Modern Black Front Door
When selecting a new front door for your home, you will find a wide range of colours and designs to suit your style. A modern black front door, paired with sleek, contemporary hardware, creates a striking first impression.
The rich, dark finish of black aluminium or black glass adds a touch of sophistication to your entryway. For a truly minimalist look, combine it with black architectural glazing and slim aluminium sightlines, achieving a clean, elegant aesthetic that enhances the overall appeal of your home.
Modern black front door
Adding glass to your front door design can help bring natural light into your hallway, brightening your home and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Depending on your space, you could choose a sleek, modern black front door with integrated glass panels, or enhance the entry with one or two glazed side panels to embrace the width of your doorway. If you have the height, a glazed top light above the door can also be a stylish way to flood your entrance with extra light. View our inspiration gallery.
Black aluminium doors
Aluminium front doors are a popular option for homeowners due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. One key advantage of aluminium is its powder-coated paint finish, which resists fading from sun exposure. This makes aluminium an excellent choice, especially for black doors, as the finish maintains its rich colour over time. The door shown below is a black aluminium pivot door with a bonded black glass facade. The pivot design is perfect for creating a large, striking entrance while still offering all the security and safety features of a modern aluminium front door. Design your bespoke black front door here.
Modern black double front door
At Spitfire Doors, every door is custom-made to your exact specification, in your preferred colour and design. While modern black double front doors with their sleek aluminium finish make a bold statement, you have the freedom to create a truly unique front door with our range of designer finishes. Some options feature stunning marble-effect finishes and luxury designer handles, such as the elegant Pivot double door shown below in black marble. Take a look at our range of Pivot Doors
Black front door with side panels
If space allows, you can enhance your front door design by incorporating two side panels, paired with a solid black front door. Adding safety-laminated glazing to the side panels provides both security and style. You can choose clear glass to let in plenty of natural light, or opt for satin obscured glass to maintain privacy while still allowing some light to filter through.
For a more bespoke look, you can mix clear and obscured glass, by combining obscured glass with clear lines, or vice versa. In the design shown below, the homeowner has selected a more traditional door style, featuring a high-quality door knocker and knob. The black aluminium front door is equipped with advanced multi-point locking for enhanced security and offers excellent thermal efficiency.
Fingerprint Door
Fingerprint door access systems are a revolutionary approach to door security, providing enhanced protection, while offering convenience and efficiency.
Front doors have traditionally served as the main entranceway between our personal spaces and the outside world. As technology advances, so do the methods we use to secure our homes and businesses. Homeowners are familiar with keyless entry for their cars and are now seeking biometric door locks with fingerprint access for the front door to their homes.
Electronic locks offer sophisticated options, such as a thumbprint door lock or fingerprint keypad door lock, making it easier to open the front door to your home without having to fumble for a key in your pockets or bag. Watch our video showing fingerprint entry.
Fingerprint Door Access
Fingerprint door access systems use a sensor to read the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on a person's fingertip. When a user places their finger on the sensor, the device captures an image of the fingerprint and converts it into a digital template. This template is compared to a database of enrolled fingerprints to verify the user's identity. If there is a match, the door unlocks; if not, access will be denied.
With a Spitfire Door fingerprint system, up to 100 individual fingerprint or thumbprints can be safety stored within the database. Continual improvements are being made to improve sensor technology to ensure reliability in various conditions.
It is advisable to register more than one finger or thumb when setting up your fingerprint door access, so that if a fingerprint is temporarily unrecognisable due to a build up of dirt, oil or moisture on the fingertip, the back up fingerprint will allow you to gain access.
Advantages of a Fingerprint Front Door Lock
One of the most significant advantages of fingerprint access is its security. Since each fingerprint is unique, unauthorised users are unable to gain access. Unlike keys, which can be copied, or codes, which can be forgotten, fingerprints are always with the individual.
The convenience of no longer fumbling for keys to gain access to your home or office cannot be overstated. A simple touch of the finger can grant access, streamlining the entry process. Fingerprint access systems represent a significant leap forward in door security, merging convenience with advanced technology. Contact Spitfire Doors.
Biometric Door for Office and Commercial Premises
With the option of including up to 100 individual fingerprints, a biometric door lock system for offices is a popular choice.
Once a fingerprint has been registered, employees can enter their workplace, close the door behind them and the door will automatically lock. Many fingerprint access systems come equipped with the ability to log entries and exits. This feature can be particularly useful in commercial settings where monitoring who enters and exits can be crucial for security and safety. Administrators can easily add or remove users from the system, providing flexibility for businesses or households.
With a Spitfire Door, the biometric door system can be controlled either manually, or remotely via the Inosmart App. It operates in a similar way to a Smart lock front door.
Fingerprint Door Handle
With a Spitfire entry door, the biometric system can be fitted either within the door handle, or within the door sash itself.
A fingerprint door handle is a convenient and attractive design. There are many pull bar handle designs available, including a square or round pull bar in a choice of black or stainless steel. The biometric system is discreetly situated within the handle itself. Watch our video demonstrating the use of the keypad being used to open the door.
Biometric Fingerprint Door Lock
A fingerprint door lock system offers several conveniences that make it an attractive choice for securing homes. There is no longer a need to carry keys, which could become lost or forgotten, simply placing a finger or thumb on the sensor is all that is required for access.
Fingerprint systems typically unlock within seconds, providing immediate access without delay. As fingerprints are unique, there is no risk of someone copying a key. This enhances security and peace of mind.
