Composite doors are an extremely popular choice in properties across the country, and it’s easy to see why. 

Not only are these doors durable and highly resistant to all weather conditions, but they are also available in a huge range of designs, colours and styles. 

Composite doors successfully combine the traditional look of timber, with high performance synthetic materials. This means they achieve a fantastic balance of durability and aesthetics.

If you’re considering upgrading your existing door to a composite model, keep reading. Below, our expert team have shared a comprehensive guide to understanding the predicted lifespan of composite doors. 

The Lifespan of a Composite Door

A high quality composite door has a typical predicted lifespan of between 25 – 35 years. 

In comparison, a standard uPVC door has a predicted lifespan of around 15 – 20 years. 

As a result, composite doors are a much longer-term investment than even the most durable alternatives on the market. 

In fact, some premium composite door models come with predicted lifespans of up to 45 years. 

Composite doors are made from a solid timber or insulating foam core, combined with a uPVC sub-frame and a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) outer skin. These elements are what give composite doors their unparalleled durability. 

Do Composite Doors Fade?

One of the most common questions that prospective buyers ask is whether the colour of composite doors can fade over time. 

The simple answer is, composite doors are exceptionally durable. But, they can’t last forever. 

Over time – although it may take a few decades – a composite door’s colour can start to fade. 

This occurs as a result of constant UX exposure (with the door being subject to direct sunlight, especially if it’s south-facing). Other common causes of composite door fading are using harsh, abrasive cleaners (e.g. bleach or scouring pads), as these can strip away the protective topcoat from the door’s GRP skin. 

It’s important to note that composite doors do not fade quickly. It can take many decades for fading to occur, even in south-facing doors. These units are designed with UV-resistant coatings and other specialist preservation features. 

You can also maintain your composite door and minimise the risk of fading by: 

• Only cleaning the door using warm soapy water 
• Avoiding abrasive cleaning pads (and instead sticking with soft cloths) 
• Not using pressure washers to clean the door 
• Lubricating the lock cylinder, hinges and other key mechanisms on a routine basis (around once every 6 months)
• Installing a small canopy over the top of the door (if the door is south facing) 
• Using a specialist multi-surface plastic door restorer (if your door is more than 10 years old)

Composite doors are brilliantly durable units, which are designed to retain their smart finish and pristine pigments for many years to come. 

To find out more about composite doors and their benefits, or to order a premium quality composite door for your property, get in touch with the Abbey Glass team. Our experts are on hand to guide you through our extensive product range, and help you find the perfect match for you and your property.