Aluminum is a popular choice for exterior doors due to its durability and ability to be easily customizedAluminum is also only one-third the weight of steel, making it very lightweight. Because of this, it is a commonly used component in various construction projects. The material is also fairly simple to finish, making it easy for homeowners to update the look of their door. Read on for more information about the benefits of aluminum doors.
Costs of Aluminum Doors
Exterior aluminum doors tend to be a fairly inexpensive option, ranging from $300 to $500 and up. This is due largely to the wide availability of the material and the ease of recycling aluminum. Recycling the metal requires only five percent of the energy needed to collect new aluminum, making exterior aluminum doors a great option for homeowners with environmental concerns
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. However, the material is known to weaken when faced with higher temperatures. This is due to its high heat conductivity, which makes it vulnerable to heat Aluminum doors are naturally resistant to corrosion, even before being treated.
How to Treat Your Aluminum Entry Door
While many homeowners are satisfied with the original look of their entry aluminum doors, some homeowners may change the color and increase their door's durability through treatment. Because the material is very resistant to corrosion, treatment is not needed too often on aluminum doors. However, surface treatment is recommended for additional strength and electrical insulation. While there are many means of improving surface quality, such as grinding or polishing your aluminum entry door, anodizing and finishing with paint are the most common methods.
While aluminum doors are resistant to corrosion and wear upon finishing, additional repairs are often needed. Small scratches and marks can be easily touched up on an aluminum door. Prior to painting, a small abrasive pad is recommended to remove small marks. After painting, homeowners can easily apply touch-up coats.
Energy Efficiency and Tax Credits
Because of its thermal conductivity, aluminum is a less energy efficient option for exterior doors. Exterior aluminum doors generally have an R-value between R-1 and R-2.
Summary: A Solid, Inexpensive Choice
Aluminum doors is made of strong, inexpensive material, making it a great option for exterior doors. While the material lacks the energy efficiency of many other components used for metal doors, it is easy to treat and repair. To find an exterior aluminum doors for your home today, use HomeAdvancement easy links to contact residential contractors in your area.
