SolidCore Doors VS GRP Composite Doors - Which is Better?
This is a guide to the differences between our SolidCore Doors & GRP Composite Doors.
From both a visual and maintenance aspect, SolidCore Doors and GRP Composite Doors are pretty much identical. Both are classed as Composite Doors and both use uPVC frames. GRP doors use a 44mm door slab while SolidCore Doors are usually either a 44mm or 48mm slab. Both are far superior to uPVC doors, which in comparison at best usually only use a 28mm soft polystyrene panel. But there are some key differences that are worth noting before deciding which is right for your home.
Let’s take a more in depth look at both options…
SolidCore Composite Doors
SolidCore Composite Doors are a relatively new product in the industry and are made from multiple layers of laminated timber with either uPVC, ABS or Fibreglass Skins.
During the manufacturing process, these multiple layers of timber are placed so that the grains are laid in different directions to make the door sturdier and more structurally sound.
As SolidCore Doors are mainly made of timber, the door slabs are at least twice as heavy as a foam filled GRP Door. This also makes for a much higher strength door slab.
SolidCore Doors are the preferred choice of door by the vast majority of insurance companies.
SolidCore Doors are also more environmentally friendly as they are mainly made from wood they can be recycled at the end of their life.
Ask us about our Composite SolidCore Doors that have either ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or uPVC skins which provide a robust thermo-plastic door skin, making them incredibly durable. These skins are designed with ‘through colour’ so scratches are almost impossible.
SolidCore Pros
Extremely high security
Preferred choice by most insurance companies
Easy to clean and maintain
Our uPVC skinned Solid Cores are almost impossible to scratch
Colour finish on the uPVC skins are resistant to chemicals
Can be recycled at the end of its life
Less chance of bowing / warping
SolidCore Cons
Slightly more expensive than GRP Composite Doors but are
CURRENTLY ON OFFER FOR JUST £150 OVER OUR GRP DOORS!
(Regular Price is £200 inc vat)
GRP Composite Doors
GRP or Glass Reinforced Plastic (fiberglass) Composite Doors have been around since the 1990's and are typically filled with foam, making them highly thermally efficient.
The outer layer of a GRP Composite Door is made of two GRP skins bonded to a solid frame which is then filled with insulation which is usually a high density foam. Unfortunately, due to this foam the door slab currently cannot be recycled.
The gel coated GRP skins on the outer layer of the door can be vulnerable to scratching on the surface as it is a sprayed colour finish.
High quality GRP Doors offer very good security. However, there are some very cheaply made versions available on the UK market. These cheaply made GRP Doors, tend to have extremely thin skins which compromise security, and often use insulation that is almost like loft insulation rather than the solid foam as used on a higher quality GRP door. This has lead to many insurance companies now explicitly asking for replacement doors for your home to be a SolidCore Door.
GRP Pros
High thermal efficiency
Good security (on high quality GRP doors)
Slightly cheaper than Solid Core
Easy to clean and maintain
GRP Cons
Paint finish can be scratched
No longer preferred by many insurance companies
Door slabs cannot be recycled at the end of their life
Higher chance of bowing / warping when compared to Solid Core Composite Doors
To Sum Up…
After you have read the information above we believe that you will agree that the SolidCore Composite Door from Best Value Doors is definitely an option to consider when making your decision.
Follow the link below to see our SolidCore Composite Door Collection Brochure: