Sliding Door Materials | How Do Aluminium Sliding Patio Doors Compare to Other Materials?

With so many sliding patio door options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which option is right for you. Aluminium is a popular choice, especially in modern homes with newly refurbished areas and extensions, but how does it compare to other materials?

Explore our guide below to find out more about how aluminium sliding doors compare to alternatives such as uPVC, steel, composite and wood.

The Benefits of Aluminium and Glass Sliding Doors

Pairing aluminium with glass for sliding patio doors can create a stylish yet durable entryway into your home. The many benefits include:

·        Slim sightlines and large glass areas

·        Modern style

·        Excellent energy performance

·        More natural light

·        Space-saving design

·        Long-term durability and low maintenance

·        Sustainability

When choosing aluminium and glass sliding patio doors, it is important to consider the cost; aluminium sliding doors tend to be more expensive than uPVC or timber options, but their durability often justifies this. Older doors may not have a thermal break, which can lead to poor thermal conduction. To resolve this issue, choose more modern sliding doors with thermal breaks.

Double glazing is the most popular glazing choice when choosing sliding doors; it provides insulation and can effectively soundproof your home, and is the standard choice in most windows. For extra security and sound reduction, laminated security glass could be a worthwhile upgrade. Available in both our Supreme and Status sliding door ranges, it holds together when smashed rather than shattering, acting as a burglar deterrent.

When paired together, aluminium and glass are incredibly durable; they are resistant to warping and corrosion, and require minimal maintenance. Opt for frames with powder-coated finishes for extra resistance to the elements.

You can find out more in our previous guide here.

Our Supreme aluminium sliding patio doors are available in different sizes, finishes and colours, perfect for all kinds of spaces.

uPVC vs. Aluminium Sliding Doors

UPVC and aluminium sliding doors are both popular options, offering particular features that suit different homeowners’ needs. UPVC doors are chosen primarily due to their:

·        Thermal insulation

·        Cost-effectiveness

·        Low maintenance

·        Good sound insulation

·        Variety of finishes

Aluminium sliding doors, in contrast, attract buyers due to their:

·        High structural strength

·        Modern aesthetics

·        Durability

·        Powder-coated finish

·        Good thermal performance

Both uPVC and aluminium sliding doors are incredibly durable, but uPVC doors may be less resistant to long-term wear than aluminium. However, uPVC is a much more affordable option when compared to aluminium, but its durability and appearance are less premium. Both have excellent insulation properties and are very low maintenance, but aluminium sliding doors just edge it for security, as it is a much stronger material.

Whilst uPVC may be more suited to traditional homes, aluminium frames often suit more modern aesthetics due to their clean lines and minimalist appearance. Their slim frames and large glass panels maximise natural light and create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor.

You can compare uPVC and aluminium sliding doors in our previous guide here.

Steel vs. Aluminium Sliding Patio Doors

Steel and aluminium sliding doors both exhibit properties that make them a stylish, secure choice for any home. Both materials are extremely strong and present ultra-slim sightlines, prioritising security, space and light. Both sliding door material options are higher in cost due to these reasons, as you’re more likely to get value for money.

Steel sliding doors tend to be much heavier than lightweight aluminium frames, and require galvanising and protective coatings, whereas aluminium sliding doors are naturally corrosion resistant. Aluminium sliding doors also tend to be more flexible in terms of design.

If durability is important to you, then steel and aluminium sliding doors are both excellent choices. Steel resists bending and warping better than aluminium, with unmatched structural integrity. However, it is more prone to corrosion without the right treatment, unlike aluminium, which is naturally resistant to corrosion. Aluminium doesn’t rust, making it ideal for the wet climate of the UK. Overall, steel is structurally stronger, but aluminium is the better option for longevity.

For modern homes, aluminium may be more favourable than steel sliding doors. They are a common sight in new builds and renovations, with slim frames and various finishes available to suit many modern aesthetics.

You can find out more about steel and aluminium sliding doors, such as the pros and cons, in our previous guide here.

Our Status aluminium sliding patio door collection features a lift and slide mechanism for better security, complete with a 10-year guarantee and high-security interlocks.

Composite vs. Aluminium Sliding Doors

Composite is a popular material for front doors and sliding doors alike, matching aluminium in strength and thermal performance. Both doors are also low maintenance, and have a long lifespan when compared to other materials. Aluminium sliding doors, however, have slimmer frames for a larger glass area, with more modern aesthetics and lightweight properties. Composite sliding doors tend to have a lower upfront cost.

Composite sliding doors have bulkier frame profiles and are less suited to larger openings, with heavier panels when compared to aluminium sliding doors. Aluminium sliding patio doors are seen as the more customisable option too; they come in a wide range of colours and finishes, such as matte and satin, with optional design features and hardware that improve both look and performance.

Composite sliding doors are more suited to traditional settings, with woodgrain effects and decorative panelling.

You can further compare composite and aluminium sliding doors here.

Wood and Timber vs. Aluminium Sliding Doors

To determine whether aluminium or wooden doors are the best option for you, it is important to consider which factors you value most. Both are durable option, but wood is more susceptible to rotting and warping, and also requires more maintenance than aluminium. Aluminium sliding doors are more suited to modern homes, whereas wooden or timber alternatives suit traditional settings.

Wooden sliding doors have thicker frames that reduce glass coverage, but they are naturally insulating and have a high lifespan (much like aluminium) with the right care. Both materials are highly customisable and fall into the mid to high price range.

Factors such as climate and exposure, the quality of the material and maintenance routine all affect the lifespan of your doors. Aluminium sliding doors are much more suited to exposed or coastal areas, as they are resistant to moisture and corrosion, unlike wood or timber. With aluminium, you can choose ultra slim frames in our COR vision range, available in contemporary colours such as grey, black and white (dual colour options are also available).

You can compare wooden and aluminium sliding doors in our previous guide here.

Author:

John Collins - Managing Director

About John Collins

John has built Vufold into a unique online door and window company and has spent 20 years bringing innovative products and designs to fruition, recognising niches in the market and placing them in the likes of Wickes and Travis Perkins, he started Vufold in order to sell them directly. John founded Vufold and has amassed a wealth of experience in product design and development, and in particular timber-based products

Read more about John Collins