Choosing your doors can be a little confusing especially when you want it to look good and also withstand the test of time. Two of the most popular options currently are uPVC and aluminium doors thanks to their advantageous build. 

If you’re unsure what to choose between the two, this comparative guide by an expert Sheffield locksmith will help you understand what makes uPVC or aluminium doors the perfect fit in terms of door security, longevity, aesthetics, costs, and many more. Let’s dive in!

Aluminium Doors – What Are They?

Aluminium doors are manufactured using aluminium, a metal known for its incredible strength, resilience, and durability which is why professional locksmith will always prefer this for residents who want to have great security for their homes. Aluminium as a material perfect for a house door as it can withstand major use and even the harshest weather conditions. Furthermore, as a lightweight material that is resistant to rust and corrosion, an aluminium door can last up to 45 years.

Beyond their impressive strength and durability, aluminium doors are also becoming increasingly popular for their eye-catching aesthetics. Their sleek and modern designs are very popular, especially for those looking for a stylish glass centre on their front or back door. 

Types of Aluminium Doors

While there are many styles available, some of the most popular types of aluminium doors include:

• Hinged Doors 
• Bifold Doors
• Pivot Doors
• Sliding Doors 
• French Doors 
• Folding Patio Doors

What Makes Aluminium Doors The Perfect Fit

• Aluminium doors require the least amount of maintenance while remaining exceptionally durable. 
• This type of door is what expert locksmiths recommend for homes wanting to increase their security due to its strength. 
• Aluminium doors are also easily customisable to bring up its security. You can have a locksmith install multi point locking systems and anti-snap locks in your aluminium door to make your house a stronghold against burglars. 
• Aluminium is resistant to shocks, discoloration, and doesn’t get damaged easily due to wear and tear thanks to its finish which is usually powder coating.

What Makes Aluminium Doors Not Right For You

• Aluminium doors are more expensive to make and install than uPVC doors and often cause twice add in potential security upgrades. 
• Due to its heat-conducting properties, aluminium isn’t the best door for insulation, with most of the insulation coming from the glazing option you choose.
• While maintenance is low initially, prolonged use will eventually require some routine upkeep, albeit minor.

uPVC Doors – What Are They?

This type of door is basically made up of kind of sturdy plastic that wraps around an insulated steel frame giving its sturdy build. The uPVC material stands for Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride; the unplasticized nature of it means that it’s not soft or malleable. 

They have a distinct plastic finish and remain one of the most popular types of doors in the UK thanks to their impressive strength, durability, insulation, and low maintenance. Due to their exceptional insulation properties, uPVC doors have excellent energy ratings, which can save energy in your home.

Types of uPVC Doors

As one of the most popular doors around, you’ll often find these types of uPVC doors on UK properties: 

• Casement Doors 
• French Doors
• Lift and Slide Doors
• Slide and Fold Doors

Why uPVC Doors Are A Stand-out

• uPVC is the best door to help you save energy in your home which eases your electricity bills! You’ll have to thank its thermal efficiency that makes it possible.
• If you’re on a tight budget, expert locksmiths recommend uPVC doors for its affordability while also offering great security. 
• Even if your uPVC door is more affordable than aluminium ones, you can still upgrade it with the same kind of security. The best kind of upgrade is usually anti-snap locks that locksmiths install against burglars as these locks make it impossible for criminals to break into your home with picks. Another security feature you can also have them install are sash jammers, hinge bolts, or door chains.
• The doors are available in various designs and finishes to fit the aesthetic you want. 
• uPVC is incredibly low maintenance and highly resistant to rust and corrosion which makes it great for longevity.

What Are The Disadvantages of uPVC Doors

• uPVC’s strength isn’t the same as aluminium doors and they tend to weaken over time. The solution to this is usually to install steel frames to support it but it can still corrode over time and may need door replacement from locksmiths.
• Because uPVC is usually only available in white, you’ll need to purchase special paint to change the colour, adding to its costs. 
• uPVC doors are lightweight and may sag over time plus any long exposure to the heat can also damage its frames. So make sure not to use this near the kitchen or where it can easily be affected by the heat.

Key Differences Between uPVC Doors and Aluminium Doors

Aluminium is a much lighter material but retains plenty of strength, allowing these doors to support heavy glass without risking structural integrity. The material is also incredibly resistant to rust and weatherproof, and it is unimpacted by high heat and cold. 

These doors also require much less maintenance, with a simple wipe and damp clothing being enough to keep the door in top condition. Another major difference is that aluminium is 100% recyclable, so it can be reused indefinitely, making it much more eco-friendly. Finally, aluminium is typically more versatile in terms of styles, colours, and finishes, making it easier to match your desired aesthetic. 

According to expert locksmiths that deal with uPVC and aluminium door replacements, uPVC doors aren’t much susceptible to rusting, corrosion, or flaking and offer high UV resistance. They’re also weatherproof, cheap to manufacture, and easy to install, making them much more affordable than aluminium doors. As poor heat conductors, uPVC doors are exceptional insulators, so they help retain heat in winter and maintain coolness in the summer. This allows them to improve your home’s energy efficiency much better than aluminium. 

What To Choose – Aluminium or uPVC Doors?

It all depends on your unique requirements for your door and property, but each door type offers its advantages. For instance, if you’re looking for the best door for insulation to lower your energy bills, then uPVC is the better option. It’s also more affordable, making it a good option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly door. 

While durable, uPVC doors have a shorter lifespan than aluminium doors. They typically become discoloured and prone to breakage after many years and will need replacing sooner than an aluminium door. 

However, this is reflected in the cost of the doors, with aluminium being more expensive than uPVC. That said, their longer durability may offer better value for money over the long term, lasting up to 45 years with very little maintenance. Plus, aluminium doors are stronger and more stable, offering better home security which makes it a common door locksmiths install in UK residences. 

Again, it depends on your unique situation. Both doors have their benefits, so be sure to consider what you need most from your new doors. Aluminium doors cost more but are stronger and more durable, while uPVC’s affordability and insulation properties make it a great choice, too. If you are unsure on the best route to go down, we recommend contacting a locksmith to give you advice. 

A locksmith can recommend what door type would be best for your property, using their experience of similar properties to your own as well as focusing on the most common crime types in your area. Pro locksmiths can give you a better insight into what lock type would make the most sense, too, giving you peace of mind that your new doors are backed-up with top-quality locks that meet British Standards and provide you with the level of protection you need to sleep easy at night knowing a break-in is extremely unlikely.