In today’s article, we answer the frequently asked question: What features of composite doors contribute to their energy efficiency? Or, to put it in plainer terms: “How come composite doors are so energy efficient?”
Composite doors are very popular with homeowners across the United Kingdom, and not just because they are stylish, durable and great value for money. Rather, unrivalled energy efficiency and insulation performance are the main drivers behind the exponential growth in composite door sales. As climate change continues to dominate headlines, more people desire to become environmentally responsible. And, just like charity, many of these people feel that environmental responsibility should begin at home by making their residential properties more energy-efficient. Installing exterior composite doors is an excellent way to start such a home improvement project, thanks to the energy-efficient features discussed below.
Excellent energy efficiency and insulation performance start on the drawing board. An energy-efficient design is a prerequisite for an energy-efficient exterior door.
The multi-layered construction of composite doors, with a polyurethane foam core at the heart, enables them to shine in the insulation department. This layered design creates a highly effective thermal barrier and is one of the reasons quality composite door manufacturers can achieve such impressive U-values across their entire ranges. If you are unfamiliar with the rating system that puts a value on every building element’s insulating properties in the UK, please see the U-Values Explained section below, in which we explain what U-values are and what they can tell you about a door.
Composite doors are also energy efficient by nature. In other words, the materials and methods of construction used in their manufacture help to make the end product more energy efficient.
Composite doors feature a rigid internal uPVC skeleton that holds the individual layers firmly in place, over which a waterproof, glass-reinforced plastic (fibreglass) skin is stretched. This outer skin provides excellent protection against the elements, ensuring that all quality composite doors are weatherproof if properly fitted by a suitably qualified and experienced installer.
High-quality seals and gaskets are used in the manufacture of composite doors with glazing to ensure they remain weatherproof in all conditions. By eliminating draughts and water ingress, these vital weatherproofing components also help to improve the energy efficiency rating of the doors in which they are installed. A side note: if draughts from windows are a problem in your home, fitting new gaskets to the culprits could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Double or triple glazing is often available as an optional extra with high-end composite doors, and it's an option well worth considering. If you are embarking on a home improvement project to make your property as energy-efficient as possible, thermally-efficient glazing is a must in all exterior doors. Double and triple-glazed panes with inert gas in between each layer of glass should be the preferred option when energy efficiency is prioritised above budgetary consideration.
In addition to eliminating draughts and water ingress, the weatherproof outer skin ensures that composite doors don’t suffer from warping or shrinkage. The internal layers and uPVC skeleton are kept safe and dry in all weather conditions, helping each door retain its original form and maintain a weatherproof seal with the doorframe.
Inept installers can foil the best-laid plans to make a home more energy efficient, even if the best-performing composite door on the market has been selected for installation (see below for tips on how to do this). To ensure that every new door maintains an excellent seal with its frame, hire an experienced professional to perform the installation work.
If you are not sure where to start when evaluating composite doors for sale in your area, we recommend familiarising yourself with the U-value and energy-efficiency rating systems used for doors and other building components in the UK.
A U-value is a value assigned to building components such as composite doors and windows. It is a numerical representation of the total thermal transmittance of the component in question, measured in watts per square metre Kelvin (W/m2.K). To evaluate composite doors, all you really need to know is this: the lower the U-value, the better it will perform.
Energy efficiency ratings consider not just the thermal transmittance performance of a door but the G-value of any glazing installed, air permeability, and other factors that may affect the overall energy efficiency of a door.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient With Composite Doors
For the best-performing, best-value composite doors in the UK, contact Rock Solid Doors. We can help you enjoy all the benefits these doors offer, including lower utility bills, a smaller household carbon footprint and a cosier home.
