Extremely Disappointed – Poor Installation, No Accountability, and Serious Security Risks
I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience with Spitfire Doors has been deeply frustrating and disappointing — especially given the premium nature of their products and the expectations I had.
I initially approached Spitfire in mid-2023, seeking a smart front door with remote locking/unlocking features. I was assured these capabilities were supported. The door itself looks impressive, but the installation — carried out by their appointed installer, Chelsea Aluminium — has been nothing short of a disaster.
Here are just a few of the major issues I’ve faced:
Smart functionality compromised: The electrical contact modules were repositioned using packers, affecting their integrity. Despite multiple interventions, the door still fails to lock reliably.
PIN pad not demonstrated: I had to figure out the system myself. To date, I only have one PIN, though it supports multiple users.
Power failures: The door consistently loses power during warm weather, leaving it unlocked. This has happened multiple times over two summers.
Door movement: In early 2025, the door shifted and became misaligned. Despite repeated promises, no one has attended to fix it.
Substandard workmanship: A concealed cable sheath was discovered behind the contact module — described by my home automation engineer as a “cowboy job.”
Zero accountability: Spitfire’s team, particularly Barry and Michael, have repeatedly deflected blame onto my home automation vendor, who has been responsive and professional throughout.
To make matters worse, I trusted Spitfire’s recommendation and awarded Chelsea Aluminium a £150,000 contract for additional work — including curtain walls, windows, and a glass balcony. That too has been riddled with issues:
Manual French doors don’t lock properly
Glass balcony panels fell off during wind — installers used screws anchored only into render and insulation, not the structural wall.
Despite agreeing to pay £500 for a site visit to resolve the door issue, I’ve received no follow-up communication. My family has been left vulnerable with a front door that remains unlocked 24/7.
I expected far better from a company like Spitfire. The product may be premium, but the installation, support, and accountability have been shockingly poor. I would strongly advise others to think twice before trusting Spitfire Doors or their recommended installers.
30 September 2025
Unprompted review