We supply and fit double glazing doors in Fortis Green, including front doors, back doors, French doors, patio doors and bifolds. This page is for homeowners in Fortis Green who want a door that looks right, keeps the heat in and locks securely. It explains the main door types, how they suit local homes, what drives the cost and what to look for in the spec.
Every door is made to measure and fitted by our own team. We are FENSA registered, and each door comes with a 10-year guarantee. For the full range, see our main double glazing doors page. For windows and other work in the area, go to our Fortis Green glazing page.
Doors in Fortis Green: local notes
The style of door that suits a home here depends a lot on its age and layout. We look at the whole front or back of the house before we suggest a design.
- Typical housing: Victorian terraces and villas, with 1930s semis on the Ringwood Estate
- Streets we often work on: Twyford Avenue, Eastern Road and Western Road
Building control for this area is handled by Barnet Council. As a FENSA member, we can self-certify most door replacements.
Types of Double-Glazed Door
Each type does a different job. Most homes have at least two, one at the front and one at the back.
- Composite front doors. A solid core with a tough outer skin that looks like painted timber. They are strong, warm and need little upkeep. See our composite doors page.
- uPVC doors. A good value choice for front, back and side doors. Modern frames are steel-lined and come in many colours and woodgrain finishes.
- Aluminium doors. Slim, strong frames in almost any colour. They suit modern homes and wide glazed openings. See our aluminium doors page.
- French doors. A pair of doors that open out from the middle. They suit smaller openings onto a patio or garden.
- Sliding patio doors. Large panes that slide past each other. They do not swing, so they save space inside and out.
- Bifold doors. Panels that fold back to open up a whole wall. They suit kitchens and rear extensions.
Matching Doors to Fortis Green Homes
The door should suit the house it sits in. Here is how we tend to match them up:
- Period homes. A composite or timber-look door in a heritage colour, with a glazed fanlight above, keeps the front in character.
- Post-war and modern homes. A clean aluminium or uPVC door with a long bar handle often looks best.
- Flats and maisonettes. Front doors to flats may need to be fire-rated. We check this before we quote.
- Back of the house. French doors suit small openings. Patio doors or bifolds suit wider ones.
Many people change the windows at the same time as the doors, so colours and frames match. For balcony and patio walls, tilt and turn windows sit well next to French or patio doors and are easy to clean from inside.
Glass, Frames and Heat Loss
A good door keeps warm air in and cold air out. Three things matter most.
- The glass. We fit low-E sealed units with argon gas and warm-edge spacer bars. All door glass is safety glass, either toughened or laminated.
- The frame. Composite doors have an insulated core. uPVC frames have several chambers inside. Aluminium frames use a thermal break to stop cold tracking through.
- The fit. Even the best door leaks heat if it is badly fitted. We pack, fix and seal each frame with care.
Under Part L of the Building Regulations, a new door must not lose more than 1.4 W/m²K. For large glazed doors, ask about triple glazing, which cuts heat loss and noise further.
Security and Build Quality
A door is the first line of defence for your home. Here is what to look for in the spec:
- PAS 24 testing. This shows the whole door set has passed tests against common break-in methods.
- Multi-point locks. Hooks and bolts lock into the frame at several points, not just one.
- Anti-snap cylinders. These resist the most common attack on a front door lock.
- Internal beading. The glass is held in from the inside, so it cannot be removed from outside.
- Good seals. Rubber gaskets all round the door keep out wind, rain and noise.
Look at the door, frame and hardware as one set. A strong door in a weak frame will not keep you safe.
What Drives the Cost of a New Door
We do not give set prices here, as each door is made for its opening. These are the main cost drivers:
- Material. uPVC costs least. Composite and aluminium cost more but offer more style and strength.
- Size and type. Wide patio doors and bifolds cost more than a single front door.
- Glass and panels. Decorative glass, side panels and fanlights add cost.
- Colour and hardware. Special colours, dual colours and premium handles or letter plates add to the price.
- Building work. A new lintel, a widened opening or a new step adds labour.
After a free survey, we send a written, fixed quote with every item listed. Payment stages are set out in the quote. Start with our quote request form.
Fitting and Lead Times
We survey, quote, make your door to order and fit it, then leave you with your certificate and guarantee. You can read each step on our how we work page.
Lead times vary with the door type and colour. Standard uPVC doors are quicker to make than special-colour composite or aluminium doors. We confirm the fitting date once your door is made. A single door is usually fitted in a day, so your home is secure by the evening.
Looking After Your Doors
Modern doors need very little upkeep. A few habits will keep them working well:
- Wash the frame and door with warm soapy water a few times a year.
- Oil the locks and hinges once a year with light machine oil.
- Keep the drain holes in the threshold clear.
- If the door starts to drop or stick, call us. A small hinge adjustment usually fixes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can double glazed doors be fitted to listed or period homes?
Often, yes, but listed homes need consent before you change a door. In conservation areas, the council may also have rules for front doors that face the street. A timber-look composite door in a heritage colour often suits period homes well. We can supply product details and drawings to support your application, and suggest designs that suit the age of the house.
Will a new door affect home insurance?
It can help. Many insurers ask about the locks on your doors. A PAS 24 door with a multi-point lock and an anti-snap cylinder meets the terms most insurers set. Tell your insurer when you change a door, and keep your certificate and guarantee papers. Your insurer may ask to see them if you ever need to make a claim.
Can a pet flap be fitted into a double glazed door?
Yes. A pet flap can go into a glass panel or a solid panel. In glass, the sealed unit is made with a hole for the flap, so it must be ordered that way. In a composite or uPVC panel, we cut and line the opening. Tell us at the survey, so we can plan the right size and position for your pet.
How long do door colours and finishes last?
Good quality foils on uPVC and composite doors resist fading for many years. Powder-coated aluminium finishes are also hard-wearing. Strong sun on south-facing doors can fade dark colours faster. Clean the finish with mild soapy water, and avoid harsh or scratchy cleaners. Check the product guarantee for the exact cover on colour and finish.
Does a new door need building control approval?
A new door must meet Building Regulations for heat loss and safety glass. If you use a FENSA registered installer, they can self-certify the work and register it for you. You then get a certificate to keep with your house papers. If you widen the opening or add a new lintel, building control may need to inspect the work.
Looking for new double glazing doors in Fortis Green? We also fit doors across East Finchley. Book your free survey and we will measure up and send you a written quote.