Download a Spitfire Doors brochure.
Keypad Door Entry
Keypad door entry systems are also a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties, offering a convenient and secure method for accessing buildings. By requiring a numeric code to unlock a door, these systems eliminate the need for physical keys while providing a range of benefits.
Codes can be shared with family members, employees, or guests without the need for extra keys. Each user can have their own code, which can be changed or deactivated as needed. Temporary codes can be created and later removed, enhancing security. This feature is useful for allowing temporary access to a dog walker, cleaner or guests who will only be visiting at a certain time of day or for a certain number of days. Their code can then simply be removed when no longer required.
Both fingerprint door entry and keypad entry systems offer a blend of convenience, security, and flexibility that makes them an appealing option. Whether for residential or commercial purposes, they provide an efficient way to manage access without the need for traditional keys. By understanding their benefits and potential challenges, users can make informed decisions about incorporating keypad entry into their security plans. Download a brochure
If you are considering a biometric fingerprint door access system for your home or office, please contact a member of our Customer Service team on 01625 412570 or email enquiries@spitfiredoors.co.uk or visit our door designer to configure your dream door.
Huge Front Door
A huge front door can evoke a sense of grandeur, elegance, and significance in residential architecture. It provides not only a functional entry point but also an important aesthetic element that set the tone for the entire structure.
Aluminium front doors are possible in huge sizes, with a single door available up to 1,250mm wide and up to 2,700mm high. Pivot entrance doors can be crafted even larger than that, with a single door available in sizes up to 2,000mm wide and up to 3,000mm high. For openings larger than these sizes, a glazed side panel or top light can be added to increase the overall width and height of the entrance door.
Take a look at our gallery for inspiration
Huge Front Door for your Home
Front doors are often the first impression of a home. When these doors are oversized, they amplify that impression. An extra wide front door can create a sense of drama and anticipation, inviting visitors to explore what lies beyond. In residential design, they can signify the homeowner’s personality and style, while in commercial architecture, they may represent the brand’s image or the building’s purpose.
Oversized Front Door
Historically, oversized doors have been a hallmark of significant buildings, from cathedrals and palaces to public institutions. In many cultures, massive doors were designed to convey strength and security. For example, the grand entrances of ancient Roman basilicas often featured towering doors that emphasised the importance of the sacred space within. Similarly, in medieval castles, large wooden doors served as formidable barriers against invaders while also highlighting the wealth and power of the occupants.
Aluminium Pivot Doors can be made in a wide range of designs, colours and sizes, to create a truly impressive entrance to a home. Visit our gallery for inspiration.
Pivot Entrance Doors
The size of a front door can dramatically influence the perception of a building’s scale. A massive door can overshadow the surrounding architecture, creating a striking visual contrast. This scale is an Architects dream when designing a state-of-the art build and can evoke feelings of awe and respect, reinforcing the building’s significance.
Pivot entrance doors can be crafted from various materials, each adding to the door’s character and functionality. A glass pivot front door, like this one below, creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
This huge front door has been made-to-measure to the homeowner’s preferred design and includes a full height recessed handle complete with an LED light. The inherent strength of pivot door frames combined with a clever pivot mechanism means that a Spitfire pivot door can carry heavy external finishes like laminated glass with ease.
Find out about our Pivot Door Augmented Reality App where you can design a huge front door for your home.
Style and Architecture of Huge Front Doors
The style of a huge front door should complement the overall architecture of the building. Traditional homes might feature ornate, carved wooden doors, while modern homes could opt for minimalist aluminium door designs with clean lines. Craftsman-style homes often display doors with intricate panelling and natural wood finishes.
Spitfire pivot doors are all made-to-measure and can include a fabulous wood effect finish with CNC grooves within the aluminium or glass, to create a panelling effect. Arched aluminium door frames are a possibility, with every door being made to bespoke sizes for individual projects.
The Emotional Impact of an Oversized Front Door
Oversized front doors can evoke a range of emotions. The act of entering through a large door can be thrilling, creating a moment of pause before stepping into a new environment. This experience can be amplified by the door’s design; for instance, a sleek glass pivot front door may invoke feelings of modernity and openness.
There are over 30 customisable pivot doors to choose from, each available as a huge door in sizes up to 2,000mm wide and up to 3,000mm high. Some pivot door designs can be made up to 4,000mm wide, depending on their specification.
Contact Spitfire Doors to discuss your huge front door requirements
Oversized Doors Security
Oversized doors require robust locking mechanisms to ensure security and the materials used must be durable enough to withstand potential threats. Spitfire Pivot entrance doors are fitted with premium quality hinges and high-quality locks, ensuring the doors meet RC2 and RC3 levels of security to keep your home safe.
Huge front doors are more than mere entry points; they are powerful architectural elements that convey identity and welcome guests. These doors can create lasting impressions and make them a captivating topic in the realm of architecture and design.
As you approach a huge front door, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship, the materials, and the stories that these doors tell. They are not just thresholds; they are gateways to new experiences and reflections of personality. Whether they welcome you into a home or a place of business, huge front doors remain a vital element of the built environment, inviting us to step inside and explore what lies beyond. Visit our photo gallery for inspiration.
Contact Spitfire Doors’ Customer Service Team to discuss the most suitable huge front door for your unique project. Call 01625 412570 or email enquiries@spitfiredoors.co.uk
At Spitfire Doors, we specialise in bespoke front doors that can be custom-built up to an impressive 3 metres in height and 2 metres in width. This makes our huge front doors some of the largest available in the UK, perfect for those looking to make a grand entrance.
