The Homeowner’s Guide to Secure Aluminium and Composite Door Systems

To Summarise

• Multi-point locking systems and robust construction effectively deter intruders
• Aluminium entrance doors feature 10-point locking mechanisms, weather-resistant design and extensive RAL colour options
• Composite front doors combine solid timber cores with high-security locks, offering traditional aesthetics with modern protection
• Advanced features include automatic locks, drill-resistant cylinders and Secured by Design accreditation
• Professional installation ensures maximum performance and long-term security

When it comes to protecting your home and family, the front door serves as the first line of defence. With a property burgled every minute in the UK, choosing the right entrance door with the correct security features has never been more important for homeowners across Essex and London.

Modern aluminium and composite doors have transformed home security, offering sophisticated protection far beyond traditional wooden or even popular uPVC doors. Their advanced locking mechanisms, combined with robust materials, create a barrier that genuinely deters break-in attempts.

Whether you’re considering a sleek aluminium entrance door for its contemporary appeal or a composite front door for its classic charm, understanding the available security features will help you make an informed decision. From multi-point systems to drill-resistant cylinders, today’s secure front door options provide genuine peace of mind.

An introduction to aluminium entrance doors

Aluminium entrance doors combine exceptional security with contemporary aesthetics. Made from high-quality extruded aluminium, they provide superior strength while maintaining a clean, elegant appearance that complements modern homes.

The manufacturing process creates precision-engineered profiles finished with durable powder coating that resists weathering and maintains its look for decades. Smart’s aluminium doors, installed by AGS, feature smooth aluminium skins that provide a lustrous finish, perfectly coordinated between door and frame for a beautifully matched appearance.

Key characteristics:

• High-grade extruded aluminium construction with smooth skins
• Weather-resistant powder coating with lustrous finish
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Superior strength-to-weight ratio
• Life expectancy of 20–30 years

An introduction to composite front door materials

Composite doors offer the look of traditional timber with the benefits of modern technology. Built with a solid timber core surrounded by durable outer layers, they deliver strength, security and thermal performance in one package.

Endurance composite doors feature advanced ABS skins with CoolSkin technology. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the same durable plastic used to manufacture LEGO bricks, known for its exceptional impact resistance and longevity. These heat-reflective skins not only maintain the door’s original colourful aesthetic but also contribute significantly to durability by reflecting UV energy rather than absorbing it, preventing colour fading and cracking over time.

Construction benefits of AGS quality composite doors include:

• 48mm solid timber core (15 cross-laminated engineered timber layers)
• Advanced ABS skins with CoolSkin heat-reflective technology
• Superior thermal efficiency with moisture barrier protection
• Resistance to warping and splitting
• Authentic wooden door appearance without maintenance concerns

What security features make aluminium and composite doors so secure?

Modern aluminium and composite doors combine multiple protective layers, going far beyond basic locks to create formidable barriers against forced entry.

Advanced locking mechanisms

Aluminium door security

Smart aluminium entrance doors feature comprehensive 10-point locking systems that secure the door at multiple points along the frame. This even distribution of pressure makes forced entry extremely difficult. Smart Architectural Aluminium systems also incorporate polyamide thermal breaks for added strength and energy efficiency, with smooth aluminium skins providing both security and aesthetic appeal.

Security features include:

• 10-point locking mechanisms
• High-performance glazing integration
• Thermally efficient polyamide breaks
• Weather-resistant construction with double rebated seals
• Easy maintenance with damp cloth cleaning
• Outstanding security exceeding industry standards
• BSI standards compliance

Composite door security

Endurance composite doors are rigorously tested and proven to be sledgehammer-proof. Their 48mm timber core consisting of 15 cross-laminated engineered timber layers is 10% thicker than most competitors, providing exceptional resistance to break-ins. The advanced ABS skins add another layer of protection, with their impact-resistant properties (the same material strength that makes LEGO bricks virtually indestructible) contributing to the door’s overall security profile.

Advanced security features include:

• Sledgehammer-proof testing
• Latest generation locking mechanisms
• 48mm solid timber core (10% thicker than competitors)
• Weather and intruder-resistant ABS skin construction
• Customisable security refinements
• Cutting-edge composite door engineering
• Advanced double glazing integration
• Superior protective performance

Multi-point hardware systems

Aluminium multi-point systems

Smart aluminium doors use concealed stainless steel hardware for reliable operation and sleek appearance. Multiple locking points engage simultaneously, creating secure contact along the frame with double rebated weather seals providing enhanced protection.

Composite multi-point protection

Endurance composite doors utilise advanced locking with automatic slam-shut technology. The sophisticated locking systems engage automatically, using self-locking hooks and sealing elements for consistent protection throughout daily use.

Robust construction methods

Aluminium structural integrity

Smart aluminium entrance doors use high-grade sections conforming to BS standards with thermally broken profiles. The smooth aluminium skins are perfectly matched between door and frame, whilst polyamide thermal breaks provide additional strength and thermal performance.

Composite door strength

The 48mm solid timber core features 15 cross-laminated layers of engineered timber, combined with impact-resistant ABS skins that share the same durability characteristics as LEGO bricks. The industry-leading moisture barrier at the base protects against water damage, warping and rotting.

