GRP composite doors are manufactured from thermoset GRP (glass reinforced polyester compression moulded under heat) to give a highly defined panel design with the appearance of timber.
The GRP skin on GRP composite doors is bonded to door stiles and rails composed of a water-resistant polymer and filled with an insulating core of CFC-free polyurethane which provides excellent heat and sound insulation.
As a result, GRP composite doors should not expand or contract.
GRP composite doors also have a laminated timber frame (separate lengths of timber, glued together with the grain at 90º to each other), in order to avoid twisting and warping.
GRP composite doors tend to be fitted with mortice locks rather than the shoot bolt systems seen on PVCu double glazed doors.
Composite Doors – Realistic Wood Effect Patterns
Regarding woodgrain effect PVCu door panels, because the GRP skins of composite doors are pressed under heat using steel moulds the opportunity exists to create a more realistic grained effect which does not simply follow the contours of the surface.
1,000’s of Design Combinations
Typically, between 15 and 25 door styles are available, with 1,000’s of glazing combinations from composite doors with a completely solid door, clear or obscure glazing, leaded or Georgian designs, or stained or bevelled glass.
Some manufacturers also offer optional enclosed mini-blinds inside the sealed units of half glazed composite doors to provide excellent light control, privacy and reduced Ultra Violet light.
Other options include GRP composite doors which split in half horizontally to act as a barn door or stable door and low thresholds to allow easier disabled access.