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The Tools and Steps Required to Install Composite Doors Correctly
Since their appearance in the mid-1990s, composite doors have become a permanent feature of many properties, and with good reason. Their unique composition with layers of advanced materials means they are far superior to traditional wooden doors in several ways, including:
Durability, strength, and longevity—Able to withstand even the harshest conditions, composite doors remain like new for decades and resist swelling and warping.
Unrivalled security—The inherent strength of the materials used to create composite doors makes them sensationally secure. When combined with premium locking systems, they are almost impervious to attack.
Energy savings—The thermal efficiency of composite doors is unmatched, and they are sensational for keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. This reduces the energy required to maintain an even temperature and reduces overall costs.
Minimal maintenance requirements—Due to the sheer rugged nature of composite doors, they require little to no maintenance to remain in perfect working order.
Versatile appearance—Composite doors' colours, styles, and finishes can match existing aesthetics or provide a superb contrast.
Proper installation is critical to composite doors' flawless performance and longevity, and this article examines the tools and explains the techniques involved.
The Tools Required for Effective Composite Door Installation
Any premium composite door provider like Rock Solid Doors will offer installation services, and the tools they will bring for the job are as follows:
Hammer action electric drill
Stanley knife and crowbar
Chisel and rubber mallet
Tape measure and spirit levels (long and short)
Screwdrivers and Allen keys (3 and 4mm)
Hammer and saw
Fixing brackets
Foam and silicone sealants with applicator
Appropriate screws
If you are undertaking the installation yourself, consider purchasing the best quality tools you can or find a company that can lease you the ones you need for the duration of the job.
Some Health and Safety Advice Before You Begin
When undertaking any form of construction or installation, it is critical to follow safety best practices and recommendations, including:
Only lift using the legs, never the back. Do not attempt to lift something alone that requires two people.
Always exercise caution with sharp tools and implements, returning them to safe storage after each use.
Comply with the manufacturer’s instructions for any tool and never exceed its capacity.
Use residual current device (RCD) breakers to avoid dangerous electrical discharges.
Ensure the work area is clean and tidy, and no pets or children can enter unexpectedly.
Preparatory steps
The following steps will be second nature to professional composite door installers, and they may skip some, but if you are attempting to install one yourself, please follow them carefully. This task is for at least two people and will likely be impossible alone.
Read the instructions carefully and walk through each step before commencing.
Leave the protective wrapper on the door for now.
Double-check the specifications and locate any listed hinges and additional items.
Ensure that the structure to support the door includes an appropriately sturdy lintel.
Insert the new door in place to be sure it fits the opening perfectly.
Remove the packaging and wrappings carefully.
Remove the Existing Door
Make sure you have space to stand the door once removed and have previously determined whether it will be preserved or disposed of.
Carefully remove the fitting screws. If these are seized and the door will not be retained, you may prefer to saw through the wooden frame and remove it entirely, as the new door has a high-tech frame included.
Scrape the edges of the hole with the chisel's flat edge to remove debris and hardened sealant.
Installing the New Composite Door
Insert the new frame into the space and use the spirit level to square it.
Use the included wedges and fixings to secure the frame and maintain its position.
Mark and drill the holes for the fixing brackets and install the frame using the recommended screws.
Seal the edges with low-expanding foam filler and silicone.
The key to success in this step is taking time and working methodically. If unsure, stop the process and reassess or seek assistance.
Make Final Adjustments
Make minor, incremental adjustments to ensure the door swings freely and closes fully.
Check that the drainage channels are not blocked by silicone.
Install any included cosmetic trimmings.
Conclusion
When installing composite doors, it is vital to have all the right tools and follow the steps above closely. When correctly installed, a composite door will provide you with stunning looks, security, and energy efficiency for many years. They represent the pinnacle of modern doors and are the perfect choice in almost any scenario.
Contact Us
If you want to learn more about composite doors and our incredible range at Rock Solid Doors, please get in touch with the team today. We have all the experience and knowledge you need and a proud record of supplying and installing premium quality products across London and the Home Counties.