The maximum size for a Spitfire front door is 3m in height and 2m in width. Our unique design and engineering allow us to offer doors of this scale without compromising on security or functionality.
Front doors can vary in size, but with Spitfire Doors, you can achieve sizes up to 3m high and 2m wide. Our aluminium doors are custom-made to fit the specific measurements and design preferences of your property, ensuring both durability and visual impact.
Yes, absolutely. At Spitfire Doors, we specialise in custom front doors and can manufacture extra-large doors tailored to your requirements. Whether you’re looking for increased height, width, or a unique design, we can create the perfect door to suit your vision.
An oversized door is generally any entrance door larger than the UK’s typical dimensions, which range from 1981mm to 2134mm in height and 762mm to 914mm in width. At Spitfire Doors, we classify our doors as oversized when they exceed these standard dimensions, offering options up to 3m in height and 2m in width.
In the UK, certain building regulations apply to new front doors, particularly around thermal performance and fire safety. Spitfire Doors comply with these regulations, and our team can provide guidance to ensure that your new huge front door meets all necessary standards.
The largest standard front door size in the UK is typically around 2134mm (7 feet) high by 914mm (3 feet) wide. For those seeking more dramatic dimensions, Spitfire Doors offers much larger customisable options.
A large entrance door is generally over 914mm wide in the UK, though Spitfire Doors can craft custom doors up to 2 metres wide, providing the ultimate in grandeur and accessibility.
Most homes in the UK have one main front door, but regulations generally require at least two exterior doors for safe exit points in case of emergency. Our huge front doors can be installed as a primary entrance, complemented by additional exterior doors if required.
Contemporary Front Doors
Contemporary front doors are built to last, with an average lifespan exceeding 25 years, making them a solid, long-term investment for homeowners. Spitfire contemporary front doors are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions like rain, wind, and intense sunlight, making them highly durable.
Benefits of Choosing Contemporary Front Doors
One of the key advantages of a contemporary front door made from aluminium is that the material is strong, lightweight, and highly durable. Aluminium reacts with oxygen in the air, forming a protective layer of aluminium oxide that prevents corrosion, making it ideal for exterior doors.
Additionally, contemporary front doors are easy to maintain. A simple monthly clean with warm, soapy water is all that’s needed to keep them in top condition. The hardware also benefits from periodic cleaning with a stainless-steel cleaner, ensuring the door remains functional and visually appealing for 25 years or more. Download our brochure
Contemporary Front Doors in a wide choice of colours
Aluminium front doors can be powder-coated in a wide variety of RAL colours, making them extremely versatile. For those seeking unique designs, finishes like modern rust, marble, or light concrete effects are available. If you prefer the appearance of wood without the upkeep, there are wood-effect finishes that offer the look of timber without the need for regular painting or staining.
Many aluminium doors are customizable with options like glass panels, LED lighting, or biometric fingerprint entry. If you’re seeking a strong, energy-efficient contemporary front door, aluminium doors, such as Spitfire Doors, are a great option, offering excellent insulation, weather resistance, and durability, and they can meet Passiv Haus energy standards. Find out more.
Marine Grade Paint Finish for Coastal Areas
For homes near the sea, it is essential to choose a marine-grade paint finish to protect your contemporary front door from sea salt exposure. Spitfire Doors offers a marine-grade powder-coated finish, which is specifically designed to resist salt corrosion. It’s also important to specify marine-grade hardware to ensure the entire door withstands the harsh coastal environment.
While aluminium doors are low maintenance overall, any high-quality entrance door will need regular cleaning to stay in top condition, this is especially important for homes near the Sea or Estuary.
Contact Spitfire Doors to discuss your future project.
Natural Daylight In Your Home
If you are considering a new front door for your home, this could be a good time to consider the amount of natural daylight which you have available. If you have the space to include one or two glazed side panels on either side of your front door, or a glazed top light above your door, this will allow plenty of natural light to flood into your hallway. Alternatively, Spitfire Doors have many designs to choose from which include triple glazing with the design.
The contemporary front door pictured below is a Spitfire S-500 Series door, complete with two glazed side panels and triple glazing within the door itself. The design also includes a pullbar handle which runs the full height of the door, with a biometric fingerprint keypad included within the door handle and a Spyhole fitted discreetly into the door sash. This contemporary grey door design has four horizontal CNC grooves to add style and sophistication. Every door is made to bespoke dimensions and is available in a huge choice of colours. You are welcome to visit our bespoke door designer to create the door of your dreams here.
For further inspiration, visit our gallery to see some of the contemporary front doors we have available.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss the most suitable contemporary front doors for your home, please contact Spitfire Doors on 01625 412570 or email info@spitfiredoors.co.uk. A member of our Customer Service Team will be happy to help you.
Modern Grey Front Door
Modern Grey Front Door
Modern grey front doors have become a popular choice among homeowners across the UK. With a wide range of shades available, from light grey to deep anthracite, grey is a versatile colour for aluminium front doors.
Grey is an ideal choice for creating a balanced, cohesive look for your home’s exterior, offering both sophistication and a welcoming appeal. Take a look at our Inspirational Gallery.
Grey Front Door with Side Panels
A grey front door with side panels adds elegance and warmth to any property. Whether combined with render, brick, or modern cladding, it creates a striking entrance that enhances curb appeal.
