14 Dec What Are The Safety Features Of A Composite Door?

The safety features of a composite door are an integral part of the door design itself. Composite doors are designed with safety, energy efficiency and style in mind from the offset. In this blog we will explain how a composite door is made and what the safety features are.

What is a composite door?

A composite door is a type of external door made of several different materials and designed to be very strong and secure. Unlike a uPVC door, which is made of one type of plastic, a composite door is made of fibreglass, uPVC, wood, foam insulation and steel. The door has a woodgrain effect which, when painted, makes the door look like a real timber one.

Composite doors can come in different colours and the paint is treated to be extra durable, fade proof and weather resistant. This means that a composite door can last up to 35 years as a functioning and good-looking product.

How are composite doors made?

The process of making composite doors is a complex and specialised one. Below we’ve outlined the basic steps as a brief guide.

• First, fibreglass sheets are combined with resin and heated to become the external door panels. These get the woodgrain pattern on them as part of the resin and heating process.
• The frame is welded, and the panels are attached to the frame.
• The space between the panels is filled with insulating foam and the final shape is precisely cut using machinery. Some doors have a timber core as insulation and extra security.
• At this stage the openings for the locks, letterbox and windows are cut and then the door is painted.
• After painting, the door goes through an infrared baking and then drying process.
• Glass for the door is designed and cut then sealed properly for heat efficiency before being fitted in place.
• The hinges and accessories like the letterbox are added before a final inspection and quality check is made.
• The door is then wrapped up securely and brought to the Park Lane showroom!

How is a composite door safe?

By using materials such as fibreglass, wood and steel, the door is made of tough materials that can withstand a good deal of force. Fibreglass, also called Glass Reinforced Plastic, is resistant to corrosion or warping. As a broken or tired looking door is more attractive to burglars, it is much safer to have a door that doesn’t fade or warp.

With a new door comes new locks. The technology of locking mechanisms has improved over the years and new composite doors can come with police approved locking systems. Secured by Design is the official police security initiative, and it aims to reduce crime through good design.

New locks must pass safety tests and withstand assaults from testers who are trying to break in. Good quality locks are made to certain standards such as the TS007 3 Star Kitemarked Cylinder.

Other safety features that can come with a composite door include two finger bolts, deadbolts and adjustable hinges.

There are several safety features of a composite door that include the door itself. Adding good quality locking systems, additional locks and getting your door from a trusted supplier all combine to make the composite door extremely safe and secure. At Park Lane we supply composite doors that are Secured by Design and manufactured to be some of the most secure and well-made doors available.