4 top tips for choosing a new front door for your North East London home

1. Ensure your new front door is Secured by Design accredited

With 30.6k crimes reported in East London last year, security should be the priority when you are searching for your new front door. They can make all the difference to how secure your home is and how safe you feel in it, especially when you select a door that can let in natural light. A good benchmark to set is to ensure your replacement door is Secured by Design accredited.

Secured by Design is an official police initiative to ‘design out crime’. Our beautiful composite & uPVC front doors achieve this standard, and in addition to this prestigious title, our composite doors are the best choice for safety and security after being tested to meet PAS 24 2012 requirements, which protects against:

1. A manual attack on the locking hardware with tools, including a crowbar and mole grips
2. Unlimited number of 3-minute attacks on the door cylinder using a variety of materials, such as craft knives and screwdrivers.
3. 3-minute manual attack using chisels and brick bolsters to gain entry through the door
4. Hard body impact test – impacts are applied to the door leaf at hinge points and locking points using a 50kg steel impactor.

Find out more about the durability of our ultra-secure composite doors here.

2. Ensure your new front door has incredible thermal properties

Each of our front door materials are extremely energy efficient. To help you understand each one’s thermal strengths, let’s take a closer look:

Composite front doors

The innovative thermal performance of our composite doors is due to the robust solid core (which is 10% thicker than competitor brands) and the 5-chamber uPVC outer frame. The multi-chambered design makes it a popular choice for homeowners, as it makes it harder for cold air to seep through into your home and the valuable warmth to escape. As the air has multiple layers to get through, your home will remain warmer for longer!

uPVC front doors

Our uPVC doors also incorporate a multi-chamber frame and provide low maintenance benefits alongside excellent protection against the elements. Air-tight seals keep out any drafts and effective drainage channels ensure there are no leaks.

Aluminium front doors

Our aluminium doors utilise cutting-edge thermal break technology. A polyamide thermal barrier is positioned within the door structure to minimise heat loss. This separates the aluminium frame into two separate interior and exterior sections and the ‘break’ efficiently reduces heat transfer, ensuring your home retains the perfect temperature all year round.

Understanding U-values and energy ratings

When it comes to selecting a new front door, understanding U-values and energy efficiency ratings is crucial for ensuring your home remains energy efficient and your energy bills stay manageable. U-values measure the rate of heat transfer through a building element; the lower the U-value, the better the insulation properties of the door. For instance, composite doors typically have lower U-values due to their solid timber core and multi-chamber designs, which effectively trap heat and prevent cold air from entering.

By investing in a door with a low U-value, you not only enhance your home’s comfort but also contribute to reduced energy bills over time. By keeping these energy bills in check, you can enjoy more significant savings. Energy ratings, often labelled as A, B, or C, provide an easy way to gauge the energy efficiency of a door. Opting for doors with higher energy ratings means choosing solutions that keep your home warm during winter and cool in summer, ultimately leading to a more sustainable living environment.

3. Ensure your new front door has kerb appeal

A replacement door can bring the charm of your home back to life, and with over 100 RAL colours, an array of hardware choices, and endless designs, your new front door can completely change the aesthetic of your home. If you live in a beautiful Victorian home in East London you may want to liven up your exterior with a traffic-red front door, or if your style is a little more minimalistic then Anthracite Grey is the hue for you! With modern and traditional hardware available, along with competitive door prices and the choice of decorative glazing, your front door will be completely unique to you!

Explore glazing and decorative glass options

Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in selecting the perfect front door. U-values measure the thermal performance, indicating how well your door retains heat and reduces energy bills. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation, contributing to an energy-efficient home with a touch of elegance. Understanding energy ratings further helps in identifying doors that align with your sustainability goals. Whether opting for steel doors or a composite front door, aim for exceptional thermal properties to enhance both comfort and eco-friendliness in your residence.

4. Find the right installer

Our top tip when replacing your front door, especially if you are considering double doors, is to find the right installer! It is expected you will visit numerous glazing companies as you search for your perfect front door, however, not all of them will be sincere. For some, making a sale is more important than ensuring the customer leaves with quality. However, at Aim Windows we are breaking down the misconceptions of the glazing industry. Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and we will never recommend anything that will not benefit them.

Professional installation: What to expect

When you opt for professional installation of your new front door, you’re ensuring that every aspect of the process is handled with expertise and care. First and foremost, a professional installer will assess your door frame and ensure that the new door fits perfectly, avoiding any gaps that could compromise energy efficiency or security. Expect them to use high-quality sealing materials to secure your door, which helps in minimizing drafts and improving insulation.

A well-installed door not only enhances the overall look of your home but also improves its performance. Professionals will typically provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of mind that any issues will be addressed promptly. By trusting the installation process to trained experts, you’ll ensure that your new door stands the test of time and functions as intended, delivering both beauty and security to your home.

High performing uPVC, aluminium, and composite doors in East London

The number of factors you need to think about when replacing your front door can be quite overwhelming. But that is why we are here! Contact us today and one of our glazing experts will be able to give you professional and genuine advice or visit us at our refreshing glazing showroom in Canary Wharf or check out our contact page where we will be happy to help.

Front door hardware and accessories to elevate your entryway

Selecting the right door hardware and accessories can dramatically enhance your front door’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. From handles and locks to decorative glass hinges and letterboxes, these details can either complement or contrast your door’s style, adding a personal touch to your entryway.

For security, consider high-quality locks and handles that provide durability and peace of mind, especially if you are installing a security door. Look for smart locking systems that offer convenience and added protection. Meanwhile, choosing decorative hardware that matches your home’s overall design can elevate your entryway, making it not only functional but also welcoming.

Investing time in selecting the perfect door hardware and accessories ensures that your front door stands out while serving its primary purpose of providing security and style to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions