Shifting composite door market

The popularity of aluminium windows and doors is growing in the UK. Many PVCU manufacturers are moving into this sector and now, for the first time, composite doors are bridging the gap thanks to the new Links door from Doorco. MD Dan Sullivan explains.

The shape of the composite door market has shifted significantly in recent years. Gone are the days of one supplier with one product offering. Home improvement and new build trends drive innovation and our fast-moving door and window markets need to keep ahead.

Doorco first recognised the move towards aluminium – driven mainly by the aesthetics of the contemporary smooth, powder coated finish – a few years ago and have since invested on behalf of the supply chain to ensure our customers stay at the forefront. This investment has culminated in the launch of the Links door.

Analysts forecast that the aluminium entrance door market will grow by 27% over the next three years. In parallel, researchers have reported that in addition to growth and the positive underlying confidence in the home improvement market, there has been a switch to higher value products. Put the two facts together, and we have a fantastic collective new opportunity.

Comparable to composite doors in all but price, aluminium doors have been the only option to complete the ultimate contemporary look desired for many modern homes. Doorco’s new door is set to change this: Links is the first composite door on the market that has a smooth, non-woodgrain finish. A product able to compete with the look of aluminium.

Links brings together the current desire for premium aluminium door sets but with all the material and value for money benefits that the market expects from composite doors. Designed to match and complement aluminium profile, the Links door looks like aluminium, feels like aluminium but consists of 4mm GRP skin on a 44mm composite slab using LVL and timber sub frame with a CFC Polyurethane core.

Combining the latest in modern door designs and glazing solutions, there is a multitude of choices. Colours have been carefully selected to complement the most popular choices in the aluminium market and glazing incorporates the market leading Inox and Urban systems which sit just 3mm from the door’s surface. As Links is built on the highest quality composite material in today’s UK market, it will not dent or warp. This means we can offer a 20-year structural guarantee and a 10-year paint guarantee. And when it comes to security, Links is PAS 24 and Approved Document Q compliant.

Anyone that deals with Doorco knows that we invest and innovate because we’re committed to maintaining a market of choice when it comes to composite doors. Thanks to our close collaboration with Doorco Korea, we can bring relevant and appropriate products to the UK that will open new markets and revenue streams for our customers. Links is a great example of this promise and a game changer for the composite door market.

www.door-co.com