A composite door typically lasts 25 to 30 years, and well-made ones can go beyond that. The glass-reinforced plastic skin does not rot or need repainting, so the locks, hinges, seals and glazed panels usually wear out first. A 10-year guarantee is a warranty period, not a lifespan.
What shortens the life of a composite door?
- Strong sun on dark colours, which can cause fading and movement
- A poorly fitted frame that sits out of square
- Neglected hardware and worn weather seals
- Thin skins and low-grade foam cores on budget slabs
Which parts need replacing first?
Multipoint locks, hinges, handles and seals commonly need attention after 10 to 15 years, and a double-glazed panel can fail and mist up. Each part can be replaced separately, so the door itself often keeps going.
How do you make a composite door last longer?
- Wash it with warm soapy water and avoid abrasive cleaners
- Lubricate hinges and the lock once a year
- Adjust the hinges if the door starts to drop
- Do not paint or sand the skin, as this can affect the guarantee
Phoenix Windows is an approved Solidor installer, and its composite doors installations carry an insurance-backed 10-year guarantee.
Thinking about a new door? We are an approved Solidor installer, we fit across Nuneaton, Bedworth, Hinckley, Tamworth and Rugby, and every installation comes with an insurance-backed 10-year guarantee. Call 02476 350 330, or request a quote.