Building better communities – why door specification matters in social housing

High-performing doors do far more than complete the look of a building. In social housing, the right door specification directly supports safer communities, more energy efficient homes and lower long-term maintenance costs. When housing providers choose Secured by Design composite doors, they strengthen both residents’ safety and the overall value of the property for years to come.

At Vista Panels, we manufacture PAS 24, Secured by Design certified composite door panels for social housing developments and replacement programmes across the UK. As a trusted composite door supplier in the UK, we work closely with contractors and housing associations to ensure every doorset meets the performance, compliance and durability standards the sector depends on.

Stronger security for safer neighbourhoods

Security is always a priority in social housing. Tenants need to feel confident in their homes, and providers need assurance that every specification decision genuinely protects the people who live there.

This is where Secured by Design composite doors come into their own. Vista doorsets are fully accredited, fully tested and designed to keep homes protected against real-world attempts at forced entry.

Key features include:

·        A robust 4mm GRP skin for exceptional impact resistance

·        Advanced multi-point locking system

·        Anti-snap, drill, pick and bump-resistant cylinder for enhanced security

·        Weather-resistant construction suited to high-traffic homes

This level of protection helps reduce risk, cut security-related call-backs and improve residents’ sense of safety across entire estates.

Energy performance that supports more comfortable homes

Warm, energy efficient homes are essential, particularly for households where heating costs are a concern. Choosing the right door specification can make a genuine difference to residents’ comfort and supporting the reduction of energy usage.

Vista composite doors achieve low U-values that sit comfortably within current regulations, helping homes retain heat more effectively. With insulated cores and weather-resistant seals, our doors provide consistent performance all year round, which supports lower heating demand and a more sustainable approach to housing management.

For providers working toward environmental targets, this improved performance offers measurable results without creating unnecessary complexity in the supply chain.

A specification that keeps performing year after year

Durability matters. Busy homes and high footfall areas demand doors that are sturdy, stable and designed for long-term performance. Low-quality replacements can quickly become costly through repeated maintenance and tenant call-backs.

Vista composite doors are engineered for long-term performance with:

·        UV stable colour

·        Salt spray tested hardware

·        Robust GRP skins designed to resist dents, warping and weathering

·        Reliable British manufacturing and consistent specifications

Tenant-friendly choices without compromising consistency

Tenant choice schemes remain a key part of housing upgrades, particularly where resident engagement and satisfaction are central to the project. Vista offers a carefully selected range of door styles, colours and glazing choices that strike the right balance between personalisation and specification control.

This helps providers offer residents more say in their home while keeping procurement simple and consistent. It also ensures that estates retain a smart, cohesive appearance without compromising on safety or performance.

A supply partner the sector can rely on

Delivering large-scale social housing programmes requires partners who understand the pace, pressures and compliance needs of the sector. Vista has supported contractors and housing associations for more than three decades with reliable supply, strong communication and consistently high product standards.

With lead times from as little as five days on selected composite doors and full PAS 24 and Secured by Design certification, we help keep projects on schedule and ensure every doorset arrives ready to install. Many of our partnerships span decades because we make reliability a priority at every stage.

Raising the standard of social housing, one door at a time

Door specification might seem like a small detail, but it has a significant impact on safety, comfort and long-term value. By choosing high-quality social housing doors, providers create safer homes, reduce running costs and build stronger communities.

If you are looking for a trusted composite door supplier that understands the needs of social housing projects and the contractors who deliver them, we’re here to help! Get in touch with the team today.