In the aluminum door segment, almost anything is possible in terms of design and modern security and locking technology. It is therefore no wonder that the vast majority of front doors sold today are aluminum doors. Because compared towooden doorsthe metal building material scores above all with minimal maintenance and low follow-up costs.
What distinguishes a good aluminum entrance door?
Ifbuilding materialaluminum has many advantages for a front door. Unlike wooden doors, which have to be recoated regularly (oil,glaze or paint), aluminum entrance doors are particularly easy to care for. It is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth. Aluminum is weather resistant, does not corrode and lasts a very long time.
While plastic front doors discolour quickly when exposed to sunlight, aluminum doors are UV-resistant. In addition, there is great dimensional stability. Because even with large temperature fluctuations, the aluminum front door usually does not warp.
Tipp:DieTypeshould always be protected with a support frame during transport and checked for possible distortion with a spirit level on arrival.
Aluminum does not have good heat and sound insulation properties per se. The fact that modern aluminum doors still offer very good values has to do with the complex processing. Since aluminum is very light, moderninsulation techniques(e.g. with a foamed middle chamber). Alsoelectronic locking systemsfind their place there.
Last but not least, aluminum doors go particularly well with modern and straightforward architectural styles. A variety of designs can be implemented. The integration of glass elements in the door itself, as an additional side panel or skylight, is also not a problem.
If the metal look doesn't match the living environment, you can also use oneHolz-Thinking about an aluminum front door. The inside is then coated with a wood finish. This will make your home feel warmer and more comfortable.
You should pay attention to this when buying an aluminum front door
- Do you still like the color and design in ten or 20 years? Unlike a painted wooden door, an aluminum door cannot simply be repainted!
- Does the material match the style of the house?
- How good is the thermal insulation (U-value)? And does it correspond to the insulation value of the house?
- What is the value of the door in terms ofsound insulation?
- How well does the front door protect against burglary? (From the police at least the classResistance class 2(RC 2) recommended, some aluminum door manufacturers already achieve RC 4).
- How durable is the door? Does the manufacturer give a guarantee?
- How do other buyers rate the front door you have in mind (internet research)?
- Was the door produced in Germany (Made in Germany)?
- Does the price-performance ratio suit you?
- Do you want to have an electronic door lock installed at the factory (retrofitting with a motorized lock is very time-consuming and expensive)?
- Where does the material come from? For example, was recycled aluminum used?
- Is theInstallation of your new aluminum front door eligible? (Be sure to submit the application before installation!)
- Do any glass elements meet the insulation and safety requirements of the entire house (thermal insulation glazing, safety glass)?
Expert advice: The Freiburg Dipl.-Ing. Marc Ellinger fromAssociation of Private Buildersranks the following factors as the top three criteria when choosing a new front door:
- Burglary security (at least resistance class RC2N).
- Energy/thermal insulation (the front door is a thermally effective external component).
- durability and robustness.
What does the cost of a good aluminum front door depend on?
The cost of an aluminum front door does not primarily depend on the pure material value. Rather, the profile structure is a decisive factor. Due to the low insulating properties of aluminum, the structure of the inside of the door must ensure a warm home. The more complex and high-quality theinsulationin the door leaf and frame, the more expensive the model becomes.
The big door manufacturers have specialized in the production of the profiles. The door you order is usually first assembled by a local metal construction company according to your wishes. The cost of a good aluminum front door therefore also depends heavily on the material costs and working hours of the assembly companies. This will also tell you the cost of installing the door inHausto join.
Are you thinking about saving exactly these costs and installing your new aluminum front door yourself? We discussed this with Dipl.-Ing. Marc Ellinger spoken. The builders' adviser from the Association of Private Builders e.V. is skeptical. In principle, a do-it-yourselfer with the necessary expertise and skill can also install a front door himself. "However, there are a number of boundary conditions and interfaces to consider. Sealing of the threshold area, all-round airtightness of the connections,component connection joints free of thermal bridgesand much more. These are highly complex relationships that require extensive specialist knowledge." In addition, the expert points out that there is no guarantee for personal contributions.
