When choosing your next door, it shouldn’t purely be about style, you should take in the durability, security and long-term value of it to make the best decision. To help you during this process, we have broken down the pros and cons of UPVC and aluminum doors.
What is UPVC?
UPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) is a plastic material that’s commonly used for window and door frames. It’s become a standard for homeowners looking for a reliable, but cost effective solution.
What is Aluminum?
Aluminum doors are made from a strong, but lightweight metal and for extra protection are often powder-coated. Aluminum has become increasingly popular for its sleek look and superior strength.
UPVC: The Pros
The most appealing benefit for UPVC doors is the cheap manufacturing cost, making it ideal for homeowners on a budget. Also, the door doesn’t sacrifice on its thermal insulation as UPVC is a natural insulator and can help keep your house warmer and bills lower. Because of these insulating properties, these doors can also help with noise reduction, making them great for noisy areas.
UPVC: The Cons
Arguably the largest con with UPVC doors is that they are less durable than aluminum over time. Over some years UPVC doors can become brittle, especially if exposed to extreme weather. Also, there is a limited colour range for these doors and they usually only come in white, grey or woodgrain. Similarly to the last point, there is a lower aesthetic appeal for these doors compared to aluminum.
Aluminum: The Pros
Aluminum doors offer a clean, minimal aesthetic that’s difficult to replicate with any other material. Not only do aluminum doors look great, but they also have exceptional strength and are resistant to warping. Combined with their extremely long-lasting life, this makes them a great option for people looking for a door to last decades. Plus, Aluminum is recyclable, making it a more environmentally conscious option.
Aluminum: The Cons
By far the biggest con for aluminum doors is the higher upfront cost compared to UPVC. Despite this, many homeowners describe aluminum doors as an investment due to their much longer lifespan. Older or budget aluminum doors can transfer cold, making them less energy efficient. However, newer doors have thermal breaks making them suitable for all seasons. Finally, in very cold areas aluminium can be susceptible to condensation.
The Right Choice
Choose UPVC if you:
- Are working with a modest budget
- Need strong insulation
- Have a rental property
Choose Aluminum if you:
- Want a modern, high end appearance
- Value long-term durability
- Need slim frames
Insight and Final Thoughts
In recent years, there has been a growing trend within homeowners to use aluminum doors for their modern extensions and new builds. Whereas, semi-detached and terraced homes have preferred UPVC.
There’s no right answer when considering the materials as they both have their advantages. The best choice depends on you and your home.
Contact Us Now!
If you are looking for UPVC or Aluminum doors, we will be a great match for you with our vast selection to choose from. We have years of experience helping homeowners transform their properties with high-quality, professionally installed windows, doors and conservatories. Whether you have a question, want to schedule a consultation or anything in between, get in touch with our team at: Email: info@colchesterwindows.com
Call: 01206 580 580 / 07852 976 039