Composite doors – Do they fade?

Composite doors – Do they fade?

Composite doors

The front door evolution has come along way since the 80’s with the introduction of composite doors. Doors before then were generally timber doors with a white painted softwood frame. The colour of the door opening being either a natural timber look or painted. Today there are many different types on the market including both composite and aluminium doors. We feature the Comp door in this article.

Homeowners are drawn to these doors for their ability to withstand the test of time, provide better insulation, enhanced security and maintain their pristine appearance. The one question that often arises about composite doors is “Do composite doors fade?” In this blog post we will look the questions many homeowners may have surrounding composite doors.

What are Composite Doors?

Before we address the issue of fading, let’s first understand what composite doors are made of and why they have gained such popularity. The term composite means they are constructed using a combination of materials that can include a solid timber core, compressed foam filling and other high-performance materials.

One of our key suppliers Comp Door (link to external site) use a high-quality cross laminated Albasia Falcata timber core. Albasia Falcata is a fast growing tree which can be harvested within five to seven years, making it an economic material for producing doors. The Comp Door was designed to enhance the thermal performance of the door and provide maximum security. The timber core is covered in an innovative CoolSkin. CoolSkin technology means the decorative foils are laminated onto the PVC substrate during the extrusion process. This produces a permanent bond between the skin and decorative foil. One significant advantage of the CoolSkin range is that the embossing is retained after vacuum forming.

Thermal Movement and Composite Doors?

All doors including composite doors suffer from thermal expansion due to fluctuating weather conditions. The UK can suffer extremes in temperature, in recent years day time temperatures have hit a record 40 deg C and during the winter could easily drop to -10 deg C. Comp doors (our Comp door webpage) stand out for their resilience compared to alternatives such as timber and uPVC. The Comp doors feature an auto slam shut lock with four locking points that ensure minimal bowing. This design aims to mitigate the effects of thermal movement effectively and keep the sash attached to the frame along the entire locking mechanism when closed.

Do composite doors fade in the sun?

Traditional timber doors normally require regular maintenance and are prone to fading, some composite doors are designed to withstand the test of time without losing their appearance.

Exposure to sunlight is one of the main factors that can cause fading in doors and other exterior surfaces. Those old enough will remember how red cars did not fair well to sunlight exposure in the 70’s and 80’s. Comp doors are specifically engineered to resist the damaging effects of sunlight. Although the outer skin is UV-resistant, certain composite doors available in the market today may experience discolouration as a result of their painted surface deteriorating over time. This of course is quite normal over time, most paint will fade especially if its south facing. Ultraviolet rays are one of the major causes of fading because they can break down chemical bonds and fade the colour. The other factors to fading include visible light and solar heat.

Why are Comp Doors different?

Comp Doors are highly resistant to fading due to the manufacturing process of the Coolskin, it is more of a foiling process than a paint finish. This resilient finish enables them to endure harsh weather conditions without losing colour so quickly. The protective layer that maintains colour integrity even in extreme temperature fluctuations, making the doors a valuable long-term investment. The also match similar foil frames better than most paint finishes.

Composite Door maintenance tips

Composite door fading

One of the major advantages of composite doors is their low-maintenance. Unlike timber doors that require regular painting, staining, or varnishing, composite doors only require a simple wipe-down with warm soapy water and a soft cloth is usually sufficient to keep them looking as good as new for many years.

Composite door cleaning

However, to maintain the longevity and appearance of your composite door, it’s important to follow some cleaning and maintenance practices. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents that can damage the door’s surface when cleaning the door

If your composite door has glass panels, use a suitable glass cleaner to keep them looking good. Warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth is a cheaper alternative to glass cleaner and better for the environment in the longer term.

Door hinges and handle care

Lubricate the hinges and other moving parts of the door every six months to ensure smooth operation. Handles just like the rest of the door will benefit from regular cleaning. Harsh city centre environments can have a negative effect on shiny handles, so wipe over them regularly.   

So what should I look for when buying a new composite door?

When selecting a new door consider the following factors:-

• Composition – how is the door made? Is the core, timber or foam?
• Style – Is this within keeping of your house-style?
• Colour options – White frame and a colour for the door sash? All white on the inside?
• Glazing or decorative glass – Simple obscure glass, clear or decorative pattern?
• Furniture – modern bar handles or more traditional handles? Do want it so you need a key to get back in or you do the final lock on exit?
• Letter-box – In the door or a separate box attached to the wall of the house

Above all else, remember to ensure your doors are always installed by an approved and accredited professional. The KJM Group specialises in offering highly efficient, durable and reliable windows and doors to people all around Hampshire and the surrounding counties. You can visit our Andover showroom to view our range of doors. Contact us today to find out more about your double and triple glazing options.