Hello,
maybe you can help me or share your experiences.
Last week, we received quotes for windows and exterior doors.
Originally, we expected to be offered aluminum exterior doors. However, they also provided optional PVC (uPVC) doors, which are significantly cheaper.
I’ve heard different opinions from various experts. Some say it’s just a matter of appearance, while others argue that aluminum is definitely preferable due to security, insulation, and other factors.
At first glance, if it’s only about appearance, I could live with a PVC door given the price difference (about 2500€ per door). We actually need two doors because we have a separate entrance to our office area.
Who has a PVC exterior door or can share the pros and cons?
maybe you can help me or share your experiences.
Last week, we received quotes for windows and exterior doors.
Originally, we expected to be offered aluminum exterior doors. However, they also provided optional PVC (uPVC) doors, which are significantly cheaper.
I’ve heard different opinions from various experts. Some say it’s just a matter of appearance, while others argue that aluminum is definitely preferable due to security, insulation, and other factors.
At first glance, if it’s only about appearance, I could live with a PVC door given the price difference (about 2500€ per door). We actually need two doors because we have a separate entrance to our office area.
Who has a PVC exterior door or can share the pros and cons?
We have a wooden door and are very happy with it. I wouldn’t focus too much on the material itself, but rather on other features, such as having an overlapping design on both sides, a minimum thickness (around 70 mm (3 inches) everywhere is quite good), which also ensures proper insulation. The lock was a dealbreaker for us—not only for security reasons but also for convenience. It should at least be self-locking with a panic function, and opening by button or finger pressure was an additional plus. Since then, keys have become unnecessary. And of course, it should look nice—nothing you see on every other house.
C
Caspar20205 May 2016 14:22BeHaElJa schrieb:
We have a white plastic door with a glass panel and side panel. It is opened with a key. It serves its purpose.Is the glass laminated safety glass (VSG) or just tempered safety glass (ESG)? Also, does it have drill protection and a pick-resistant cylinder lock?
Was a security rating specified?
If so, then you probably don’t need to replace the door.
When in doubt, keep it simple. The trade work has passed me by.
However, I'm not too worried about break-ins – everything here is very well protected and not very interesting.
Moreover, as already mentioned, the floor-to-ceiling patio doors all around the house are probably more of a concern.
However, I'm not too worried about break-ins – everything here is very well protected and not very interesting.
Moreover, as already mentioned, the floor-to-ceiling patio doors all around the house are probably more of a concern.
C
Caspar20205 May 2016 14:31Elina schrieb:
We have a wooden door and are very satisfied with it. I wouldn’t focus too much on the material itself, but rather on other features, such as whether it has flush overlap on both sides, a minimum thickness (70 mm (2.75 inches) thickness all around is quite good), then the insulation value is also right, and the lock was a deal breaker for us.As far as I know, most solid wood doors are not actually solid throughout but have a thicker real wood veneer. Therefore, you shouldn’t be misled by the thickness alone. Much more important is that whichever door you choose is ideally RC2 certified. This means the door has enough hooks and bolts, the core material corresponds to the security class, it’s not just thick and well insulated, and if there are glass sections, they should be made of laminated safety glass (i.e., burglar-resistant).
C
Caspar20205 May 2016 14:36BeHaElJa schrieb:
When in doubt, just leave it out. The trade passed me by.
However, I’m not really worried about break-ins – everything here is well protected and not very interesting to burglars.
Besides, as I’ve already mentioned, the floor-to-ceiling patio doors around the house are definitely more interesting.The police offer crime prevention consultations. You can get a lot of useful tips, and the advice is fairly independent from companies.
They also cover what retrofit options are technically possible. However, as a homeowner, it’s best to check this out in advance.
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