External doors
External doors.
A draughty front door is one of the easiest things in a house to put right, and you notice the difference straight away. Front, back, side and French doors, measured and fitted properly.
- For
- Draughty, damaged or insecure doors
- Rules
- Depends on how much glass it has
- Energy
- 1.4 W/m²K or Band B
- Time
- About half a day
How it works.
- Survey and measure. We measure the door as well as the frame.
- Choose the door. Energy, glazing and any fire needs are checked against the rules.
- Decide how it's certified. A door more than 50% glazed needs a competent person scheme installer or building control. A door that's 50% glazed or less doesn't need notifying.
- Out with the old. The old door and frame are removed.
- Fit, seal and adjust. Doors should be well fitted and reasonably draught-proof.
- Handover. Certificate where relevant, locks and keys.
We supply and fit composite, uPVC, timber and aluminium doors, plus French doors and bifolds. Doors that need certifying are signed off through FENSA.
Questions we get asked.
Do I need building regs to replace a door?
It depends on the glass. An external door that's less than half glazed doesn't need notifying. More glazing than that means a registered installer or building control.
Do I need FENSA for a new door?
Not FENSA specifically. Any authorised scheme works, or building control can sign it off.
What energy standard must a new door meet?
A maximum U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, or a Doorset Energy Rating of Band B. For doors over 60% glazed, 1.4 or Band C.
Do I need planning permission for a new front door?
Usually not, if it looks similar to those used in the house. Listed buildings need consent, and leaseholders may need permission.
Does my new door have to be a fire door?
Not usually in a house. External doors may need fire resistance depending on how close they are to the boundary. Flats are different.
Sources
- Planning Portal, Doors and windows: building regulations
- Planning Portal, Doors and windows: planning permission
- GOV.UK, When you do not need approval
- Building Regulations 2010, Schedule 4
- Approved Document L Volume 1 (2021, with 2023 amendments)
- GOV.UK, Competent person schemes (updated 17 September 2026)
Recent doors
