Is price the only advantage of PVC doors? What are the benefits of wood for making doors, and what are its downsides? Aluminum doors are the most expensive, but do they justify their price?
Entry doors are the first part of your home or apartment that you or your visitors encounter. The material your entry door is made from significantly impacts the overall impression of the entire property. In addition to aesthetics, your choice of material affects the door’s quality, durability, and ability to withstand local weather and climate conditions.
Generally, the choice comes down to three popular materials for entry doors: wood, aluminum, and PVC. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each.
The Pros and Cons of Wooden Entry Doors
For many years, wood was the obvious and most logical choice for entry doors, and for some, it still is. Wood offers several advantages, but it also has a few drawbacks. Of the three materials mentioned, wood provides the best thermal and sound insulation. However, this can depend on additional panels or glazing used in the door construction.
Wood exudes a sense of warmth that neither aluminum nor PVC can match, both in terms of feel and aesthetic appeal. However, the quality of wood processing and the type of wood used are crucial factors in its final appearance.
Despite its benefits, wood has been losing ground to aluminum and PVC in recent years. One reason is cost—quality wooden doors are often more expensive, especially when compared to PVC. Wood also requires maintenance, unlike the other two materials, and is sensitive to moisture and water.
Another downside is that wooden doors generally provide lower security against break-ins. While no standard door (unless reinforced or armored) can offer complete security, wooden doors are less of a barrier than aluminum or PVC, which often feature built-in steel reinforcements.
Price is the Biggest Selling Point – PVC Entry Doors
If budget is a primary concern, as it often is with windows, PVC is the most affordable option. PVC doors come with numerous advantages, and their downsides are mostly subjective. While wood may always suggest luxury, modern PVC doors can mimic wood textures and finishes remarkably well.
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Unlike wood, PVC is entirely resistant to moisture, water, and UV rays, making it an excellent option for doors exposed to the elements. PVC doors also require no maintenance other than occasional cleaning, unlike wood, which needs periodic varnishing or treatment. The smooth surface of PVC also makes cleaning easier, as dirt doesn’t cling as easily.
Though PVC doors may not quite match wood’s thermal and sound insulation, they perform admirably thanks to their multi-chambered profiles, which offer solid insulation. Like wood and aluminum, the quality of the insulation also depends on the type of infill panels or glass used in the doors.
While PVC lacks the mechanical strength of aluminum, PVC door frames typically incorporate steel reinforcements, which enhance the doors’ rigidity and security. These steel components are usually galvanized to prevent corrosion.
There’s a common misconception that PVC doors, due to their lower price, are not a long-lasting or quality solution. However, the key is choosing a manufacturer that uses trusted, high-quality profiles and hardware. Reputable manufacturers will also offer warranties, often up to 10 years, for their PVC doors, which speaks to the durability of the product.
Is Prestige the Only Advantage of Aluminum?
Aluminum doors are by far the most expensive, which is why they’re often seen on high-end commercial buildings. However, prestige isn’t the only benefit aluminum offers. Aluminum entry doors provide the highest level of break-in resistance.
The range of colors available for aluminum doors is likely the widest of the three materials, making it easier to fulfill specific design requirements. Powder-coated aluminum is highly resistant to wear, making aluminum doors the most durable option on the market. Some manufacturers even offer lifetime warranties on their doors, excluding rubber seals.
Modern aluminum profiles are designed with thermal breaks, ensuring that despite being metal, they offer adequate thermal insulation. While not quite on par with wood or PVC, the difference in thermal performance is usually negligible in practice. Aluminum is moisture-resistant and combines strength with a light weight, making it ideal for larger door designs.
By considering the unique benefits and challenges of each material, homeowners can make an informed decision that balances aesthetics, durability, security, and cost.
Iinfo: Dorwin, House Energy