Any decent composite door manufacturers?

[richieboy]

I've been looking at replacing our 25+ year old uPVC door for a few years now, primarily because it looks rubbish and the heat appears to vanish through it with ease (although seals tight, it seems to just have a bit of polystyrene inside it...). I wish I'd never started looking as it seems loads of people have had issues with all the door places I've been looking at..Rockdoor/endurance and Solidor all have reports of warping or cracking etc which scares me considering how much these things cost...

Has anyone heard of 'Ultimate' composite doors? They seem to be a foam/wood mix and price seems ok but can't seem to find much in the way of reviews. They are used by my local glazing firm, quote is for £2k with sidelight and fancy handles.

Same thing from Solidor was £3k with just a fairly standard door and side window, and Endurance quote came in at £2.4k.

I've hopefully got a quote from Rockdoor coming but I must admit between the cost and concern that it's going to crack on me I am wondering if it's worth the cost and effort!

 

[richieboy]

Thanks I'll take a look at them too.

 

[richieboy]

Ok thanks guys, I've been looking about a lot am am currently between an endurance door and the local glazing firms 'Ultimate collection' composite doors, there is about £400 difference (endurance cost more)..

Composite Door Glazing Options - Ultimate Collection

Ultimate Collection - Your choice of decorative laminated glazing panels is the perfect finishing touch and a beautiful focal point.

www.theultimatecollection.uk

 

[richieboy]

Apparently it's a hybrid mix of foam and wood, in an attempt to give benefits of both - the brochure has a cutaway section with the details and I can kind of see the idea...

 

[richieboy]

I think I've got expensive tastes as mine comes to £2500, that does include a side panel window though...worth keeping it in mind too though, thanks.

 

[richieboy]

Thanks, I'm still getting a few more quotes just to see what my options are. I'll be honest though I'm a bit put off of any doors solely using wooden cores, I am hearing a lot of issues with warping etc in more recently manufactured ones. I think I might be going more towards a hybrid version which uses wood and foam, is 70mm thick double rebated, but looks like I'll pay for it as is nearer £3.5k.

 

[richieboy]

Rockdoor all day. They’ve had issues, but have a great relationship with them and things get sorted without question. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for others.

Just make sure whatever you do you get a long term, reliable supplier, as the guarantee lies with the supplier.

Thanks, as it turns out I did decide on Rockdoor based on a few things...just trying to find a good local installer. I really like this one bloke but he is just one bloke who has only been around for less than a year, would love to give him my business but am a bit worried about exactly what you said in your second sentence there...if he disappears I'm shafted if there is a problem!

 

[richieboy]

Out of interest re my comment above...this sole trader chap I like who fits Rockdoors has a 10 year insurance backed guarantee...does that mean if he does go out of business or simply decides he can't be arsed repairing my door that I can somehow contact the insurance company to send someone out in his place?.

 

[richieboy]

I thought that might be the case, thanks - I'll likely stick with the bigger firm I guess!