Front door frequently asked questions | Security, options, thermal efficiency and more

When looking for a new front door, you'll want to consider several different factors. This includes the benefits and drawbacks of different materials, the door’s maintenance requirements, its thermal efficiency, and more.

Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions on front doors so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing a new front door for your home.

What is the best material for a front door?

Wood, uPVC, composite, and aluminium are some common materials used for front doors. Timber doors are traditional in design, naturally thermally efficient and strong – however, solid timber doors may sometimes be prone to warping and rotting. Vufold’s wooden front doors are superbly engineered, meaning they won’t warp, twist, or split. They come factory finished in anthracite grey or oak with a 10-year guarantee.

uPVC doors are affordable and low maintenance, but they are not as durable as other materials and they don't always have the most sophisticated look, particularly for very traditional properties.

A composite door is made up of layers of different types of materials that, when combined, offer excellent strength, durability, and thermal efficiency. Find out more about choosing composite front doors.

Finally, aluminium front doors also offer exceptional durability and strength and are a great option if you are looking for a modern, sleek front door style. They do typically cost more than options such as wood and uPVC due to their strength and reliability; however, they make an excellent long-term investment and remain one of the most popular options on the market.

Read our guide to choosing a new front door here.

Can you use front doors inside?

Exterior front doors offer better soundproofing, insulation, and security than typical interior doors which is why some homeowners consider them for interior doorways. However, it's important to note that interior doorways tend to be smaller than exterior doorways as standard, and most exterior doors are too large to be used indoors without either widening the doorway or trimming the door.

Furthermore, exterior doors almost always have an inward opening and if your existing interior door frame is designed to open outwards you might require different hinge mortises.

Trimming exterior front doors is possible, but it must be done professionally and on both sides to ensure symmetry. Our Wooden front doors are trimmable and in their smallest sizes can be trimmed down to fit into an interior doorway. Plus, they can open inwards or outwards when fitted into existing door frames.

How do the seasons affect front doors?

Wood expands in hot and humid weather, which means that solid timber doors are susceptible to swelling and sticking in summer. If the door is properly treated on all six sides this can be avoided, but the finish must be properly maintained on a regular basis.

If wood gets very wet it can begin to rot and break down, and this is a risk with solid timber doors in autumn and winter when there is lots of rain. Again, proper finishing and routine refinishing can prevent these problems.

The microporous finishing we use on our Ultimate front doors ensures the hardwood veneer layer is adequately protected against the weather. The finish is flexible so that it can expand with the wood in humid conditions without flaking or peeling off, and it prevents the wood from holding onto damp and becoming susceptible to rot.

How do I know if my front door has good energy performance?

The U-value is the rate at which heat transfers through a structure. The lower the U-value, the more efficient a structure is in inhibiting heat transfer. You also want to look for a door with either double or triple glazing, and research whether the door has insulating cores. When choosing a thermally efficient door, you should also consider the material’s insulating properties. Our aluminium front doors offer competitive U-Values from only 1.2W/m2k.

Find out more about front door thermal efficiency here.

Can you replace the glass in front doors?

It is possible to replace a glass panel in a front door. However, to maintain the thermal efficiency, strength, and security of the original door, you should aim to replace the glazing like-for-like with that of the original.

We recommend using glass panels of an equal standard to ensure that the door remains secure, durable, and thermally efficient.

Are you choosing a glazed external door? Find out more about front door glazing.

Can a front door open outwards?

Most front doors open inwards. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it means that the hinge mechanism is located on the inside of the property to make the door more secure. Secondly, it prevents the door from being caught in the wind when opened and potentially causing damage. Thirdly, it is simply easier to answer the door to visitors without the risk of bumping into them with the door.

It is possible to fit an outward opening entrance door if you prefer. If you are purchasing a front door to fit into an existing frame, it can be fitted to open inward or outward.

How wide should my front door be?

There is no standardised external door size in the UK. However, the most common door size is 762mm wide and 1981mm high. When measuring for a new front door, keep in mind that the actual size of the aperture will be a little larger than the size of the door itself to account for the door frame. It is also worth considering factors such as mobility access and building regulations when choosing a front door size. Find out more about measuring for a front door here.

Most door manufacturers, including Vufold, offer a variety of common and popular door sizes to cater to the majority of customers. Should you require an uncommon size, we have bespoke services available to create a custom-sized door that perfectly fits into your doorway. As well as this, keep in mind that many of our Ultimate front doors are trimmable to ensure you can get the perfect fit if your aperture is just a little smaller than any of our standard sizes.

If you have further questions about front doors or just want to discuss your options, get in touch with a member of the Vufold team today.

How can I enhance the security of my front door?

• Look for high-quality locks and upgrade your lock if necessary. Multi-point locking systems offer excellent security and use between three and five points to lock directly into the door frame. A multi-point lock is considered to be one of the most secure types of front door locks. At Vufold, our Designer aluminium front doors have a high security 10-point locking option for extra peace of mind. Find out more about our 10-point lock here.

• Reinforcement: Consider securing the door frame and hinges. You may also want to replace the door handle and reinforce the door jamb. You can choose to install steel or nickel reinforcements around the hinges, screws, or locks of your doors for additional security features. With these installed, it can be nearly impossible to kick down a door.

• Lighting: Install motion sensor lights around your front door to deter burglars.

Read our guide to making your front door more secure for more advice.

Can I install a new front door myself?

Installing a front door can be a DIY project, but it requires precision and knowledge of construction techniques, especially for ensuring the door is properly aligned and sealed. If you're not experienced in door installation, it might be best to hire a professional to ensure the job is done correctly, especially to maintain energy efficiency and security standards. Read our guide to front door installation here.

When should I replace my front door?

Consider replacing your front door if it shows signs of significant wear, such as warping, cracking, or difficulty opening and closing. Additionally, if you're experiencing drafts or your energy bills are high, it might be time for an energy-efficient upgrade. To find out more, read our guide How much does it cost to replace a front door?

How do you maintain your front door?

Routine maintenance ensures your front door’s longevity and continued security. Maintaining your front door to keep it in working condition involves more than making the exterior-facing side look neat and tidy.

The cleaning and maintenance methods for front doors differ across construction materials. For example, you can maintain the finish of a timber door with woodcare milk to protect the original finish on the door and frame. You should also take care of your front door’s hardware, including the hinges, locks, and handles.

Find out more about cleaning and maintaining your front door here.

What front door styles are available?

When choosing a new exterior door style, you can choose between a more modern option or a classic, traditional front door style. Many suppliers also offer a huge range of accessories, allowing you to showcase your unique style and find the right fit for your home. Choosing a bespoke supplier such as Vufold means you can choose options such as handles, front door colours, door accessories, panel designs, and more.

Read our guide to choosing an aluminium front door style here.

How do you choose a front door colour?

The right front door colour for you depends on the style of your property, your personal preferences and whether you want your front door to match your other exterior doors. Popular colours for front doors include black, white, and grey. However, if you want to choose a brighter option – you may want to choose an option such as blue or green.

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