There are many modern front doors to choose from. Spitfire aluminium doors, for example, offer a wide selection of designs, including horizontal steel inserts or CNC grooves, allowing you to customize the perfect door for your home and style.
Front door with 2 side panels
A front door with 2 side panels is a great choice for combining elegance with practicality. You can select clear glass side panels for maximum natural light or satin obscured glass for added privacy while still allowing light to flow. Many homeowners opt for a combination of transparent glass at the top and obscured glass at the bottom, balancing light and privacy. Etched designs can also be added to the glass, allowing you to personalize your entrance with your house name or number. The image below shows triple glazed side panels with obscured glass and decorative, clear lines. The customization options are endless.
Take a look at the wide range of RAL colours and Designer finishes available, including a selection of grey shades.
Modern Front Doors for Homes
When selecting a front door for your home, there are many designs and colours to choose from. Anthracite grey, light grey, black, and white are particularly popular for modern front doors. If you are looking for inspiration, you are welcome to visit our door designer and build your own door. You can decide whether you prefer a traditional or modern front door for your home and, if space allows, include a glazed panel to the side of your door or above your door. You will also have the option of selecting one or more colours on the outside of your door with a different colour on the inside.
If you are looking for a grey front door, there are many different RAL colours to choose from, or if you take a look at our designer finishes, you can select from a light or dark concrete effect for a truly bespoke modern door.
Modern Grey Front Door in Aluminium
Spitfire Doors provides a wide range of aluminium front door designs. All doors are incredibly strong and secure and are guaranteed for 10 years. These doors feature triple-glazed laminated glass and offer advanced options like biometric fingerprint entry, allowing you to combine security with modern style.
Modern Grey Front Door In Timber
Our exquisite timber door collection is crafted to perfection by merging advanced engineered timber layers with a robust wooden frame. Say goodbye to worries of warping and twisting, as our doors promise unparalleled durability. You can choose from a wide range of painted finishes, such as the beautiful grey door pictured below. If you prefer, your timber door can be stained or oiled to bring out the natural grain.
Experience peace of mind with enhanced security features including a multi-point locking mechanism, fingerprint entry and laminated safety glass.
Take A Look At Our Photo Gallery For Inspiration
Spitfire aluminium or timber front doors are available in a wide range of designs and finishes. Every door is made bespoke for your home or project. Our gallery is full of fabulous front doors in colours ranging from White, Grey, Black, Designer Concrete or Corten finishes and beautiful black glass front doors. Visit our door configurator to design a bespoke front door for your home.
Contact our Customer Services team to discuss your unique project, we will be delighted to help you. You can also download one of our brochures here.
Room dividers for open plan living
Open plan living has become increasingly popular among UK homeowners. A spacious, open living area enables the entire family to spend time together in a single room, but it does require careful planning. Room divider options for open plan living are something to consider.
The most effective open plan designs often include ways to occasionally separate areas. Adding a permanent or movable room divider can be an excellent solution to divide the space into distinct zones within the room.
Room divider solutions for separating your kitchen from the living room
Sociable open-plan kitchen living rooms are perfect for daytime gatherings, allowing family and friends to spend time together. However, one drawback is that cooking smells can easily spread to other areas of the home.
A great solution is to install glazed room dividers, like Heritage or Industrial-Style glazing. During the day, the doors can be opened to maintain the open plan feel, and when needed, they can be closed. With transparent glass, natural light continues to flow throughout the home, while sound transfer between rooms is minimized.
Room dividers to create a partition wall
If you have a large open-plan area that you would like to occasionally separate, room dividing doors are an excellent choice. These doors can be closed to create a smaller, cosier space and opened to instantly transform the area into a more sociable living space.
Room divider options include single or double doors, with clear glazing on the sides and above, as well as Sliding Doors, Bifolding Doors, or glazed Pivot Doors.
Designs can also incorporate fixed glazing to create a half-height wall partition. Each room divider can be custom-made to perfectly suit your specific needs. For more information, please contact Spitfire Doors on 01625 412570, our Customer Service Team will be happy to discuss the most suitable option for your home and provide you with a free quotation.
Art Deco room dividers
The distinctive features of 1930’s Art Deco room dividers are currently in high demand, appealing to both period and contemporary homeowners. Installing a glazed room divider is an excellent solution for creating a home office space or an office space within a commercial building.
Art Deco glazed doors allow natural daylight to flow between areas while providing privacy and a quieter environment for work. The slim aluminium or steel sightlines provide a minimalist aesthetic, and doors can be closed to retain warmth and reduce sound transfer between zones.
Heritage Sliding Doors and Bifolding Doors: Elegant Room Divider Options
If you have a wide opening in your open-plan space that you would like to close off occasionally, internal Heritage sliding or bifolding doors could be the perfect solution.
Both sliding and bifolding doors are ideal for creating separation between rooms, whether at home or in an office. Sliding doors glide smoothly along their track, offering an opening of two-thirds of the total space without encroaching on the living area when open. For a more seamless option, pocket sliding doors slide into a purpose-built wall cavity, allowing you to fully enjoy the open-plan layout when needed.
Internal bifolding doors can be fully opened to maximize your open-plan space, or closed to create a private, cozy area. All heritage internal glazing can be custom-made to fit perfectly within your open-plan living area.
