Side-by-side comparison of composite, uPVC, and timber front doors showing differences in style and material.

Security

  • Composite Doors: Known for their robust structure, composite doors offer superior security thanks to their solid core and reinforced frame. They often come with multi-point locking systems, which make them extremely difficult to break into.
  • uPVC Doors: uPVC doors also come with multi-point locks but are generally less sturdy than composite doors, which means they can be more vulnerable to forced entry.
  • Timber Doors: Timber doors can be very secure if well-maintained and fitted with modern locks, but they are prone to warping and shrinking over time, which could affect their security.

Thermal Performance

  • Composite Doors: With their thick, layered construction, composite doors are excellent insulators, helping to reduce energy costs by keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
  • uPVC Doors: uPVC doors offer good insulation, though they may not be as thermally efficient as composite doors. They still help in reducing heat loss when paired with double glazing.
  • Timber Doors: Timber can provide good insulation but requires proper sealing and regular maintenance. If untreated, timber can lose its insulating properties over time.

Maintenance

  • Composite Doors: These doors are low-maintenance and resistant to scratches, dents, and weather damage. Cleaning them with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed.
  • uPVC Doors: uPVC doors are also easy to maintain and require only occasional cleaning. However, they can discolour over time due to prolonged exposure to the elements.
  • Timber Doors: Timber doors require regular upkeep, including painting or varnishing, to prevent warping, cracking, or rot. Although beautiful, they are the highest maintenance option of the three.

Contact Us

Want more information or advice on which door is best for your home? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let our experts help you make the right choice!


Areas we serve

Swindon-based family run double glazing installers

With a head office in Swindon, a short trip from the motorway, we are ideally located to offer our services across Wiltshire, Reading, Bath, Bristol, Marlborough, Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and other surrounding locations.

Emerald provide and install home improvements in all materials – uPVC, aluminium and traditional timber. No matter what material you choose, you can be sure we’ll provide you consistent quality – our work is always finished to the highest standards, whether you’re installing 2 windows or 20!

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What our customers are saying

We pride ourselves on the hundreds of customer reviews that we have collected over our many years of trading. Why not read some of our testimonials yourself, and see how our customers have rated their experience with our service.

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Replacing patio door with a window

Emerald windows were brilliant. The patio door was removed and replaced with a window. All work was carried out from bricking up the outside to plastering the inside. Great work...

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Lesley B

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Local Family Friendly Company

We worried about choosing a window company. We looked at all the usual national firms but we preferred the feel of a smaller local family run business as the rep...

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Stephanie C

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Very Pleased

Very pleased with the whole process from Mark letting us see and touch the product in the showroom in Swindon (many don't!), to a transparent price breakdown, no "buy now...

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Casey Collins

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Highly Recommended

Highly recommend Emerald Windows and Doors; new Front and back doors fitted yesterday. Cannot praise Mark the Fitter enough, courteous, friendly and very helpful. Top job with attention to detail...

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Michelle Webb

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Emerald Windows – A Quality Product

Emerald windows have just installed a new composite front door to our property. We are very pleased with the product and the installers were polite, professional and have carried out...

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Richard K

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