Choosing a new front door

A front door gets opened and closed many times a day, in every kind of weather.

When one needs replacing, many people look at composite doors. Police crime prevention advice describes them as doors made from several materials layered together.

A new door is a chance to choose the look, the security and the glass you want. These notes cover what to look for, and the rules that apply to a replacement door in England.

Choosing a secure door

The security standard in Approved Document Q applies only to new homes. For a replacement door, the choice is yours.

Police advice is to choose a door that is security accredited to a standard such as PAS 24:2022. Secured by Design, the police crime prevention initiative, accredits such products.

Some manufacturers call their doors secure without independent testing. Ask to see the test certificate.

On a multi-point lock, lift the handle and turn the key every time you go out. A letterbox guard stops someone reaching through. A door viewer or chain lets you see who is there before you open the door.

Glass and the threshold

Glass in some places has to be safety glass. This includes glass in a side panel within 300mm of the door's edge and up to 1500mm from the floor. Approved Document K has the details.

If your home was built since 1999, the new main entrance door must keep a level threshold. A raised step would make access worse than when the house was built.

Getting it signed off

An external door is a "controlled fitting" under the Building Regulations. A replacement has to meet set standards.

One standard is about heat loss. Approved Document L sets a maximum U-value for the door, which measures how much heat passes through it.

There are two ways to show the work complies. An installer registered with a competent person scheme can sign off the work and you get a certificate. Otherwise a building control body checks the door and issues a certificate of compliance.

Keep the certificate somewhere safe.

Planning permission

A new door of similar appearance to the original does not usually need planning permission.

A listed building needs listed building consent for significant work. Conservation areas and national parks may have extra rules. Where a council has made an Article 4 direction, even a like-for-like door can need permission.

Leaseholders may need permission from their landlord or management company first.

Ordering at home

Many doors are sold after a visit to your home. A contract arranged at home usually comes with a 14 day cooling-off period.