Suitable glass options for room dividers
There are numerous glass options to suit your needs, whether you prefer clear glazing to create an open, airy feel or require something that offers more privacy while still dividing spaces. In addition to clear glass, you can choose from reeded glass, frosted obscured glass, or tinted glass—all of which are perfect for maintaining the ambiance of open-plan living while providing greater privacy.
Glazed room dividers are highly versatile and can be used in various interior settings, from homes to commercial spaces like offices and café bars.
For high-traffic areas or where the lower section of the door might be at risk of accidental knocks, Art Deco internally glazed doors can be fitted with stylish black aluminium kick plates, helping to prevent scratches and glass breakages.
Summary
These room divider options allow you to create distinct zones within your open-plan living space while maintaining a sense of openness and light flow. The heritage, industrial, and Art Deco influences in the designs make these dividers not only functional but also a beautiful addition to any home.
Spitfire Doors can supply and install aluminium or steel bespoke room dividers in homes throughout the UK, including Fire Doors.
Contact our friendly Customer Service Team on 01625 412570 or email info@spitfiredoors.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you.
Pivot Door Augmented Reality App
Spitfire doors has taken a significant leap with the introduction of Augmented Reality (AR), following in the footsteps of other luxury brands, such as Bentley, Rolls Royce and Gucci to name but a few.
Pivot Door Augmented Reality App
When making a Spitfire Pivot door purchase, it can help to be able to visualise your door in-situ whilst at home in real-time.
Even those with an eye for style may find it challenging to visualise a new door in their home. AR Apps have been available in Interior Design for a number of years and now Spitfire Doors has made it possible to take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect Pivot Door.
Simply visit the Apple Store, download the Spitfire Door App and then start designing your bespoke Pivot Door.
Pivot Doors For Your Home Come To Life With Augmented Reality
Spitfire’s luxury doors are technically innovative, with biometric opening systems and LED lighting, they lend themselves perfectly to the opportunities that technology offers. Spitfire Doors strives to stay ahead of the curve and has developed a bespoke App, which will transform the way homeowners interact when choosing a new Pivot door for their home.
The App allows you to open and close your Pivot Door
AR is popular within the Interior Design industry and lends itself perfectly to homeowners being able to use technology and see their luxury door come alive from the comfort of their homes.
As consumers, we are increasingly seeking out visualisation experiences or do-it-yourself options and alternative ways to create a dream door for our homes.
Can I design my own Pivot Front Door?
Yes, you can design your own Pivot front door.
Spitfire’s APP allows you to measure your door opening using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. LiDAR is a remote-sensing technology which uses laser beams to measure precise distances and movement in an environment, in real time. Users of the App can effortlessly navigate and interact with the user-friendly interface and see the world around them come alive with dynamic, AR elements. Spitfire Doors is thrilled to unveil such a ground-breaking augmented reality experience that will transform the future of choosing luxury front doors.
As a leading brand of choice, Spitfire Doors is taking a critical importance to find new ways to set themselves apart and deliver amazing experiences across all channels. They have an expansive number of retail design partner showrooms, where users can view a wide range of doors and will now be able to immerse themselves within AR. Find the showroom nearest to you
The AR App allows you to see and experience how a Pivot Door will look and fit in your home, but also engage with the door by opening and closing as if the door was in situ, in addition to customizing the dimensions, colour, style, and size.
Be amongst the first to experience the future of augmented reality. Download the “Spitfire Door App” and try it for yourself.
Please contact a member of the Spitfire Doors Customer Services Team for more information.
How does the Spitfire Pivot Doors Augmented Reality App Work?
Visit the Apple Store and download the “Spitfire Doors App”, grant necessary permissions and follow the easy-to-use prompts.
Just point your device at the four corners where the door will be installed, then move it from left to right and bottom to top. The App will produce a surprisingly accurate layout of the space, helping to determine how the door will fit and look. It also allows you to open the door and see it from inside and outside the home. It also includes a feature to estimate the cost of the new door. A full survey will be required before a Pivot Door can be ordered.
Spitfire Doors has chosen ten popular Pivot Door models to showcase on the new App, however there are many more designs available. Download our Pivot Door brochure to see a number of designs available.
Please visit our Pivot Door webpage to find out more about Spitfire Pivot Doors or email us at info@spitfiredoors.co.uk or call 01625 412570. Our friendly Customer Services team will be happy to help.
Is your front door ready for winter?
With a fall in temperature, the colder winter months are approaching. Are you and your home ready for winter? The temperatures dropping in winter accompanied by a rise in humidity can quickly affect the entrance to your home, so now is a good time to check how your entrance and its surroundings are prepared for the cold season.
HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR FRONT DOOR IS READY FOR WINTER
Do you proactively maintain your front door on a regular basis, or are you more likely to carry out any repairs when they become noticeable? We would recommend that you prepare your home for winter by ensuring that your entrance door is safe and in full working order.
How to carry out checks:
- Carry out a detailed inspection of the front door leaf itself
- Oil any hooks and locks
- Test for any draughts or water ingress
- Consider if there is adequate lighting around the entrance and hallway
- Review accessories around the entrance to your home, such as a mat, umbrella holder or coat hangers
- Check for security - would your home deter an opportunist burglar?
IS YOUR FRONT DOOR WELL INSULATED - TO HELP WITH ENERGY BILLS?
Poor thermal insulation of windows and front doors is one of the main causes of energy loss in a home and, as a result, higher heating costs. More heat can be lost through poorly insulated windows and doors than through an uninsulated façade. High-quality and, above all, well-installed front doors that provide good insulation are therefore an excellent investment that pays off in winter.
