room division without sacrificing natural light.

Ezifold 1000

The Ezifold 1000 Bifold Doors effortlessly blend indoor and outdoor living with sleek, expansive glass panels and smooth folding operation. Precision-crafted for style, performance, and versatility, these bespoke doors are the perfect way to add natural light, space, and luxury to any home.

Ezifold Plus

Ezifold Plus is the ultimate in luxury bifold doors — combining ultra-slim 90mm sightlines with industry-leading strength and performance. In partnership with Schuco, this premium system delivers stunning views, smooth operation, and exceptional design for high-end homes and commercial spaces.

Ezifold Heritage

Ezifold Heritage Bifold Doors blend the timeless elegance of steel-look design with the modern versatility of a premium bifold system. Expertly crafted by Chigwell Window Centre PLC, these slimline doors deliver smooth operation, heritage styling, and seamless indoor-outdoor living — perfect for both classic and contemporary homes.

Ezislide 20

Ezislide 20 sliding doors offer a sleek, modern glass wall effect that floods your home with natural light and creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. With ultra-slim sightlines and smooth operation, they bring elegance, innovation, and expansive views to any project.

Invisoglide

Ezislide Invisoglide sets a new standard for slimline sliding doors with ultra-minimal 20–26mm interlocks and near-invisible frames. Designed to maximise glass and light while blending seamlessly into your space, this cutting-edge system combines striking aesthetics with advanced engineering for smooth performance, thermal efficiency, and modern luxury.

Rehau Total 70S

REHAU TOTAL 70S Windows bring flawless design and exceptional performance to any home. Whether traditional or contemporary, these bespoke PVCu windows are crafted to your exact needs, offering excellent energy efficiency, noise reduction, and lasting security — all with minimal maintenance and timeless style.

Layla Flush Fit Windows

Layla Flush-Fit Windows combine sleek, modern aesthetics with outstanding performance. With a clean flush sash design and high-quality construction, these windows deliver A-rated thermal efficiency, PAS24-accredited security, and a flawless, low-maintenance finish — perfect for stylish, modern living.

Heritage Windows

Heritage Windows bring timeless elegance and modern performance together with ultra-slim, steel-look aluminium frames. Expertly crafted for a flawless finish, they offer the perfect blend of Art-Deco or industrial styling, exceptional thermal efficiency, and secure, low-maintenance durability — ideal for both period homes and modern properties.

Roof Lanterns

Roof Lanterns bring a striking architectural feature to your home, flooding spaces with natural light while delivering elegant style and cutting-edge performance. Expertly crafted from premium aluminium and advanced glazing, they enhance any room with height, brightness, and year-round comfort.

Roof Lights

Flat Rooflights offer a sleek, modern way to fill your home with natural light. With ultra-minimal frames and expansive glazing, they create a clean, contemporary finish that elevates any room — combining visual impact, lasting performance, and effortless elegance for new builds, extensions, or renovations.