10 Top Tips for buying a front door





- Avoid just buying a new door leaf. Two reasons – first, old properties will probably have twisted the old frame, so a square leaf will not be a snug fit. Second, a new door needs a matching frame for a better secure build.
- Buy a fully finished door. A chippy / decorator combo is asking for trouble.
- Insist on Banham locks – they are the most secure and are much more reliable.
- Try and replicate the doors that are most prevalent in your street.
- Stained glass needs to be inserted in a toughened double-glazed unit for security.
- What happens if the door moves or the locks fail? What aftercare and guarantees do you have?
- Make sure the manufacturer fits the door, no sub-contractors. You then know where the buck stops.
- Check out local examples of fitted doors, go and see them.
- Visit a showroom and see the doors up close and personal.
- Finally, a secure, weather proofed, built to last beautiful new door cannot be your cheapest quote.

Choose wood, not u-pvc
Plastic may initially be cheaper but in the long run it’s a false economy. All plastic windows deteriorate over time and it’s impossible to maintain them. High quality new wooden windows will last for many years and will look great, and add to the value of your property.
REPLACE, not refurbish
Some window companies offer to refurbish old windows, by putting new sashes into the old frames. Inevitably the sashes won’t be square with the frames and performance will suffer. Refurbishment is usually an expensive compromise.
Don’t let your builder decide!
Builders are often concerned with getting new windows at the cheapest possible price. So, you could end up with windows with no guarantees that simply will not last the test of time. Top quality window specialists will offer guarantees of up to ten years. In practice, the windows will last for decades. Make sure your supplier is registered with FENSA, the government authorised scheme for replacement windows.
Select durable timber frames
Cheap timbers are more prone to warp and have paint lift. The best window companies use slow growing redwood, carefully sourced and prepared to be of the highest joinery quality, for strength, durability and paint application. Cills should always be made of hardwood as this is where water most often gathers.
Opt for quality glass
Cheap glass will give a warped or “shimmery” effect. The best window companies use the highest quality low e-coated glass, guaranteed to keep more heat in. They will also advise when safety glass is needed, important when little ones are running around.
See before you buy
Make sure you see examples of the windows you are considering purchasing. Imagine buying a new car without seeing it – you wouldn’t!
Check customer feedback and reviews
If you’re thinking of using a window company, ask them to put you in touch with some of their existing customers so you can benefit from their opinions. If they refuse to do so, you can probably guess why.
with one of the friendly
Ayrton team?
Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Alternatively, why not pop into one of our showrooms to see our products in person, grab a coffee and talk through how to get the best for your home with one of our friendly design team.