HOW TO CHECK THE INSULATION OF YOUR FRONT DOOR
When considering the insulation of an entrance door, we need to take into account the insulation of the door leaf itself, the side seals and cills which prevent warm air escaping from a property and also prevent the penetration of cold air into the interior of your home. The thickness of the door itself and the material your front door is made from can affect the quality of the door seal. If you feel that your door is letting in the cold air, is it time to consider upgrading is and replacing your front door?
You can check the effectiveness of the gasket seal on the side and bottom of the front door. If the door is worn and bent, and no longer fits perfectly into the frame, air will escape through the gaps in both directions.
If you can feel a draught coming in through your front door, it can help to use a torch to carry out a full investigation. Point the beam of light at the edges of the door and observe if light enters through one of the openings. Alternatively, you can do the same with a sheet of paper and see if you can slide it between the door and the frame, if you can, this could be where the draught is coming from. One of the classic methods of leak testing is a test with a lighter, as you bring the lighter closer to the sides of the door, observe how the frame flickers. This way, you can find out where the pull of the flame occurs which can help identify where additional seals are needed. For example in the form of:
- rubber textile seals
- foam seals
- Textile stopper or
- Cill seals with brush.
It is definitely worth checking whether the door sits correctly within its' frame, and whether it closes and locks easily.
IS IT TIME TO BUY A NEW FRONT DOOR FOR YOUR HOME?
If your front door looks tired and old, it could be time to consider replacing it with a new front door which will be energy efficient, with excellent U-Values to keep your home warm and your energy bills lower.
A high-quality front door like the Spitfire Doors S-500 Series, will keep out the noise and cold and reduce your heating costs. A new front door will be more secure with high quality multi-point locks to keep out would-be intruders, whilst visually brightening up both the exterior and interior of your home and adding kerb appeal to your home. If you want to save on heating costs, installing a new front door is a good place to start.
DESIGN YOUR DREAM FRONT DOOR HERE
ALUMINIUM FRONT DOORS WILL LOOK GOOD AND PERFORM WELL FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS
The Spitfire Inotherm aluminum front door is well-known for its insulating properties, which is especially beneficial in the cold winter months. Aluminium doors do not twist and warp on hot sunny days, even at high temperatures, ensuring that the heat in your four walls will not escape thanks to special door fillers, triple glazing and vulcanized corners which create a water and airtight seal.
Our doors are powder coated in our own paint shop, offering additional protection against UV radiation. There is a huge range of RAL colours to choose from. You can design your bespoke front door using our online door configurator here.
A SECURE FRONT DOOR WILL PROTECT YOU EVEN ON DARKER WINTER EVENINGS
When the nights draw in and with fewer hours of daylight during autumn and winter, many people give more consideration to the security of their homes. To deter an opportunist burglar, having a secure aluminium front door is a great place to start. The Spitfire Inotherm S-500 front door meets both PAS 24 and RS3 levels of security to keep your property safe and secure.
IS THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME SUFFICIENTLY ILLUMINATED?
If the outside of your home is well lit at night, potential burglars will have a harder time sneaking up to the door and trying to gain access. Whether the lighting is positioned to the side of the door or above the front door, the right lighting is likely to put off an intruder, helping to keep you safe in your home. Installing lights with a motion sensor will ensure the outside of your home is illuminated every time the light detects any movement.
IS YOUR DOOR LOCK STRONG AND SECURE?
When carrying out an inspection of your front door, check to see if any of the hinges or locks are rusty and ensure that the lock opens and closes smoothly. By ensuring that your door locks easily, you could prevent your front door being left unlocked unintentionally, making it easy for an opportune thief to gain access. The Spitfire Inotherm S-500 Series Doors lock automatically, as soon as they are closed.
If your lock is worn or is of poor quality, it could be time to upgrade your lock or door to ensure your home is secure. Most modern front doors will have a new multipoint locking system, which means that the door will be locked in several places along the side of the door. The Spitfire Inotherm door has a 5-point security lock as standard and meets PAS 24 security.
SAFETY AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY GO HAND IN HAND - AN INTRODUCTION TO INOSMART
Do you want to combine the security of your entrance with modern technology? Can you imagine the convenience of not having to look for keys every time you arrive home? Especially in winter, when we want to escape the cold and rain quickly, such a solution is worth its' weight in gold. In addition, it offers absolute security, as the door locks automatically every time it is closed.
Doors with the INOSMART system offer three types of opening:
- Fingerprint access
- NFC technology
- by entering a numerical code
The system is equipped with an advanced high-speed fingerprint reader that recognizes the fingerprint regardless of the position of the finger, but also detects changes and adapts to a specific fingerprint. The administration takes place via an app on a smartphone, which also logs attempts of any unauthorized access. Contact Spitfire Doors to find out more.
THE BEST PROTECTION FOR YOUR LOVED ONES AND YOUR PROPERTY - A BURGLAR-PROOF FRONT DOOR
Statistics show that most burglars still enter buildings through the front door.
For maximum security, care must be taken to ensure that it is protected as well as possible against burglary attempts. If you want to protect your home in winter and install a new entrance as part of the renovation, secure burglar-proof doors are something to be considered.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF FRONT DOORS - IS YOUR FRONT DOOR READY FOR WINTER?