Our tip:Better not to save at the wrong end and have the door installed by a specialist!
These factors also influence the price:
- Quality and origin of the aluminum
- Processing of several materials (e.g. additional glass cut-outs or a wooden surface on the inside)
- size of the door
- Special shapes (e.g. arches)
- Additional side elements or skylights
- Special features such as full-surface doors
- RC class (the higher the resistance to burglary attempts, the more expensive)
- Insulation value (U value)
- Place of production (Germany, EU or other countries?)
- Installation of electronic door locks with motor lock (possibly with fingerprint release)
- Quality of the handles and pushers
- Quality of the straps and fittings
Aluminum entrance doors: what they can do, what they cost
You can theoretically find aluminum front doors online for as little as 900 euros. However, this is usually a basic price. If you click on the offer, you end up on a door configurator. There you have to choose the size, design, fittings, additional burglary protection, side elements, a different quality of glass elements etc. As a result, it is often much higher than the basic price.
Aluminum entrance doors that meet the basic safety and thermal standards cost at least 1,500 euros at the lower end of the wide range. In the midfield you move between 1,500 and 5,000 euros. Unusual designs, improved burglary protection, very good thermal insulation and the combination of aluminum exterior and wooden interior make a difference here.
In the premier class are models from well-known manufacturers with oversizes, flat profiles, retractable door handles and electronics that are already integrated ex worksAccess systems with fingerprint.
3 examples of beautiful aluminum front doors
As already mentioned, there is a large range of aluminum and wood-aluminium front doors. We present three manufacturers and their doors here to give you a first impression.
Clear edge: The Les Couleurs Le Corbusier front door by Heroal
The special thing about this aluminum front door is its colour. You decide which shade from the famous color palette of the architectural icon Le Corbusier you choose for your home. The entrance area becomes a statement, because each of the 63 colors of theCorbusier-Palettehas its own meaning.
The interior of the heroal door is less art than skill. The front doors of the North Rhine-Westphalian profile manufacturer meet resistance class RC3 in terms of burglary protection. heroal also offers the option of closing your door with a stepless thresholdbuild. This will make your home barrier-free. Whether with a pram, wheelchair or walker.
Unfortunately, the company was not able to give us a target price, since the finished door is only assembled in a metal construction company. With theFront door configuratoryou can put together your dream door and have an offer sent to you.
Safe and cosy: Hörmann's ThermoCarbon doors
"Thermal insulation world champion" and "best in safety class": anyone who advertises their products in this way must be very convinced of them. The doors of the aluminum profile system manufacturer make things look goodHörmanndefinitely a lot. But the inside also really convinces with hard facts.
The U-values of the model series are around 0.47 W/m²K. According to the new Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV), the UD value may not exceed 1.8 W/m²K. That means: the lower the value, the betterinsulation. Since well-insulated doors have a value between 0.7 W/m²K and 0.8 W/m²K, the ThermoCarbon is really something special.
In addition, it achieves a safety class of RC 3 as standard thanks to a high-tech wing profile made of carbon-glass fiber hybrid material. This can even be upgraded to RC 4 as an option. According to the manufacturer, the cost of the basic model is 3,800 euros (plus VAT).
Always locked: aluminum doors with multiple locking from Kneer-Südfenster
The high-quality aluminum and aluminum-wood front doors from Kneer-Südfenster make it difficult for burglars. Mechanical safety systems, such as a hinge side safety device, are an effective protection against being forced out and are part of the standard equipment.
In addition, the doors have an automatic lock. Since the multiple locking system is automatically triggered when the door is pulled shut, the door is guaranteed to always be locked. The front doors fall into resistance class 2 (RC2). You can find out what the desired model costs on request.
Conclusion: what good aluminum front doors really cost
What a good aluminum door really costs cannot be said in general terms. The price range for a good aluminum door starts at around 1,500 euros and can reach into the double-digit thousand range. Builder consultant Marc Ellinger emphasizes that a low-priced door does not necessarily have to be worse. The same applies vice versa, that the expensive door is not necessarily the better variant in terms of construction or insulation. "The 'shelf keeper' with the design from the year before last can definitely be the better choice," says Ellinger.
