Last Updated on 9 January 2014 by ianr
The one thing that we can guarantee with the UK climate is that sometime between October and March there will be an exceptionally cold period of weather, which, in recent years has extended for weeks. This is when you most need a draught proof well fitted and securely sealed front door. A new front door particularly a “composite front door “may not guarantee that your home will be warm this coming winter but it will certainly assist in effectively reducing heat loss from one key area of your home.
So where does the heat go?
- Different materials have different “U” values therefore different amounts of loss – all current research suggests that a 44mm composite door will outperform its rivals.
- A door that fits well with its frame and is well draught sealed will always perform a poorly fitted warped door without draught sealing.
- Double glazing will always outperform single glazing, particularly if it is “Argon” filled.
And what is that heat loss costing you – a question without a definitive answer because of the many varying factors in both door styles and the condition of the installation, however a number of recent reports have indicated that the annual heat loss cost for a new correctly installed “Composite Door” can be as little as £20 per year whereas the equivalent heat loss cost for an equivalent new timber, UPVC or aluminium door can be as much £50 – £100. If your door is old, un-insulated badly fitted and single glazed the annual heat loss cost through your door alone could run into hundreds of £s which makes the replacement with a new composite door an extremely popular option, particularly when with a heat loss cost of say £150-£175 per annum a £700 new composite door could pay for itself in 4 – 5 years, whilst you are enjoying the benefits of a warmer home.
A recent Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) study advised that, insulated doors (composite doors) are the third most cost effective Energy-saving home improvement that it is possible to make, a replacement boiler and cavity wall insulation being the most cost effective savings.
It is now much easier to select the correct door as; they can now be tested for their Energy efficiency and be given a simple A-G rating. A high performance insulated Composite door will have a minimum energy rating of ‘C’ and above, it is advisable to avoid doors with a rating of ‘D’ or below. The door rating will be influenced by its glazing content. Current legislation requires that all new doors sold and fitted in England & Wales must have a “U” value not exceeding 1.8W/m2K and the lower level of (1.6W/m2K applying in Scotland). The U-value of a door is a measurement of its energy efficiency, the lower the value, the more energy efficient it will be.
The ”U” value for composite doors is achieved by the use of a high density 100% CFC free solid foam core, which is not only strong but also, has excellent thermal properties, together rebated frames and superior draught sealing. In order to ensure the most efficient double glazing the unit should be injected with argon gas to improve insulation and it should also have a warm edge spacer bar, which deflects cold air better than the standard glazing bar.
Every Global Door comes with its own individual energy rating certificate between A and C.
