Door buying guide
South East homes are only as secure as their weakest point of entry
The best home security safeguards begin at the front door. The question is, is your family 100% protected against the most determined intruders? And what can you do to make your doors more secure?… Packed full of essential information, discover the best entrance door with this handy quick door buying guide.
Book your home visit
What should I look for when buying new external doors?
- Door material e.g. uPVC, aluminium, composite, timber, fire resistant.
☐ Is it stronger than your existing door?...
- Modern multi-point locking mechanisms.
☐ How many locking points does it have?...
☐ Smart lock integration?...
- Door security accreditations? e.g. PAS 24, Secured by Design.
- Door designs, colours and finishing touches.
☐ Custom design options?...
☐ Colour palettes?…
☐ Matching handles and hardware?...
- Thermal insulation qualities e.g. Energy ratings A++ to C.
☐ Laminated glazing possibilities?...
- High performance weather resistance e.g. advanced weathertight seals.
☐ Is it tested to the highest Building Regulation standards?...
- Decorative glazing options e.g. heritage Georgian bar effects.
- Low maintenance qualities.
- Soundproofing qualities.
- 10-year product guarantee (or more).
Get in touch
What is the most popular front door?
When it comes to the most popular door material, it all depends on your household’s specific needs. Composite doors are all-round achievers, seamlessly bridging the gap between economical uPVC and premium aluminium. uPVC doors remain a firm favourite for budget-friendly style, security, and efficiency. Minimalist yet robust aluminium doors suit contemporary developments best and traditional timber doors are often approved for use in restricted locations such as conservation areas and listed buildings.
The top things to know about different front door materials
In terms of security, households in the South East tend to opt for tough composite doors. Or if the replacement door project requires a large made-to-measure entrance, aluminium doors are preferred as they can be made around 30% bigger than composite doors.
For longevity, timber doors come out on top as they can last a lifetime if treated right. Closely followed by aluminium doors, lasting at least 45 years with minimal maintenance. Composite doors and uPVC doors can last between 20 - 30 years.
Read more about the most popular window & door colours of 2020
Get in touch
Which doors are the most energy efficient?
Quality replacement doors display a multicoloured BFRC energy rating label similar to those found on fridges and washing machines, showing that your new door has been independently verified by experts to perform as promised. The most important things to take note of are the doors energy rating and their U-value. The U-value shows how easily heat can pass through the door material, so the lower the U-value, the more efficient the door is. Rated on a scale of A++ to E, to comply with UK Building Regulations, current minimum efficiency standards require new doors to have a U-value of 1.8W/m²K or lower or a door Energy Rating of at least E.*
Due to the fusion of materials a composite door contains, it is often considered the most energy efficient door material. Modern aluminium doors also contain innovative polyamide thermal breaks, actively preventing cold bridging and generating low U-values. That said, all our doors meet and exceed all current requirements under Building Regulations, reaching impressively low U-values and Door Energy Ratings (DERs).
*correct at time of publishing; March 2021.
How can I make my door more secure?
Get one step closer to your new replacement front or back door with the help of these informative blogs we've written:
What are the most secure front doors?
What is a composite door made of?
How wide is an external standard door?
What should I look for when buying a new garage door?
Get in touch
Begin your ideal home improvement journey today
It’s the ideal time to begin your dream property renovation. However big or small your renovation plans are, we’re here to help you achieve the home you’ve been dreaming of for so many years. Whether you’re looking to transform a curious cottage, an impressive Victorian Villa or a modern apartment in the city, you’ll have no regrets with an Ideal Windows installation.
Simply complete this form and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements and change your dreams into a reality.
Get in touch with us
Serving Basingstoke, Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the surrounding areas
With a showroom in Fareham and a showroom in Chichester, we're ideally placed to provide homeowners with valuable inspiration. Open 6 days a week, 10am-5pm, an array of beautiful products, a welcoming atmosphere and a professional, friendly and knowledgeable team await your arrival! Areas we serve include Basingstoke, Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth & Hampshire.
Book an appointmentOur latest reviews
Replacement windows and door
The team arrived promptly. Work was done efficiently and on time. They cleaned and tidied up after the job was completed. We are very pleased with the results and would highly recommend them
10 /10
Friendly
Very satisfactory work. Measurer and fitter very efficient, professional and friendly.
10 /10
Experienced
Highly experienced and skilled operatives. Prompt arrival and left the site clean and tidy. Courteous and respected the Government restrictions at all times. Have used this Company before for other conservatory work and would use again if required.
10 /10
Replacement Glazing
Very impressed with all aspects of contract during these difficult times. Fitters were fully compliant with covid rules. Will thoroughly recommend them
10 /10
Excellent
Excellent company. From first contact with their Sales, it has been easy going and painless. Fitters have done a fantastic job throughout, the quality of their workmanship is commendable. Would highly recommend this company to anyone.
10 /10
First class
The quality of the product and workmanship is of the highest quality. Well done Ideal Window Solutions Ltd. First class.
10 /10
Job was perfect
Everything about the two men who came was superb. They were punctual, friendly and experienced. Their workmanship was excellent. Their finished job was perfect. I would highly recommend them.
10 /10
Informative & professional
This is the second time we have used this firm. As before, they were informative and professional from start to finish. Prompt, tidy and thorough always.
10 /10
Would not go anywhere else
Brilliant. No fuss . No drama. Done in a couple of hours. Very pleased. Fourth door I have had fitted by this company. Would not go anywhere else. SFK. Alec lovely guy. Kind and respectful.
10 /10
