Why We Recommended a Solid Core Composite Door for a South-Facing Home in Peterborough

At Peterborough Doors, we often see front doors that appear fine at first glance but are unsuitable for long-term exposure to direct sunlight. This recent installation in Peterborough demonstrates why choosing the correct door for a south-facing property is so important.

BEFORE

The Original Door

The property had an older builder-installed entrance door that had become dated and was no longer providing the appearance or performance the homeowner wanted.

A key issue was the original opening size.

The opening had been constructed larger than the internal plasterboard opening, meaning approximately 40mm of additional timber packers had been fitted around the top and sides of the frame.

This created a bulky appearance and limited the options available when selecting a replacement door.

Before: Original builder-installed entrance door with oversized opening and timber packers around the frame.

Old replacement composite door Cardea Peterborough

Original builder-installed entrance door before replacement.

Project Overview

📍 Location: Cardea, Peterborough
☀️ Aspect: South-facing entrance
🚪 Original Installation: Builder-installed composite entrance door
🪵 Construction Issue: Opening exceeded internal plasterboard dimensions requiring approximately 40mm timber packers around the frame
⚠️ Potential Problems: Excessive heat exposure, expansion, swelling, sticking and locking issues
✅ Recommended Upgrade: Premium solid-core composite door
⭐ Outcome: Improved appearance, security and long-term stability

🛡️ Why We Recommended a Solid Core Door

A solid core composite door provides greater resistance to heat-related movement and helps maintain reliable operation on south-facing properties exposed to direct sunlight.

This property is south-facing, meaning the entrance receives direct sunlight throughout much of the day.

☀️ Expansion in hot weather

🚪 Door slab movement

💧 Swelling

🔒 Locking problems

⚠️ Doors catching on the frame

🔧 Increased maintenance

🛡️ Our Recommendation

After assessing the property’s orientation and exposure to direct sunlight, we recommended a premium solid-core composite door to provide greater stability, improved reliability and long-term performance.

AFTER

The New Solid Core Composite Door

The new navy blue composite door completely transformed the front entrance and provided a more modern appearance while improving security and reliability.

After – New navy blue solid-core composite door professionally installed by Peterborough Doors.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
5-Star Review from Cardea, Peterborough
“Faultless process from start to finish. The installation was professional and we’re delighted with the result. Thank you.”

Carl Upex, Cardea, Peterborough