The other benefits of aluminium doors

Style and modern aesthetics

Smart aluminium doors provide elegant styling with lustrous paint finishes and smooth aluminium skins. Available in a variety of colours from classic white and sophisticated graphite to bold reds and deep blues, these doors coordinate beautifully with homes both inside and out.

Style advantages include:

• Contemporary clean look with smooth aluminium finish
• Slim sightlines maximising natural light
• Dual colour options available
• Designer and Signature door ranges
• Single/double door configurations
• Outstanding first impressions

Performance and maintenance

Smart doors offer decades of smooth operation with virtually maintenance-free performance. The fade-resistant finish, reduced abrasion risk and excellent thermal performance ensure long-term value.

The other benefits of composite doors

Thermal efficiency and energy performance

Endurance composite doors excel in insulation through their multi-layer construction. The 48mm solid timber core combined with heat-reflective ABS skins creates excellent thermal efficiency, keeping homes comfortable year-round whilst reducing energy costs.

Energy efficiency benefits:

• Advanced CoolSkin heat-reflective technology
• Superior insulation from solid timber core
• Moisture barrier protection
• Double glazing integration
• Draft-free operation

Aesthetic versatility and durability

Endurance doors offer three distinct collections: Classic (Georgian and Victorian inspiration), Urban (contemporary designs), and Country (rustic shiplap styling). The ABS skins maintain their appearance without the maintenance requirements of traditional timber, with the same material durability that makes children’s building blocks virtually indestructible.

Aluminium entrance doors from Advanced Glazing Systems

We supply premium Smart Architectural Aluminium doors, manufactured in the UK with performance, style and efficiency in mind. Carrying the Made in Britain marque, Smart doors are recognised for quality, modern style, environmental standards and British manufacturing heritage.

Our Designer Door and Signature Door ranges offer elegant styling with lustrous finishes, delivering beautiful aesthetics alongside outstanding security and superior weather performance.

Available specifications:

• Range of Colours: White, textured anthracite grey, dark red, dark grey, dark green, cream, black, off white, grey, gloss white, dark brown, dark blue, brown
• Finishes: Smooth aluminium skins with lustrous paint finish
• Hardware: Lever handle, lever pad handle, finger pull, bullring knocker, pull knob, urn knocker, letterplate
• Configurations: Single/double doors, side panels, low threshold options, dual colour options
• Glazing: Internal/external beaded options
• Performance: Outstanding security, noise reduction, weather resistance, thermal efficiency, fade resistance, low maintenance, abrasion resistance
• Features: Double rebated weather seals, thermally broken profiles

Smart aluminium doors deliver beautiful first impressions whilst providing lasting security, superior weather performance and exceptional thermal efficiency.

Composite entrance doors from Advanced Glazing Systems

Our composite doors feature Endurance construction with 48mm solid timber cores and advanced ABS skin technology. At 10% thicker than most competitors with 15 cross-laminated engineered timber layers, these durable doors provide superior strength and security.

The advanced ABS skins utilise CoolSkin technology – the same high quality, durable material used in LEGO construction – providing exceptional impact resistance whilst reflecting UV energy to prevent fading and cracking.

Available options include:

• Colours: Anthracite grey, blue, chartwell green, foiled white, French grey, granite grey, Irish oak, black, buttercup yellow, cream, forest green, golden oak, green, midnight grey, peacock blue, pebble grey, pistachio, ruby red, schwarzbraun, tangerine, truffle brown
• Construction: 48mm solid timber core with 15 cross-laminated layers, ABS skins with CoolSkin technology, moisture barrier protection
• Hardware Collections: Classic, Architectural, Heritage, Premium, Urban, Forged, Nature ranges
• Hardware Options: Lever handle, lever pad handle, finger pull, pull knob, bullring knocker, urn knocker, letterplate
• Locking: Latest generation automatic systems with customisable security features
• Collections: Classic (Georgian/Victorian styling), Urban (contemporary designs), Country (rustic shiplap)
• Security: Sledgehammer-proof construction testing
• Warranty: 10-year guarantee with comprehensive coverage

The solid timber core construction with advanced ABS skin technology ensures exceptional security and thermal efficiency, whilst the heat-reflective properties maximise energy performance for year-round comfort.

Frequently asked questions

Are composite doors more secure than aluminium doors? Both offer excellent security when properly specified and installed. Composite doors feature solid cores, while aluminium doors provide structural strength.

How long do secure entrance doors last? Quality aluminium and composite doors typically provide 20–30 years of service with minimal maintenance.

Can I upgrade my existing door’s security? In some cases, yes. However, replacing the door often provides better overall security and value than retrofitting advanced locks.

Who are Advanced Glazing Systems?

We are Essex and London’s trusted glazing specialists, providing premium window and door solutions with professional installation. Working exclusively with leading manufacturers such as Smart Architectural Aluminium and Endurance, we ensure every product delivers security, efficiency and style.

From initial consultation to final fitting and aftercare, our team supports you at every stage. Our comprehensive service guarantees proper installation for maximum security effectiveness and long-term performance.

📞 Call us on 01277 230101 or complete our online form for free advice or a no-obligation quote.