Key Considerations
Security
As the boundary between living spaces and the outside world, a front door needs to provide unwavering protection and security for your home. Whether you’re doing a quick shop or going on a spontaneous city break, an unattended house should never be a real cause for concern.
Aluminium’s inherent strength makes it an ideal material for robust door frames, providing a near-impenetrable defence against external force. Unlike uPVC, which becomes brittle over time, or composite doors that can bow, aluminium maintains its structural integrity. Its natural corrosion resistance and protective oxide layer prevent rusting, warping, or cracking, ensuring consistent security in all weather conditions.
The protection of your aluminium door is only as good as its locking system; when upgrading your entryway, be sure to invest in high-security front door locks and latches. Our selection of aluminium Smart Signature doors have 3-star lock cylinders as standard that secure the door at several points along its frame. The integrated thumb turn operation system balances convenience with anti-snap, bump, pick, and drill technology to fortify your home’s defences.
Style and Design
The design, colour, and accessories of your front door are key to creating a tasteful entryway that complements the architectural character and palette of your home. Consideration should be given to the internal and external aesthetic of the property to achieve a harmonious feel that reflects your vision. Aluminium’s versatility makes it the superior material for crafting customised front door designs. Its sleek aesthetic combined with a matte finish establishes an elegant look that complements minimalist and traditional exteriors alike. The Carnaby Door, from our Smart Signature range, offers a simple design that pairs perfectly with both house types.
An accessory or two are the final brushstrokes for a picturesque front door. Whichever handle, knocker, letterbox, or hinge you choose, have complete peace of mind with the Smart 12-month hardware guarantee. And if the number of options on offer sounds a bit daunting, get in touch with our expert sales team, who are only too happy to give a bit of advice and guidance.
Energy Efficiency
Your front door plays a vital role in improving the overall energy efficiency of your home, minimising heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. The materials you choose make a substantial difference, so opt for ones that support a steady, comfortable indoor temperature all year.
Thermally broken aluminium is an industry-leading material, renowned for significantly improving your home’s thermal performance. It features an integrated insulating barrier within the frame, effectively reducing heat transfer between indoor and outdoor environments. As champions of thermally broken aluminium in all our products, we proudly supply the Smart Signature collection. This range also includes 6.8mm laminated double glazing as standard, backed by a 5-year glazing guarantee. The result is a collection of expertly crafted doors with both interior and exterior weather seals, greatly reducing your utility bills and carbon footprint.
Once you have chosen an efficient and secure model, you must have it installed correctly. A professional fitter will guarantee a tight fit with proper sealing to prevent draughts and unnecessary energy expenditure. Your Smart Signature door will come with clear and concise installation instructions, but our expert sales team will be available by phone or email should you have any questions. For those who prefer a fully comprehensive service, our sister company, Express Bi-folding Doors, offers end-to-end support on our bespoke front doors, from initial survey and design to final installation.
Natural Light
Plenty of natural light should flood through your front doors and windows to create a bright and welcoming entryway for your home.
Our range of Smart Signature doors make the most of aluminium’s weight-to-strength ratio to manufacture slimmer frames with varying sizes and numbers of glass panes. The Woodchester is a traditional, stable style door with a large, singular window of frosted glass, whilst the Lansdown has a sleek and contemporary design, with three central glazed inserts. Each option balances warm illumination and guarded privacy perfectly.
Budget
It’s important to choose an entrance door that offers strong value while staying within your renovation budget. Our online configurator simplifies the process by providing an instant quote based on your selected design, specifications, and features. Be sure to factor in installation and any structural changes that could affect your overall costs.
Smart Signature Doors offer exceptional value for money. These aluminium doors combine the strength, performance, and aesthetics of premium options, at a price point similar to composite doors. Despite the affordability, they outperform in security, energy efficiency, and durability, ensuring long-term savings.
Though aluminium may cost more upfront than uPVC or composite, it requires minimal upkeep to stay looking new, just an occasional wipe with soapy water. Lower maintenance and energy costs make it the most cost-effective choice over time. Plus, a well-designed, secure front door also boosts curb appeal and can increase your home’s resale value, potentially making all the difference when it comes to negotiations.
Visit Our Showroom
You now have the essential information needed to choose an aluminium front door that suits your home while delivering optimal performance.
For more inspiration, explore our range of Smart Signature doors, an affordable yet equally impressive aluminium option. Once you’ve found your ideal design, customise it to your exact needs using our easy-to-use configurator, designed to keep the process quick and simple. Expect a quick turnaround after your door is expertly manufactured by Smart, meeting all of our rigorous quality standards here at Express Direct.
For more innovative home solutions, browse our range of premade bifold doors and sliding doors, available online or in our showroom, and blur the line between indoor and outdoor living this summer.