Testimonial
Very pleased with the installation
My whole family are pleased with our new door and I am very pleased with the installation completed by you and your team. I have added a little bit onto the invoice total as I am hoping you and your team will have a beer or two on me. One very happy customer. Well done. Regards Colin.
I wanted to say something in my review about Paul and Harry and Rock Solid Doors that hasn't already been said before, but frankly these guys are the tops, as people have already said over and over. Our two new composite doors, and french doors have the wow factor (which was how my daughter in New Zealand described them when I sent her the photos). Outstanding workmanship, and pride for their attention to detail makes this company stand out. You won't be disappointed.
PETER MORAN
4 October 2024
Rock Solid were polite, friendly and helped us choose the best options for our new front door. Paul and Harry did an excellent job fitting the door and cleaning up afterwards. I would recommend this family company for anyone wanting a new door that is of a high quality for a reasonable price.
Trish Dempsey
24 September 2024
I cannot recommend Paul & Harry (Rock Solid Doors) highly enough. Their work is amazing - the quality of their finishing is exceptional and they are both so knowledgeable about so many things in their trade. They arrived punctually on fitting date, were so polite and clean workers and the finished article was so amazing. We had a new Rosewood Roma Solidor (back door)fitted and a Rosewood UPVC window in our garage. We are thrilled with the results which has transformed our property. Work carried out to a really high level and nothing was too much trouble for them especially with paperwork, sight viewing and measuring and aftercare advice. If I could give 10 star rating, I WOULD!
Sara Chiesura
9 September 2024
I am really happy with the work done! The door looks fantastic, it feels very safe and the lock is easy to use. Communication from the start was prompt and smooth, including appointments for survey and installation. Paul & Harry are professional and reliable and you can tell they really enjoy their work and they are happy only when the customer is satisfied and has no more questions. They left the apartment clean and tidy and they are very respectful of the property during installation. I would recommend Rock Solid Doors to anyone!
Daniel
6 September 2024
Would highly recommend rock solid doors, Harry and Paul really know their stuff when it comes to doors, their service is amazing and we’re really happy with our new front door.
Angelo Fitzhenry
5 September 2024
Do not hesitate to use this company. They are a father and son team and as a tradesperson myself (and very fussy with high standards and expectations) can only praise the amazing work that they do. The fact that you would hardly even know they have removed an old door and fitted a new one is testament to their care and skill. I was fully expecting a fair amount of making good around the frame both externally and externally but it was minimal and to a very high standard. Highly recommend these guys. The process from start to finish was flawless, very helpful and patient with changes to the original design etc and need to revise quotes etc. Finally, their prices are also very reasonable and competitive (I did obtain a number of quotes initially).
alex snookes
23 August 2024
Incredible service. Paul was super fast and tidy and we had our new door in a few hours of them starting.
Couldn’t be happier with all the help that Paul and Harry gave as well in choosing the door, they were patient and very accommodating.
Thank you
Alex Palgrave-Davies
19 August 2024
Paul and Harry were incredibly considerate and helpful installing new front doors at both of our houses. They left the area cleaner than they found it and took the time to make sure we knew exactly how to maintain and lock the doors. Highly recommend.
Tiffany Kirkup
1 August 2024
I have just had a front door, side windows and a side door fitted by Paul and Harry. I’m very happy with their service from beginning to end and would highly recommend Rock Solid.
The service has been of quality and lovely, they’ve been responsive, polite, on time, did what they said they would do when they said they would do it. It was a very clean job, I’d prepared myself for a lot of dust but they protected furniture, shelves and cleaned up after themselves. They obviously take great pride in their work and really care about doing to the right by the customer. There were couple of minor issues which they’ve managed well: knob didn’t come as expected with the door and there is a scratch on the finger pull. They’ve advised that I hold back some of the money until they’ve come back to fix/replace these 2 elements which is very reasonable.
Thank you again.
Lorraine Bliben
22 July 2024
I absolutely love my new door - Paul and Harry were so professional and made it look easy, which I’m sure it wasn’t - leaving a tidy clean job - thoroughly recommend them and the products they supply