How to achieve a perfectly fitting entrance door

January 25, 2023

Composite front doors that bow and warp are a constant headache for installers, so how do we overcome the problem?

Offering strength, thermal efficiency and noise reduction, a composite front door has become a popular choice for homeowners.

Add to that the fact that composite doors are durable, affordable and require very little maintenance, and it’s easy to see why so many homeowners across the UK are choosing composite for their home improvement upgrades.

But despite the benefits, composite doors do unfortunately have a reputation for warping.

It’s a common problem that all installers have had to contend with, and many often have to give advice to homeowners on how to prevent their composite from doing so, such as keeping the door in the locked position so that the frame keeps the door in shape.

The downside, though, is that warping is an expensive problem to repair, could often lead to needing to replace the composite door entirely, and can therefore deter homeowners from buying them altogether.

Why do composite doors warp?

Essentially, composite doors can bow or warp if they are put under too much thermal stress, which usually happens when the temperature inside the home is dramatically different to the temperature outside.

For example, if the sun is shining directly onto the outside of the door, it could cause the door to be significantly warmer compared to the inside. Alternatively, if there’s a radiator installed near the door, the inside would be very warm compared to the outside.

Whichever way around, a difference in temperature means that the door is trying to do two things at the same time – expand because it’s warm, and contract because it’s cold. And it’s these two stresses happening simultaneously that if not managed properly, can cause the door to warp.

What kind of door won’t warp?

Installers will know that a common way to avoid composite doors warping is by simply remembering to close the door properly.

For maximum support, homeowners are often advised to ‘throw the handle’ when their composite door is fully closed, ensuring that the top and bottom hooks are fully engaged.

If this isn’t done, the door will be resting solely on the latch, which has the potential to result in long-term problems such as warping.

While this method has been proven to work, a more sure fire way of preventing warping is by simply designing the door differently in the first place.

It’s why Dekko has invested in the Decalu 88 entrance door, a contemporary, 88mm thermally efficient system.

The ideal door design

New to our Räum range of luxury aluminium products like aluminium sliding doors, Decalu 88’s most impressive feature is its use of special ABS inserts, which adapt to temperature change and allow the internal and external faces to expand and contract independently of one another, limiting bowing and warping, and removing limitations on the door design including the specification of dark colours.

Even when the door is subjected to temperatures as high as 80ºC, bowing is limited to just 2.5mm, while at the other end of the scale, the temperature can drop to as low as -30ºC and Decalu’s design means that it will not deflect more than 3.5mm.

The door also features a unique fingerprint control option, and is Part L compliant, thanks to energy-efficient U-Values as low as 1.3 with double glazing and 1.0 with triple glazing.

The Decalu 88 entrance door has been the perfect addition to the range, offering both a premium aesthetic and a unique expanding and contracting feature unrivalled by other similar products.

Decalu 88 also offers superb insulation and is available in a wide range of colour options and door furniture, creating the perfect external door to suit your customers’ needs and bring a touch of elegance to any home.

How can Dekko help you?

At Dekko, supporting our installer customers has always been paramount, so by offering them the Decalu 88 entrance door, we’re giving them the perfect, low-maintenance door to sell to their customers, helping them get ahead of the competition.

If installers can provide homeowners with a new door that won’t warp or bow, regardless of the weather or the choice of colour, they’re already a step ahead of the market.

Dekko has a strong and long-standing relationship with Deceuninck, so to now be benefitting from Decalu, their market-leading aluminium range, is brilliant.

The Decalu 88 entrance door has been a very worthwhile investment for Räum and Dekko as a whole, and we very much look forward to seeing our installer customers benefit from this market-leading product that’s sure to stand the test of time. A Solidor composite door is also a fantastic front door option thanks to its durability.

What else does Dekko’s Räum range have to offer?

Räum is Dekko’s premium aluminium range, created using slimline aluminium frames which optimise natural light intake, creating an enhanced feeling of spaciousness. Aimed at the luxury end of the market, Räum offers a superior quality of window and door styles to a wide range of installation projects.

The range includes:

• Sleek and stylish bi-fold doors, offering a contemporary appearance, smooth functionality and optimal performance.
• Smooth sliding patio doors, available as either a horizontal triple track sliding door or with an innovative lift and slide opening system.
• Contemporary slimline windows, suitable for a wide range of applications, from high-end commercial installations to modern residential developments.

For more information and inspiration, discover how you can increase sales with the new Deceuninck energy calculator and how you can reach more homeowners, as well as our top tips on creating a good showroom.

Dekko Window Systems works across numerous sectors, helping installers with high-quality uPVC and aluminium products. As finalists in last year’s G-Awards, we’re well equipped to help installers deliver impressive work with the high-performing products they need to get ahead.

If you’re an installer looking to offer the best quality products on the market, look no further than Dekko.

For high-quality uPVC and aluminium products, contact Dekko by calling 0161 413 2473 or by contacting us directly.