Buying exterior doors, ensuring quality



As the well-known saying goes, "quality always comes at a price", so you may be concerned that investing in a cheaper type of door compared with an expensive counterpart could end up being a foolish investment in the long run. All doors that are of excellent quality are tested vigorously in line with British standards to ensure quality so when you purchase cheap exterior doors, look for the kite mark as this will indicate that a door of choice has undergone such testing and will face the "test of time".

Fact: It is highly recommended that any exterior doors (no matter where it is located in the home) should incorporate hardwood in order to protect your property as adequately as possible. Pine exterior doors are available though if your budget is very tight or they are just needed as a temporary measure.

Security methods

If you are looking to purchase a much more cheaply priced door, security can often be an issue but as long as you ensure that all security measures are met and that a door fits correctly in the first place, this will be fine. An initiative started by the UK Police force is that of "Secured by Design". The scheme works by informing residents of minimum and potentially essential security features that need to be included on exterior doors.

?If an exterior door has a glass panel then this should be fitted with laminated glass, it is known to reduce the risks of a possible break in. A minimum thickness of 6.4mm is suggested. It is vital to remember that it will cost more to have laminated glass fitted but for the extra expense, it will prove worthwhile in terms of enhanced security.

?exterior doors should have (as standard) a BS 3621, five-lever mortice lock installed. If you are unsure as to the quality of a particular lock then look for the British kite mark logo, this insignia means it is of the best quality and in line with set industry standards

There are plenty of other essential components that should be included with the fitting of any cheap exterior door, such as:

1.All frames and the doors themselves MUST fit correctly and will need to be in excellent condition.

2.As with any type of lock when buying a new door, always look for the kite mark logo to ensure that essential British standards are met.

If you have weighed up all the options available and decided that you definitely do want to purchase cheap exterior doors then there is an excellent range available where one may be surprised about the level of choice available. Search online for exterior doors online and look for a website of a supplier in your area. Many of them will have a full catalogue of exterior doors and you can select one or more that suits your home and your budget.