Are Composite Doors Secure? The Facts About Home Protection

4 September 2025

Composite doors last for decades with minimal maintenance

Are Composite Doors Secure? The Facts About Home Protection

Security matters when you're choosing a front door. Composite doors have become popular because they offer better protection than older door types, but how secure are they really?


What Makes a Door Secure


A secure door needs several things working together.


The door material itself must be strong.


The frame has to be solid. The locks need to work properly.


The glass (if there is any) should resist breaking. When one part fails, the whole system fails.


Most break-ins happen through the front door. Burglars usually kick doors or force them with tools.


They want to get in quickly without making too much noise.


A weak door makes their job easy.


How Composite Doors Are Built

Our composite doors use a sandwich construction method. The middle contains LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) for strength.


Around this goes CFC-Free Polyurethane Foam that weighs 44.5-45.5kg per cubic metre.


The outside gets reinforced GRP skins that resist water and impact.


The foam does two jobs. It insulates the door and makes it stronger.


The density means it won't compress easily when someone tries to force the door.


The GRP skins spread any impact across the whole door surface.


Everything gets bonded together with Urethane Adhesive Resin.


This creates one solid unit instead of separate layers that might come apart under pressure.


composite door installed by Aspen Home Improvements

Security Standards That Matter


PAS24 is the enhanced security standard that matters most.


This standard tests doors against real attack methods. Doors must survive sustained kicking, tool attacks, and lock manipulation attempts.


The standard aligns with Approved Document Q, which sets requirements for new buildings.


Getting PAS24 certification means the door has been tested properly. It's not just marketing - it's proof the door can handle serious attack attempts.


Multi-Point Locking Systems

Standard doors usually have one lock point.


Multi-point systems have several locks that engage when you turn the key. Hook bolts grab into the frame.


Roller bolts slide into position smoothly.


Deadbolts add extra resistance. Anti-lift devices stop someone removing the door from its hinges.


This spreads the load across multiple points on the frame. Someone trying to force the door has to overcome several locks at once, not just one.


The cylinders resist common attack methods.


Anti-snap technology means the cylinder breaks in a controlled way if attacked, but the door stays locked.


A brick house with a gray door, white-framed windows, and an Aspen Home Improvements sign.

Glass and Security


Many composite doors have glass panels. Modern security glass is much tougher than regular glass.


Laminated glass holds together when broken. Toughened glass needs serious force to break and makes a lot of noise when it does.


The FLiP glazing system uses Foam in Place technology.


This bonds the glass securely into the door structure. The Inox system offers stainless steel or black matt cassettes for different looks.


Glass upgrades can improve both security and thermal performance. The choice depends on your priorities and budget.


Thermal Performance Benefits

The high-density polyurethane foam core gives these doors excellent insulation properties.


The U-value measures how much heat passes through - lower numbers mean better insulation.


These doors achieve approximately 0.44 for the centre pane value.


This meets current Building Regulations for thermal performance.


Better insulation means lower heating bills and more comfortable homes.


Various glass upgrades can improve thermal performance even more.


Green front door with sidelights and arched window, framed in white.

Installation Requirements


Even the best door won't work properly if installed badly. The frame must be fixed securely to the wall structure.


All the security hardware needs to align correctly. The door must fit properly in the frame with no gaps.


Professional installation ensures everything works as designed.


Poor installation can create weak points that compromise security.

Maintenance Needs


Composite doors need less maintenance than wooden doors. The GRP skins don't rot, warp, or need regular painting.


The materials resist weather damage and keep their appearance for years.


The locks do need occasional attention. Multi-point systems have moving parts that benefit from lubrication.


Annual servicing keeps everything working smoothly.


Design Options



Security doesn't mean sacrificing appearance.

Green door with glass panel, brick surround, and side window.  Ivy and shrubbery frame the entrance.
Black front door with glass panels and white trim, flanked by bushes and brick.

These doors come in many colours and finishes. Grained options look like real wood. Smooth finishes suit modern properties.


The water-resistant polymer construction keeps colours looking fresh.


Both traditional and contemporary designs are available. The security features remain the same regardless of the style chosen.


Slam Shut Lock Options


Some doors offer slam shut locks that engage automatically when the door closes.


These provide convenience but may not suit everyone. The operation requires consideration of who will be using the door regularly.


Real Security Performance

These doors resist the most common attack methods used in residential break-ins.


The combination of strong materials, multi-point locking, and proper installation creates significant barriers to forced entry.


No door is completely burglar-proof, but composite doors make break-ins much more difficult and time-consuming.


Most burglars will move on to easier targets rather than spend time fighting a well-secured door.


Cost Considerations


Composite doors cost more than basic alternatives but provide better security and insulation.


The initial investment pays back through lower energy bills and better protection for your property and family.


The doors last for decades with minimal maintenance.


This makes the cost per year quite reasonable compared to doors that need regular replacement or repair.

Black front door with glass panels, featuring a rectangular window design.

Professional Assessment


Every property has different security needs. Location, existing security measures, and personal circumstances all affect what level of door security makes sense.


Professional assessment can identify the best options for your specific situation. This ensures you get appropriate security without paying for features you don't need.

Security Consultation Available


Aspen Home Improvements provides professional security assessments and composite door installations.


Visit our showroom at Unit 3, Whitesbridge Farm Industrial Estate, Retail Park, Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UL or call 01277 888055 to arrange an appointment.


Showroom visits by appointment only.


See working examples of security features and discuss options for your property.


White front door with sidelights and stained glass, flanked by two wooden doors in a bright hallway.

We do hope you found this article of interest, if you do have a query regarding this article or any of our other articles, then please get in touch with us.


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