Aluminium has several advantages over other materials used as entry doors, including:
Increased Security and Durability
Despite being lightweight, aluminium is a strong metal. It can be much more difficult for thieves to penetrate than traditional entrance door materials such as timber. Even if you want to add glass inserts, these can be double-glazed or have security glazing to add to their security credentials.
In terms of durability, with an aluminium entrance door you don't have to worry about the following ageing concerns that are common with timber doors:
Its long life, prefinish requiring less maintenance and the fact it can be easily recycled, means aluminium is considered one of the most sustainable metals for use in home building.
Improved Thermal Insulation
Entrance doors are a point of concern for household air leakage, especially if they're old, not insulated or poorly installed. Unwanted air flow can make a home feel hotter in summer or colder in winter, potentially increasing costs of heating and cooling your home.
Among the aluminium doors in Altus Windows' Stellar & Entrance range are thermally enhanced options which hugely reduce heat transfer from the interior to the exterior, or vice versa.
First impressions
Aluminium entrance doors can fit home designs ranging from minimalist and modern to elegant and traditional. Even prior to finishing, this metal is sleek and stylish, a feature that is augmented through powder coating in colours to complement the rest of the home.
On top of this, and unlike timber, aluminium is very easy to clean and maintain, meaning it doesn't readily show signs of ageing.
While so far we've only talked about practicalities, your entrance doors need to match the visual intent of your build too. An important part of this is choosing between single and double doors:
Bordering windows can enhance aluminium door design boosting their aesthetic impact, illuminating entranceways, and increasing visibility when approaching the area. There are two principal options:
Your choice of hardware will be principally dictated by matching to the door itself and possibly the doors and handles in the rest of your home. Consider the finishes which could include colour matching, satin chrome or even stainless steel for a timeless, sophisticated appearance. Keyless options, such as digital door locks, which enable entry after a code is keyed, are becoming more common for advanced home security and convenience.
Aluminium entrance doors are commonly hinged and open inwards. In architecturally designed homes and commercial situations, pivot doors are becoming more popular though they are generally suited to large entrance areas and are generally either glass or aluminium.
Most aluminium doors are powder coated for a long lasting finish though there are also woodgrain options to achieve a more traditional feel. Stellar Doors not only have a wide range of styles but also powder coat colours such as 'Brights' which can add to the unique impact to your entranceway.
Advantages of powder coating include:
Colour is also important if the door is directly exposed to sunlight. Dark colours tend to absorb heat and lighter colours tend to reflect it more. To mitigate heat transfer through your door you could consider a thermally enhanced option. Ultimately the colour you choose may match or complement the cladding, roof or other features of your home.
The sheer range of choice when it comes to aluminium entrance doors means that you're bound to be able to find something that perfectly suits your home. What's more, thanks to their durability, timeless look and range of additional accessories, you can rest assured that this is a solution that will lost long in to the future. For more information on selecting the right aluminium entrance door for your New Zealand home build, get in touch with Altus Windows today.