The standard question during house construction is: plastic or wooden windows? However, an equally important decision is: aluminium or plastic front door? We will try to solve this dilemma by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
Metal entrance door
Made of two sheets of metal fixed to a frame, they are often filled with thermal insulation on the inside. Their aesthetics also meet the highest standards of design projects. Equipped with extremely durable locks and bolts, they are exceptionally resistant to break-in and forcing attempts. They are available in a wide range of designs and colours, and can be selected to match any building and the colour of the window frames.Aluminium is resistant to weather conditions, rain and sun. Doors made of this material are resistant to corrosion, large temperature fluctuations, rain, snow and do not fade. Compared to wooden doors, they have a lower sound and heat insulation capacity.
PVC entrance doors
Made of PVC, polyvinyl chloride, plastic front doors were until recently used exclusively in public buildings, shops and warehouses. Nowadays, there are models that are also suitable for private homes.
The door frame is made of plastic and reinforced with aluminium inserts. This increases security and prevents break-ins. Sealed with polyurethane foam, they have steel and aluminium elements. Finished with PVC veneer, acrylic film or paint, external doors made of plastic have low rigidity and much worse protection against forced entry.
However, their advantages remain high acoustic and thermal insulation, the possibility of selecting dimensions for non-standard openings, elegant appearance with little effort, and at the same time colours that perfectly match the colour of the window frames – they are available in many colours and designs. PVC doors do not require maintenance, are resistant to external factors, are not affected by moisture or UV rays, and their smooth surface prevents dirt from sticking. The price is also favourable – plastic doors are much more economical than aluminium ones.
There are different types of PVC doors:
- Overlay doors – have an overlay for greater thermal insulation, are very aesthetic, and are available in single-sided and double-sided versions. High comfort of use, easier to clean, they look like a standard premium entrance. However, they have an increased cost of about 15%, which may not be profitable.
- Batch – lower thermal insulation, not very elegant and aesthetic. More affordable.
Which door material should I choose?
Both types of doors provide a similar level of security, and manufacturers recommend additional equipment such as a professional alarm and high insurance. A cost-effective solution would also be a door with a cover on one side and a panel on the other.
The biggest advantage of plastic doors is that they can be made in any size.
The choice of the right door is up to the consumer, who should consider how the door will be used, how easy it is to clean and its appearance. The material used to make the entrance door should also be chosen according to the purpose of the door. Choosing the best available on the market will allow for long-term use in comfort and safety. However, manufacturers have prepared models available for every budget, and their variety makes it possible to choose the right ones at the best price.
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