Don't forget to include the installation in your calculation! Depending on the model, between 200 euros and 500 euros are added. If you are still hesitating between a wooden and an aluminum door, you can deduct a few hundred euros from the aluminum version in terms of maintenance and care in the long term. After all, you have to re-oil a wooden door regularly or – depending on the coating – give it a new coat of paint every few years.
It doesn't matter whether it's wood, plastic or aluminium, the acquisition costs of a new oneTypefar into the future, it is important to give her a minimum level of care. The tip from construction expert Marc Ellinger: "It is important to regularly maintain the moving parts, hinges, controls and locking mechanisms and to readjust them if necessary. A small drop of oil on the moving parts every now and then works wonders and reduces mechanical wear enormously ."
FAQs
Aluminum front doors: How much do good aluminum doors really cost? ›
An aluminum entry door will generally cost anywhere from $300 to $500 and up.
What is the cost of aluminum doors? ›A single piece of aluminium door can cost you from Rs 2,000 to Rs 20,000 or more.
Are aluminum doors worth it? ›Durability of Aluminum Doors
Despite being considered one of the "softer" metals, aluminum is a very strong material. Unlike many other metals, aluminum does not become weaker when the temperature drops, making it a great choice for exterior doors.
Aluminum is a softer material than steel. Strong, but prohibitively expensive for many projects. Due to its inherent strength and lower lifecycle costs, steel is the optimal and most commonly specified door material for forced entry resistant openings.
Are aluminum doors cheaper than steel? ›Aluminum entry doors cost more than steel front entry doors, and the price of metal is always changing. Also, since they are not quite as durable, sometimes more aluminum is necessary to make the door, which can further drive up the cost. Since they are not quite as strong, they often require thicker door frames.
What are the disadvantages of aluminium doors? ›- Aluminum doors will oxidant. This oxidation appears as white residue and pitting( cavity)
- Aluminum can be water stained easily.
- Aluminum can corrode quickly if suitable precautions against electrolysis are not taken.
- Welding of aluminum requires specialized equipment, hence costly.
An aluminium window and door can have a lifespan of around 50 years, but even longer if it is made of quality aluminium and professionally installed.
Do aluminium doors scratch easily? ›It's scratch-resistant and incredibly easy to clean. All you'll need to do is wipe the aluminium down every month or two with a damp cloth to keep it looking good as new.
What is the alternative to aluminium doors? ›While aluminum clad wood doors have their benefits, choosing a timber or glass door is a better alternative.
What is the disadvantage of metal door? ›Steel Door Disadvantages
Denting and Rusting – While steel doors cannot warp they can be dented if hit by something, and if the paint on the door gets chipped off at the dent then rusting can develop with the metal being exposed to the moisture in the air.
What is the strongest material for front door? ›
Steel Doors
A steel door is your best bet if security and durability are top priorities. Steel units are stronger than wood or fiberglass doors, and they won't crack or warp. Any dents or dings on these doors can be pulled and puttied with an auto-body repair kit.
Fiberglass exterior doors are among the strongest on the market. They're also some of the most energy-efficient. Fiberglass is a poor conductor of heat, making it energy-efficient on its own, but when insulation is added, it's hard to beat.
Is aluminum door waterproof? ›No matter where you live, be it in a coastal region or deep in a desert, these doors have proven to be strong and weatherproof.
Why choose aluminium doors? ›Aluminium provides exceptional weather resistance and superior thermal and acoustic insulation. Its reliability makes it a premium entrance door material. At the same time, it enables precise workmanship, which is crucial for products with high thermal and acoustic insulation.
What are most cheap doors made of? ›Internal budget range doors are usually made from MDF and are popular because they have been tried and tested. Designed for quick installation, they're readily available and come in standard sizes.
Do aluminum doors get hot? ›As a result, aluminium doors and windows are prone to losing heat, easily get cold and increase problems with condensation. Making aluminium a less suitable material choice for residential homes.
