Leicester · Leicestershire
Composite Doors in Leicester
Timber doors in Leicester that swell, stick or need repainting can be replaced with low-maintenance composite doors that look like painted timber.
- LE1
- LE3
- LE4
- LE5
- Guide from £1,295
Replacement front door across Leicester
In England, replacing a glazed external door is notifiable building work, and whether a mostly solid door counts depends on how much of it is glazed, so the installer confirms what applies. Where notification is needed, an installer registered with a competent person scheme can self-certify the work; otherwise building control approves it.
Most composite doors use a multi-point lock: one turn of the key throws hooks, rollers or bolts into keeps along the frame. The euro cylinder is the weak point on many older doors, so look for one tested against snapping, such as a TS 007 3-star kitemarked or Sold Secure SS312 Diamond cylinder.
A flat's entrance door that opens onto a shared stairwell or corridor is normally a fire door, so it should not be swapped for a standard composite door. Certified fire-rated composite doorsets are made for this purpose, and the freeholder or managing agent will usually need to agree the replacement.
Glass in a door, and in any side panel within 300mm of the door's edge, counts as a critical location when it is within 1500mm of the floor. In England, Approved Document K expects that glass to be safety glass that breaks safely, such as toughened or laminated glass.
What a typical job includes
- Written guarantee terms and advice on building regulations sign-off
- Removal and disposal of the old door and frame
- Multi-point lock with anti-snap cylinder
- Fitting, adjusting, sealing and finishing around the frame
About Leicester for this job
- Postcodes covered
- LE1, LE3, LE4, LE5 and the surrounding area, including Oadby, Wigston Magna and Earl Shilton
- Coast
- Leicester is well inland, around 83 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Leicester the midwinter sun reaches about 14° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.4 hours of daylight, rising to about 61° and 16.6 hours in midsummer. Dark-coloured doors in direct sun get much hotter than pale ones, so follow the manufacturer's guidance on colour for south and west-facing entrances. Glazed panels and side lights bring daylight into dark hallways, especially on north-facing elevations.
- Access and setting
- Street-facing front doors in towns and cities face more passers-by, so anti-snap cylinders, laminated glass and letterplate guards are worth specifying. Conservation areas may control front door styles and colours, and flat entrance doors onto shared corridors normally need fire-rated doorsets.
- Rules in England
- Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Guide prices in Leicester
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Composite front door, supplied and fitted | £1,295 – £1,795 |
| Door with one side panel | £1,695 – £2,295 |
| Door, side panel and top light | £1,895 – £2,595 |
Get a guide price for your size
If the glass sits in a fire-resisting door or screen, such as a flat entrance door or a commercial corridor screen, it must be replaced with fire-rated glazing tested as part of that system. Ordinary toughened glass is not a substitute.
Specification choices
Glass designs
Clear, obscure, bevelled or decorative glass in sealed cassettes, with toughened or laminated panes for safety and security.
Low threshold
A low-profile aluminium threshold for step-free or near step-free access, used where drainage and shelter allow.
Insulated foam core
A lighter slab with a high-density foam core, offering good thermal performance and a wide range of styles.
Composite Doors in Leicester: questions
Will a composite door fade or need painting?
Composite doors do not need painting, and the coloured skins are designed to resist fading, although any surface colour can change slightly over many years in strong sun. Clean the door with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and avoid solvents or abrasive pads. Manufacturer guarantees apply to the finish, and the terms are confirmed in writing.
How much does a composite front door cost?
The cost of a composite door depends on the style, core type, colour, glass, side panels or toplights, hardware and lock specification, plus the condition of the opening. A plain door in a standard colour sits at the lower end, while doors with glazed side panels and premium hardware cost more. See the guide prices; the written quote fixes your price.
How long does it take to fit a composite door?
Fitting a composite front or back door usually takes a day on site, including removing the old door and frame, fitting and adjusting the new doorset and sealing around it. Doors are made to order first, and the manufacturing lead time depends on the style and colour; it is confirmed in writing when you accept the quote.
Can a composite door be fitted with a level threshold?
Yes, composite doors can be supplied with a low aluminium threshold for step-free or near step-free access. In England, where a house built in 1999 or later has a level threshold at the main entrance, the replacement should keep it. Low thresholds need good drainage and some shelter from driving rain, which the glazier checks at survey.
Do you cover Leicester for composite doors?
Yes. We can quote for composite doors across Leicester and the surrounding Leicestershire area, including postcode districts LE1, LE3, LE4 and LE5, and nearby Oadby, Wigston Magna and Earl Shilton. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Leicester
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.