Tips for buying uPVC doors online
Buying uPVC doors online doesn't have to be a guessing game. Keep these tips in mind and you'll all but guarantee a good deal.
A new door. It's not a purchase many of us plan for.
Loft conversions, extensions and conservatories, sure. Those are the kinds of investments that require real thought and real planning. But a door is just a door, right?
Not so fast. Doors are important – and if you rush into a purchase without proper forethought, you risk swapping a front door for a front dud.
Your door is the first thing people see when they enter your home, so it needs to look the part. It's one of your primary defences against burglars, so it's got to be strong and secure. And it's going to spend a long time outdoors in the Great British Weather, so it needs to be long-lasting and require minimal maintenance.
Thankfully, high-quality uPVC doors tick all the boxes – and they're readily available online from suppliers like Calder Windows.
But doors aren't books or smartphones. You can't click 'Add to basket' and know you're getting something first-rate at first glance. How can you know your door will be up to scratch when you're ordering it sight unseen?
We've got you covered. Here's our guide to ordering uPVC doors online – and making sure you get what you pay for.
Why choose uPVC doors, anyway?
Not sure which type of door is best for you?
At Calder Windows, we supply and fit a wide range of doors – from strong-and-sturdy composite doors to timelessly elegant heritage-style doors. All have their perks. But if you asked us to name the best all-rounder in the world of doors, we'd plump for uPVC in a heartbeat.
Yes – for most people, most of the time, uPVC doors will do the job and do it well. Here's why:
- They're durable: uPVC is a type of plastic that's strong and firm by design. You can expect a uPVC door to last upwards of 20 years – even in the harsh British weather.
- They're low-maintenance: forget varnishing, painting and other nagging maintenance tasks. uPVC doors never rot and only need an occasional wipe with warm, soapy water.
- They're secure: buy a high-quality uPVC door and you'll have one more reason to sleep easy. At Calder, our uPVC doors come with Yale eurocylinder locks rated to the UK's highest security standard.
- They're energy-efficient: once upon a time, doors were draughty, inefficient things. But modern uPVC doors effectively trap heat, meaning a warmer home and lower energy bills.
- They look good: uPVC doors are available in a vast range of styles and colours, so it's easy to choose the right look for your home and your taste.
- They're affordable:
it's as simple as that. uPVC doors are almost always cheaper than their composite counterparts. Ka-ching!
Tips for buying uPVC doors online
Make doubly sure you're happy with the design
Ordering online is convenient for everyone, but it does come with a few downsides.
With doors, one of the biggest drawbacks is that it's hard to get a good feel for, well… the look and feel.
Back in the day, you'd visit a door showroom and peruse dozens of styles. You'd see the door from all angles. You could touch the door and get a feel for its strength. By the time you were done, you'd really know the door you were planning to buy.
The good news is that this is still an option. Visit our showroom in Normanton, West Yorkshire, and you can see the quality of our doors for yourself. Plus, our friendly, knowledgeable team will be on hand to answer any questions.
But there's no pressure to buy on the day. You can go home, have a good old think and order online when you're ready.
Another option is to use our online door designer tool. This lets you play around with dozens of classic and contemporary styles until you find the design that's just right for you.
Look for markers of quality
We know it's not always convenient to visit a door showroom. Sometimes, your only option is to click buy and hope for the best.
Or is it? See, with a little shopping savvy, it's more than possible to make sure you get the door you bargained for.
The key is to look beyond the surface and dig into the details. Sure, most suppliers will claim their doors are "high-quality". But are they fitted with high-quality locks? What's their U value (energy-efficiency score)? Do they come with reinforced steel frames?
It's these finer details that will help you paint a fuller picture of the door's quality and value.
And don't forget to look at reviews. Door suppliers might sugarcoat things, but you can trust other customers to give you an honest appraisal of quality.
Scrutinise your supplier
Be wary of buying good doors from dodgy firms. Your choice of supplier is just as important as your choice of door.
There are a couple of reasons for that. The first is that the quality of workmanship matters. If your uPVC door is poorly fitted, you could end up with an insecure, inefficient result – even if the door itself is up to snuff.
Secondly, it's best to work with a trusted company because trusted companies provide good aftercare. If something does go wrong, you want your voice heard and your issues resolved – not to be left with a duff door and a headache.
Again, a bit of internet detective work can help. Keep an eye out for:
- Good reviews: again, reviews are your friend here. Read customer testimonials and look for overall scores of 4.5 stars or more.
- Aftercare promises: doors should last – and so should your aftercare. If a company offers lengthy warranties, you'll know you're in safe hands.
- FENSA approval:
FENSA is a government-authorised scheme that makes sure door and window suppliers stay compliant with building regulations. When you choose a FENSA-approved supplier, you can be sure it will fit the door to a high standard.
- Knowledge and experience:
there's no substitute for years of service. How long has the supplier been in the trade? And when you ask questions, do they give expert answers?
We hope this guide has helped you choose a uPVC door supplier you can trust. If you're in Yorkshire, we'd love for you to consider Calder Windows. We're a trusted uPVC door company based in Wakefield – and we have more than 30 years of experience on our side. Plus, we're FENSA-approved and offer a 10-year warranty as standard. Don't hesitate to call 01924 897 040 for a quick, competitive quote – or feel free to get in touch online.
Get a FREE quote
Are you on the lookout for uPVC window fitters in Wakefield or West Yorkshire? With over 30 years' experience and an extensive range of uPVC windows, we can help. Request a quote today or apply for finance and spread the cost.