Regular maintenance of your front door is essential. It only takes a few minutes to ensure that your door threshold remains free of grit and dirt. A simple wipe of the exterior of your door and some oiling of hinges and moving parts is recommended from time to time. Aluminium front doors are extremely resistant to winter conditions, but simple maintenance ensures a longer service life. Before winter, be sure to check the moving parts such as fittings and locks. Clean them first and then oil them as this will ensure easy closing and opening. Lubricating the lock should not be just a seasonal task; pay attention to regular lubrication, as this prolongs the service life.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT VENTILATION IN YOUR HOME
If you have chosen a well-sealed front door and windows for your home, it is important to ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the areas around the door and window. By opening your doors and windows for a few minutes every few days, this should ensure there is enough fresh air to keep the area free from mould or damp.
If you would like the opportunity to design your own front door, why not visit our door designer where you can choose from over 400 designs in a huge choice of colours and finishes. We also have a wide range of door handles to choose from.
If you would like to discuss a new front door for your home, please contact our Customer Services Team who will be happy to put you in touch with a design partner in your area. Call 01625 412570 or contact us here We look forward to hearing from you.
Ventilation in buildings
Ventilation in buildings
To function normally and lead a healthy life, we all need sufficient fresh air. As many people spend about 90% of their day indoors, it is extremely important to ensure adequate air quality. Ventilation rates can be measured in terms of air changes per hour. According to Ventilation Standard DIN 1946-6, this should be 30 cubic meters per hour.
Today's building standards aim to make buildings as airtight as possible. This prevents uncontrolled air exchange and reduces heat loss. High-quality front doors and windows contribute significantly to reducing the CO² footprint and heating costs. If they are poorly insulated, heat can escape through them.
Although well-insulated buildings are more important than ever due to rapidly rising energy prices and the risk of an energy crisis, they also bring new challenges, such as ensuring there is sufficient fresh air.
Sick building syndrome
If an energy-efficient building is not adequately ventilated, it can quickly lead to oversaturation of the air with moisture, stuffy air and condensation on the walls, which can lead to mould growth.
All this can quickly lead to sick building syndrome, which means that the building has a negative impact on the health of residents, whereby residents of a building experience acute health or comfort related effects that seem to be linked directly to the time spent in the building. For example, they tend to suffer more frequently from allergies, headaches, nausea, lack of concentration, a dry cough and fatigue.
Cost-saving ventilation solutions
Developing new and efficient renewable energy technologies is not just about harnessing the sun or wind, but also about using what we already have. To ensure sufficient fresh air, it is important not to use too much energy for it. One of the ways to improve air quality in homes without putting a lot of strain on the environment is ventilation with heat recovery.
Did you know that an average family of four produces 10 to 15 litres of water in 24 hours? In order to maintain adequate humidity in the rooms, this moisture must necessarily be dissipated; either by natural ventilation, such as opening a window or door or by using a suitable ventilation system.
What is ventilation heat recovery?
Heat recovery is a method which is used to reduce the heating and cooling demands of a building. A room that is not properly ventilated contains deoxygenated air, which leads to moisture formation, mould and, above all, poor well-being.There are basically two types of ventilation systems with heat recovery.
Central ventilation system with heat recovery
The basis of a central ventilation system with heat recovery is the ventilation unit, which is usually installed in the boiler room or in the attic, usually where sources of noise are already present (washing machine, stove, etc.). It consists of a heat exchanger (recuperator), supply and exhaust air filter, supply and exhaust air fan, a control system and air duct connections.
How does a central ventilation system with heat recovery work?
Instead of just extracting the exhaust air from the building and replacing it with fresh outside air, the heat recovery system extracts heat from the exhaust air and releases it into the outside air entering the building. The fresh air enters the device through a façade grid and is then filtered. The exhaust air and supply air flows do not pass through the same pipes, so cross-contamination is avoided. Thus, energy is merely transferred between the two air streams and the energy recovery effects are considerable. For example, if the exhaust air has a temperature of 22°C and the fresh supply air has a temperature of 2°C, the fresh air blown into the room has a temperature between 19°C and 20°C, without additional heating. The heat recovery unit is connected to the living rooms via an exhaust and supply air plenum, pipe silencers and insulating pipes that supply fresh air to each room.
Advantages:
- Air always flows from typically clean rooms into dirty rooms.
- The system is practically inaudible.
- We don't feel a draft.
- No need for exhaust fans in the toilet and bathroom (which lowers the investment price).
- High energy efficiency of the exhaust air (90% and more).
- Possibility of installing a cooler/heater or a humidifier in the fresh air duct.
Disadvantages:
- If it is unprofessionally installed and poorly designed, the right effects will not be achieved.
- In most cases, this system cannot be installed for minor renovations.
- It dries the air in winter.
We recommend using a humidity and temperature meter in the home.
Decentralised ventilation system with heat recovery
If a central heat recovery system is not possible, decentralised ventilation systems with heat recovery are proposed for installation in all rooms. In principle, such a system is cheaper if three to four rooms are equipped with it. In most cases, local systems are installed in apartments and homes.
However, in the case of multiple rooms (and if the building permits), a central system is recommended to achieve adequate ventilation. There are two types to choose from for local systems.
Basic systems consist of an even number of units, two of which work together. While the first unit supplies fresh air to one room, the second unit extracts it from another room. At the same time, it stores the heat of the exhaust air in the ceramic element in the system. After a certain length of time, usually between 60 and 90 seconds, the airflow reverses, and the first unit sucks the air out of the room and stores its heat, while the second unit injects fresh, heated air into the room.
