Get clear answers from GFD Homes on doors, windows, bifolds, sliding systems, and roof lanterns. Your questions answered with expert guidance.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why composite doors stay stable without warping
- How glass panels transform entrance doors with style & light
- Why aluminium is the go-to for sliding doors in UK homes
- Which front door material is best for UK homes
(Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 Minutes)
Introduction
In our “Your Questions Answered” series, we’ve been tackling the real questions UK homeowners ask us every day. From durability and sizing to security and costs, each part has focused on giving you the answers you need to make confident decisions.
In Part 5, we’re exploring another fresh set of questions across composite doors, entrance doors, bifold doors, sliding doors, aluminium front doors, aluminium and uPVC windows, roof lanterns, and front doors.
Composite Doors: Do Composite Doors Warp?
One of the biggest frustrations with timber doors is warping — swelling in winter, shrinking in summer. Composite doors are designed specifically to avoid this.
The GRP skin is weather-resistant, and the engineered timber or foam core is stable against temperature changes. That means no sticking in the frame or draughts appearing over time.
At GFD Homes, all our Composite Doors are built for long-term stability.
Entrance Doors: Can Entrance Doors Be Made With Glass Panels?
Yes — and it’s one of the best ways to add natural light to a hallway.
Options include:
- Frosted glazing for privacy.
- Decorative glass with patterns or coloured detail.
- Toughened or laminated glass for safety and security.
Our Entrance Doors offer a wide choice of glazing styles without compromising performance.
Bifold Doors: Do Bifold Doors Need a Track?
Yes, bifolds run on a track system at the bottom (sometimes also the top) to ensure smooth operation.
- Bottom-rolling bifolds: The weight is carried at floor level.
- Top-hung bifolds: Less common, but sometimes used.
Our Aluminium Bifold Doors are bottom-rolling for strength and reliability, with tracks designed to stay smooth and easy to clean.
Sliding Doors: Do Sliding Doors Have to Be Aluminium?
Not necessarily — but aluminium is by far the most popular choice. Why?
- Slimmer sightlines than timber or uPVC.
- Strength to carry large glass panels.
- Durability that resists warping or fading.
That’s why at GFD Homes, our Sliding Doors are exclusively aluminium.
Aluminium Front Doors: Do Aluminium Doors Rust?
A question that comes up more often than you’d expect. The answer is no — aluminium doesn’t rust in the same way as steel.
Our Aluminium Front Doors are powder-coated for extra protection and will not corrode in normal UK conditions. With simple cleaning, they’ll look as good as new for decades.
Aluminium Windows: Are Aluminium Windows More Expensive Than uPVC?
Yes — but with reason. Aluminium windows typically cost more than uPVC because:
- They have a longer lifespan (30+ years).
- They provide slimmer frames and a modern aesthetic.
- They’re stronger, meaning larger glass panels are possible.
Compare our Aluminium Windows
uPVC Windows: Can You Paint uPVC Windows?
This is a very common search. Technically, you can paint them with specialist paints — but it’s not recommended.
- Paint can void guarantees.
- The finish is rarely as durable as the original.
- Colour options are now widely available without painting.
At GFD Homes, our uPVC Windows come in a wide range of colours and foils, meaning you don’t need to paint them at all.
Roof Lanterns: Are Roof Lanterns Noisy in the Rain?
A concern we hear regularly. The answer: modern roof lanterns are no noisier than any other glazed surface.
Our Roof Lanterns use laminated and toughened glazing, which minimises noise compared to old single-glazed designs. Insulated frames also reduce vibration.
Front Doors: What Is the Best Material for a Front Door in the UK?
This is one of the most-searched questions, and it depends on your priorities:
- uPVC: Affordable, low-maintenance, energy-efficient.
- Composite: Secure, long-lasting, wide choice of finishes.
- Aluminium: Premium, durable, sleek modern look.
At GFD Homes, we supply all three, so you can choose based on budget, style, and performance.
Explore our Front Doors range.
Conclusion: More Knowledge, Better Choices
From whether bifolds need tracks to whether aluminium rusts, these are practical, everyday questions that UK homeowners ask again and again. And the answers are clear: modern doors and windows are designed to perform, protect, and look great for decades.
🛒 Browse the full collection at www.gfdhomes.co.uk
📞 Or call 01642 309576 for expert guidance and a no-pressure quote.
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Browse our Articles
- GFD Homes Answers Top Doors & Windows Questions – Part 1
- GFD Homes: Your Door & Window Questions Answered Part 2
- GFD Homes: Questions on Doors & Windows Answered – Part 3
- GFD Homes: Questions on Doors & Windows Answered – Part 4
- Looking for Trade Products? Try The Trade Village
FAQs
Are composite doors better than timber for long-term stability?
Yes. Composite doors are designed with a GRP skin and engineered core to avoid the swelling, shrinking, and cracking you see with timber.
Do sliding doors always need to be aluminium?
No — but aluminium is the most popular because of its slim sightlines, strength, and long-lasting durability compared to uPVC or timber.
How do I choose between uPVC, composite, and aluminium front doors?
It depends on your priorities: uPVC is affordable and efficient, composite balances cost with security, and aluminium offers sleek modern durability.
Are roof lanterns noisy in heavy rain?
Not if you choose modern designs. Today’s roof lanterns use laminated/toughened glazing and insulated frames, minimising noise and vibration.