What are some disadvantages of aluminium? ›One major disadvantage is that aluminum is relatively expensive compared to other metals such as steel or iron. In addition, if subjected to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, aluminum can become brittle, which could lead to structural failure.
Why do people prefer to have aluminium doors rather than wooden doors? ›Aluminium doors are considered reliable and vigorous and are almost maintenance-free! Timber doors require higher maintenance and may even need occasional repairing and resealing. If timber/wooden doors are not maintained properly, they may start to look old and worn out.
What time of year should you replace doors? ›The spring, summer, and fall are the best times, to get the door installed before it lets in cold air and ruins the heating in your home. Check the weather and plan the install of your replacement door on a day where there is no rain in the forecast. You do not want to have water coming in the house.
What is the longest lasting door? ›- Fiberglass – Fiberglass doors are known for their durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. ...
- Steel – Steel doors are strong, secure, and energy-efficient. ...
- Solid Wood – Solid wood doors are a timeless option that provides natural beauty and insulation.
Can an aluminum door be repainted? ›
It's difficult to find a paint that adheres to aluminium doors, but there are a few suitable ranges. Metal spray paint is the best option, though this needs a well-ventilated area for application, and to ensure optimal results, the door needs to be removed from the hinges before painting.
Which is better PVC or aluminum door? ›If we care about a solid solution that will satisfy us but will not stretch our budget unnecessarily PVC windows are a better choice. However, if we dream of large and non-standard glazing and the budget does not play the first fiddle, it is worth choosing aluminium.
Which door is better PVC or aluminium? ›Features of uPVC
They have a long lifespan and last up to 25 to 30 years. But in comparison to Aluminium, it's less durable. uPVC Doors are built to protect your home from UV rays and outside heat. So they are considered to be good at insulating.
There are five main types of aluminium doors to choose from: Hinged: Hinged on the side, these are the most common type of door in all building types. These are available as opening inward or outward, depending on the location and use of the door.
What are the names of aluminium doors? ›- Slide and Fold.
- Aluminium Sliding Doors.
- Casement Doors.
- Tilt and Slide.
Once installed, aluminum dents easier than hollow metal and is not as durable. Finally, since aluminum frames are usually anodized, it is more difficult to change a paint color or fix paint scratches on an aluminum frame.
What is the strongest door frame? ›Solid wood doors are the strongest and most expensive. When it comes to a wooden door, the thicker the panel, the better for strength and durability. Classic wood doors come in cherry, fir, mahogany, maple, oak, pine and walnut.
Is metal or wood better for a front door? ›Steel doors are far more durable than wood, they do not expand nor contract, and they provide the greatest amount of security. With any investment you make in your home, there are up-front as well as ongoing costs.
What is the best brand of front door? ›- Pella.
- JELD-WEN.
- Stanley.
- Sierra Pacific.
- Therma-Tru.
- Weather Shield.
- Simpson.
- Milgard.
Iron front doors are. They are injected with polyurethane foam insulation to create a solid and sturdy one-piece threshold with the door jamb. They also feature solid bars welded to the door when there is glass on the door. The glass itself is thick tempered glass, which means it is harder to break.
What type of front door is best for security? ›
Steel doors are among the best front doors for security. It's nearly impossible to break through; even if beaten or abused, these doors are more likely to dent than come down. Having covered the advantages of steel doors, the best steel door is the Jeld-Wen's Camber Top Mission Primed Steel Door.
What doors have the best R value? ›Single pane glass doors have the lowest r-value of all the door options you can look at. When you incorporate glass with another material like wood, fiberglass, or steel, it is the lowest r-value section of the door unless it has multiple panes with argon gas between the panes. Steel.
What finish is best for exterior front door? ›Semi-gloss paint offers enhanced durability against wear-and-tear and harsh weather compared to flat or eggshell finishes, and it masks surface imperfections better than high-gloss. The glossiness also makes the door easier to clean as compared to flat or eggshell finishes.
What is the most expensive door material? ›The exterior of the door is made with steel, protecting the unit from the elements. Wood is generally the most expensive door you can buy.