The more advanced units are already connected wirelessly, while the basic units are still wired. The most modern local units available today are much more efficient and quieter and have two fans in one unit. These units work completely independently of each other.
Advantages:
- It can be installed at any stage of construction or during renovation.
- Installation is quick and usually completed within a day.
Disadvantages:
- Systems with a ceramic heat accumulator must be installed in pairs.
- They are much louder.
- They do not have such good energy recovery effects.
- An exhaust fan should be installed in the toilet and bathroom.
- The thermal envelope of the building is perforated in several places.
- Increased noise pollution from the surrounding area.
What do you have to pay attention to when making a purchase decision?
We recommend that you compare the technical possibilities of the systems of different providers. Pay attention to:
- the operating mode of the ventilation system
- the efficiency of the recovery system
- power consumption
- the quality of the built-in filters and the ease of filter change
- the volume of the system in normal operation (20–25 db)
- the setting options they offer
- corresponding manufacturer certificates
If you are looking for an energy efficient front door, Spitfire Doors offer excellent U Values and are available in a variety of designs. Contact Spitfire Doors on 01625 412570 or email enquiries@spitfiredoors.co.uk.
Changing trends in home design
Marjorie Calder, former property editor of a national newspaper, has worked with and around new home developers for over twenty years. She is now the proud owner of a c250 years old former coaching inn, which she and her husband have lovingly restored into a home.
As a former Homes and Property Editor of a national newspaper, I can confidently reveal that spending your working week visiting sensational showhomes almost inevitably makes coming back home a bit of a let-down.
I had only recently bought my first ever new-build when I took on the Property Editor’s job; an enviously sleek villa by an upmarket developer, set deep in a leafy suburb. And I had barely plumped the new cushions when the shine was stolen clean off my new, glazed cotton curtains, (In my defence, this WAS the ostentatious late nineties).
The designer, blush beige kitchen also began to look positively apologetic.
It seemed that ‘plum’ was the order of the day. And sparkles, Lots of sparkles. With every showhome I visited that year, I found my own home in bling-deficiency, causing an icy shame of inadequacy to creep over me.
Funnily enough, a similar thing happened when I first went on a “Girls’” trip to Florida a few years later. Being a working woman, I was a bit of a cuckoo in that nest and, when they all started comparing handbags, I found myself genuinely bewildered; not least since my generous lugger was full of practical things that ‘I might need’ on the flight, while their tiny clutches contained little more than a beautifully upholstered passport, keys and a lipstick.
The real point was though that, within three days I was on the same page. I truly felt I HAD to have the latest Kate Spade clutch in teal, or the LV tote in cobalt. I quickly came to believe that my life, or at the very least my social credibility depended on it.
Good marketing is a wonderful thing. It creates demand from desire, and desire through association with…. whatever presses your buttons.
So what’s new in 2022?
When I went to research this blog, I typed in “Interior design colour trends for 2022” and it came up with; “The key Spring 2022 hues are: Buttercream, Nature Brown, Green Quartz, Tech Blue, Dahlia Orange, Military Gold, and Pink Charlotte” (https://www.interiordesignmagazines.eu/2022-color-trends-for-interior-design)
Are you kidding me?
How am I supposed to decide if my signature look for 2022 is buttercream with, dahlia orange accents (and for the record, dahlias come in many colours) or military gold, whatever that is, edged in pink charlotte, (which I genuinely thought was a pudding).
And still, by next year, all will have gone the way of “plum” and “chintz”, requiring a total rethink and possibly extensive therapy bills. Spitfire Aluminium Front Doors are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, keeping up with the trends of 2022.
Substance over superficiality
Having worked with and around property developers for over twenty years, interior design trends come and go but, unlike changing a cushion or feature wallpaper, the things which make a desirable home stand the test of time, remain constant.
Where there is a feeling of love and security in a home, neither last year’s colourways nor even a stray sock will ever look out of place.
Where there is airy living space and good natural light to lift the spirits and energise the soul, or thoughtful mood lighting to cosy up winter evenings, then a home can feel like a true sanctuary.
And that mood starts even before you step over the threshold.
A stylish and solid entrance door speaks volumes about what lies behind. Contemporary or classic, timber or glazed; if the eyes are windows to the soul, your front door is a representation of the priorities and lifestyle which lies beyond.
Stylish, secure and long-lasting, aluminium doors are still a relative rarity in the UK. They cost more, for sure, but they are low maintenance, keep their looks over time and beautifully complement a wide range of construction and interior styles.
My conclusion is simple; style and substance work best when they work in harmony.
Spitfire Doors offers a range of over sixty aluminium front door styles. Each design is unique to Spitfire and comes in a range of opulent finishes, including timber, carbon-fibre, glazed and ceramic panelling. You can design your unique front door here.
Spitfire exterior doors offer solid aluminium construction of both door and frame. Light, safe and incredibly durable, aluminium doors are the preferred choice of architects working with discerning clients.
Please visit our online Gallery here. Our range is also available through a network of design and installation partners’ showrooms all across the UK and Ireland.
If you are looking for a new aluminium front door for your home, please get in touch with Spitfire Doors on 01625 412570 or contact us here. You can also visit our door designer to design your perfect front door. We will then put you in touch with the nearest Spitfire Doors partner, who can talk you through the features and benefits of Spitfire front doors.