External steel or aluminum doors? Or maybe you are wondering about made of wood or PVC? Which to choose for the entrance to the house, and which for the terrace? What are the differences between them?
Which exterior doors to choose?
Choosing an exterior door for your home is not just about determining the color and pattern. Both in the case of the main entrance door and intended for access to the terrace, Of great importance is the material used for their production. And there are several, completely different. These include:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Wood
- PVC
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these materials? How do they compare in direct comparisons? Which exterior doors will work best? Of course, the class and quality of individual models is of great importance in this matter, but regardless of the price shelf, you can mention a few basic differences.
Metal or wooden doors?
Metal or wooden doors? Which exterior doors are better? Much depends on the place where they will be used. Doors made of wood are elegant, noble and friendly in reception – in other words, they look good. Entrance trees are usually made of oak wood or cheaper pine, solid, but also of various types of plywood, which are more resistant to warping and provide greater stability. It is worth noting that aluminum or steel profiles are often used to strengthen them, wood-based panels are also used in the construction. Wooden doors are quiet to use and provide a high level of thermal and acoustic insulation, they also protect well against thieves. On the other hand, however, their disadvantages should also be mentioned. Good models, as a rule, are expensive. In addition, wooden doors, compared to metal ones, are more susceptible to weather conditions, and above all harsh sunlight and humidity. Therefore, it is recommended to mount them under extensive roofs. Due to the action of water, they should also be maintained from time to time. Metal doors (aluminum or steel) are more resistant in this respect and ensure longer use intact.
When it comes to patio doors, the same material from which the window joinery is to be made is usually used. In this case, the choice is primarily limited to wood, aluminum and PVC.
Steel or aluminium doors?
If you decide on metal, the question remains – how. What to choose – Steel or aluminum doors? External entrance doors are made of both metals. Steel is extremely rigid and durable, and thanks to anti-corrosion protection (e.g. by galvanizing) resistant to moisture. However, it is also very heavy and cold to the touch, which negatively translates into usability. All the more so because closing such doors causes significant noise. Aluminium is much lighter, while retaining excellent properties when it comes to strength and performance. It should be remembered that the aluminum structure is filled with a material that provides thermal and acoustic insulation at a high level, for example wool or foam.
Aluminium is also an excellent choice when it comes to external doors to the terrace or balcony. This material allows you to produce very thin profiles, which increases the glazing area and thus allows better sunlight of the interior. Doors of this type can have large sizes, and the systems used for sliding opening significantly affect their functionality.
Aluminium or PVC doors?
Or maybe you ask yourself: aluminum doors or PVC doors? Entrance doors are also made of plastic, but they are often reinforced with aluminum or steel. Inside there is insulation made of foam or wool. On the outside, plastic cladding is installed, stained in the production process or covered with a special PVC film. This construction, while maintaining very good insulation parameters, is light and relatively cheap. It is worse with endurance. Although the material is resistant to weather conditions, it is easier than metal to suffer mechanical damage. In the case of terrace doors, it is additionally important that compared to aluminum profiles, those made of PVC are thicker, and they do not give so much freedom when it comes to the size of individual elements.
