How to choose the right front door manufacturer

New front doors play a vital role in your everyday life, affecting security, energy efficiency and your home’s overall appearance.

Nowadays, the market is flooded with options, giving you a choice on everything from materials and colours to hardware and U-Values. The abundance of products can at times feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together this guide in the hope that it makes choosing the right manufacturer and front door for your home as simple as possible.

At Advanced Glazing Systems, we recommend working with local installers who partner with trusted manufacturers. This way, you can be confident that every door is built from high-quality materials, tested for security, designed to keep your home warm, and installed to your exact specifications. When choosing your next door, check the manufacturer’s materials, multi-point security features, thermal efficiency, warranties, and design options.

We work with leading suppliers like Aluplast for uPVC doors, Smart for aluminium doors and Endurance for composite front doors. These partnerships ensure that every door we install in Essex and London meets the highest standards and is tailored to your home’s style.

What we look for when choosing our front door manufacturers

At Advanced Glazing Systems, we install products manufactured by specialists for each material type. This ensures that every new front door is produced by experts in uPVC, aluminium, or composite construction. Despite this, every door is still bespoke to your priorities, taking into account your chosen colour, hardware options, size, and overall door design.

Material quality

High-quality materials are the foundation of a long-lasting door. We exclusively install doors made from:

• Multi-chamber uPVC with steel reinforcement: uPVC is a popular choice for entrance doors due to its durability, low maintenance and strong thermal efficiency. Modern finishes include coloured and woodgrain options, so plain white is no longer the only choice.
• Rigid aluminium profiles with thermal breaks: Aluminium doors are strong and long-lasting, ideal for contemporary homes. Thermal breaks maintain energy efficiency, and the material supports larger glass panels for more natural light while being fully recyclable.
• Solid timber core composite doors: Composite doors feature a 48 mm solid timber core for excellent thermal efficiency and stability. The GRP outer skin provides weather resistance and replicates the look of timber, combining practicality with style. Using premium materials ensures your door will withstand weathering, resist impact, and maintain its appearance for years.

Security features

Security is increasingly being viewed as a priority by our clients. There are a few things you can look out for that ensure your loved ones are protected. These include:

• Multi-point locking systems
• Anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-pick cylinders
• Reinforced frames and hinges

These features give you peace of mind and protect your home and family.

Thermal performance

A front door can affect your energy bills and comfort. High-performing doors maintain heat in your home and reduce draughts. Check U-Values, which measure how well the door insulates. Lower numbers mean better thermal efficiency.

Warranties

A manufacturer’s warranty demonstrates confidence in the product. At AGS, all doors come with a 10-year warranty, backed by insurance from GGFi.

Design choices

It’s important to choose a front door that complements the aesthetic of your property. Whether you’re looking for a woodgrain finish, the option to colour match your windows or a particular type of hardware, it’s important to have the choice. Look out for:

• Wide range of colours, including popular choices like anthracite grey
• Variety of glass designs and panel options
• Flexible hardware options for handles and locks
• Styles that complement your home’s architecture, from traditional timber doors to contemporary designs

Trusted manufacturers we work with

We carefully select each manufacturer to ensure they meet the high standards our customers expect.

Aluplast uPVC entrance doors

Aluplast, a family-owned company established in 1982, is a leading name in energy-efficient uPVC systems. Their door profiles are widely used across Europe and the UK.

Why we choose Aluplast:

• Durable multi-chamber uPVC with steel reinforcement
• High security potential with RC2 resistance
• Excellent thermal performance (U-values from 1.4 W/m²K)
• Over 40 colour options, including woodgrain and aluminium look
• Fabricator warranties, typically 10+ years

Aluplast doors are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, energy-efficient uPVC door.

Smart aluminium entrance doors

Smart Architectural Aluminium, founded in 1977 in the UK, manufacture aluminium doors with high technical and aesthetic standards.

Why we choose Smart:

• Strong aluminium profiles with thermal breaks
• PAS 24 tested security features, anti-snap, anti-pick cylinders
• Thermal efficiency for modern homes
• Wide palette of UV-resistant finishes, including dual colour options
• Long-term warranties on hardware and finishes

Smart doors are ideal for modern homes, offering sleek lines, contemporary styles, and long-lasting durability.

Endurance composite entrance doors

Endurance, a UK brand, specialises in composite front doors, combining strength, security, and style. Awarded Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year 2023, they are trusted nationwide.

Why we choose Endurance:

• Solid 48 mm timber core for exceptional strength
• PAS24 certified robust security features
• Thermal efficiency aligned with current building regulations
• Over 90 design options, including Classic, Urban, and Avantail collections
• Manufacturer warranty plus security guarantee

Endurance doors are our top recommendation for homeowners seeking a popular composite door that stands the test of time.

Front doors from Advanced Glazing Systems

At AGS, we install a wide range of doors from leading suppliers, tailored to your needs:

• uPVC doors: Cost-effective, energy-efficient, and low maintenance
• Aluminium doors: Strong, lots of glass, suitable for contemporary designs
• Composite doors: Classic look with solid timber core and leading thermal performance

Additional features available:

• Dual-colour finishes
• Decorative glass options
• Multi-point locks and advanced hardware options
• Custom sizes to match your home’s architecture

Our doors offer the perfect combination of style, security, and performance for Essex and London homes.

FAQs

Can I choose a specific colour for my door?

Yes, we offer a wide range of colours, including anthracite grey and dual colour finishes.

How do I know a door is energy efficient?

Check the U-Value; the lower the number, the better the thermal efficiency.

Are all doors bespoke?

Yes, every door installed by AGS is tailored for your specific needs, including size, style, and hardware options.

Do aluminium doors require much maintenance?

No, aluminium doors are low maintenance, corrosion-resistant, and colour-stable.

Who are Advanced Glazing Systems?

Founded in 2004 by John, Andrew, and Julie Barnett, we are a family-run company specialising in windows, doors, and conservatories. We’re proud of our roots as an independent company; we really believe that this gives clients a better and more personal experience.
Accredited by Secured by Design, Which? Trusted Trader, FENSA and more, we serve homes across Essex and London. You’re more than welcome to visit us or contact us on +44 (1277) 230101 or sales@advancedglazingsystems.co.uk for expert advice on your next front door.

To summarise

• Choose front doors manufacturers with a strong reputation and quality materials
• Prioritise security features and thermal efficiency
• Look for comprehensive warranties and insurance-backed guarantees
• Consider design options, colours, and finishes that match your home
• Advanced Glazing Systems installs uPVC, aluminium, and composite doors from trusted partners, giving you peace of mind and the perfect door