What are the disadvantages of aluminum doors and windows? ›Poor insulator: Aluminum doesn't hold in heat as well as other materials. However, weather-stripping and thermal treatment can make this less of an issue. Condensation: Moisture or even frost can form inside aluminum-frame windows, leading to problems.
How can you tell if a door is aluminum? ›Tap the Frame: The best way to know the material of your slider is to tap it with your fingers or a pen. The noise that you hear will tell you what material it's made of. If it makes a panging noise like a frying pan, it is aluminum. If it makes a muted thunk, it is made of vinyl.
Do aluminum doors warp? ›Resilience to elements & longevity
With its added strength, Aluminium is much less likely to warp or rot as a result, nor is it likely to dent easily due to its high strength-to-weight ratio.
Aluminium doors and windows do tend to be more expensive than PVC due to a higher cost of materials and manufacturing. However, when you consider that aluminium is less likely to degrade than PVC, it can be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Are aluminum doors energy efficient? ›Doors and windows made with aluminum are much more energy efficient than those made with timber or PVC. High-performance aluminum door and window frames can have a huge impact on heat gain and loss in your home.
Are aluminium doors energy efficient? ›Today's aluminium windows and doors have a wealth of energy efficiency benefits. Aluminium is naturally very strong as a material. This means the frames can be very slim by design which allows the glass to take centre stage.
How can I make my cheap front door look expensive? ›
Add Molding
Add architectural interest to a plain slab door by adding wall panel molding. Arrange the molding into a pattern of mitered squares or rectangles to create the paneled look of pricier doors. If you live in an older home, study historical door styles for the molding pattern that best suits your architecture.
A metal or steel exterior door is the most budget-friendly of the three. Fiberglass comes in a variety of styles and is very durable. Choose the material for your exterior door based on energy efficiency, security concerns and the style of your home.
Which doors are expensive? ›French doors, on the other hand, can be among the most expensive.
Which is better aluminium or steel doors? ›Aluminium doors tend to be more affordable than steel. They're also lightweight and easier to operate, and they do not corrode when exposed to the elements. Steel is stronger than aluminium, but it can rust and corrode which might affect the lifespan and reliability of the door.
Can an aluminium door rust? ›If you've been considering windows and doors made from aluminium for your home, you may be pleased to find out that aluminium is indeed resistant to rust, due to its specific chemical composition.
How much do aluminum doors cost in the US? ›Because the material is fairly inexpensive, an aluminum door price falls on the lower end of the price spectrum for entry doors. An aluminum entry door will generally cost anywhere from $300 to $500 and up. This low price is due to the fact that the material can be easily recycled and is readily available.
Is aluminum door better than wood? ›When analysing durability and strength, both wooden and aluminium doors are both long-lasting if installed and maintained correctly. In saying that, aluminium has much more durability and strength compared to wood doors. Aluminium doors can also be customised and made in a variety of shapes and sizes.
What is the size of a standard aluminium door? ›Single standard size doors range from 900 mm to 1000mm in width and 2100 mm to 2400 mm in height.
What is the difference between steel and aluminum door? ›Steel doors have significantly higher insulation values (U values) than wooden and aluminium doors, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs for your property. Most are fitted with weather seals to prevent heat escaping.
What is the most durable material for exterior door? ›A steel door is your best bet if security and durability are top priorities. Steel units are stronger than wood or fiberglass doors, and they won't crack or warp. Any dents or dings on these doors can be pulled and puttied with an auto-body repair kit.
What is the thickness of aluminium door? ›
| Thickness | 8 to 10 mm |
|---|---|
| Open Style | Hinged |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Material | Aluminium, Glass |
| Corrosion Resistance | Yes |
But the standard common door width for US homes is 36 inches. Other very easy-to-find sizes are 30 and 32 inches. Note that when measuring the width of a door, the measurement reflects only the door panel alone, not the frame surrounding it.
What is standard door thickness? ›For interior doors, the standard thickness is 1 3/8 inches, although some doors may be thicker than this. Exterior doors tend to have added thickness to improve security and insulation: you're likely to find exterior doors with a thickness of 1 3/4 inches.