ask the expert
Choosing the right external doors
From front doors to garage doors, David O’Mara of Hörmann UK answers all of your portal-related questions
Is it possible to get a genuine ‘classic’ look for a front door using a composite door?
Absolutely! Doors are available in a wide variety of styles to suit a range of properties – be it a Victorian terrace, farmhouse or a modern development.
Are there any hidden extra costs involved in buying a front door to be aware of?
When purchasing a door, you will always be offered optional extras or upgrades. Customers can choose from an assortment of optional security equipment, finishes, accessories and glazing, meaning that doors can be tailored to meet different budgets, needs and styles. Homeowners’ requirements vary significantly and manufacturers have extended their product offerings to reflect this.
Are composite doors more sustainable than they used to be?
Yes – companies are very conscious of their carbon footprint. The foam used within composite door ranges, for example, can be CSC free and made by newly developed machines that help to keep carbon emissions down.
What about if I want a very unusual coloured front door?
When it comes to front doors, what are the trends for 2017 in self-builds?
The demand for unique, stylish and secure entrances that make a statement about both the home and its owner means that door man- ufacturers are offering a greater range of products than ever before. The door you select is likely to depend less on specific trends
and more on the individual style of the self-build property and where the property is located. For example, a modern city centre property will have a different style to a country farmhouse or a coastal property. One particular style that is becoming a very popular choice for
more and more UK homeowners is composite doors, with around half a million being installed here each year. Their popularity stems from them being easily maintained and highly secure, with excellent thermal efficiency, yet still attractive and available in a wide variety of styles. Composite door ranges also offer an assortment of finishes, accessories and glazing options to help create the perfect entrance for any homeowner at a cost-effective price to suit all budgets. One popular example currently is Hörmann’s Steel
Thermo65/46 range, with doors including stainless-steel handles, triple-pane insulated glass, exterior laminated safety glass, and a centre float with interior clear single-pane safety glass. Due to their modern look, these particular doors wouldn't suit a traditional prop- erty – hence why your choice really does depend on both the style and location of your property.
Some manufacturers specialise in bespoke doors designed to suit individual needs and style. The ThermoComp, for example, is avail- able in five standard colours, two woodstain finishes and 11 Heritage colours. We also offer specialist colours and a colour matching service to blend in with windows, garage doors and any other external features.
Can I mix and match my door hardware?
Yes! There are many options available, so you are certain to find the perfect door to fit your home. Almost all of the entrance door styles have a variety of hardware to match. The wide range of choice means your door can be customised according to your indi- vidual taste and desires.
There are so many types of garage door – how do I choose one to match my self-build?
Many garage doors are now available in a range of finishes, but the difference between individual features can be vast. Some doors optimise space, while others focus on style, insulation and security, so it’s important to identify your priorities early on and factor this into the project as soon as possible. Your choice will also largely depend on how you intend to use
the space once it has been built. Gone are the days when garages purely functioned as a storage unit. Instead, they have now become domestic leisure and business spaces, doubling up as home offices, bars and gyms. As such, more homeowners are now
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selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk
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