ᐅ Experience with Aluminum Exterior Doors from Various Manufacturers – Security Rating RC3
Created on: 15 Jan 2020 18:05
L
ludwig88sta
Hello everyone,
Has anyone here happened to install front doors from any of the following manufacturers?
- Hörmann
- Rodenberger
- Kompotherm
- Hörmann
- Weru
Unfortunately, Hörmann is the only company where an online configurator (if one even exists) provides a final price. For an aluminum front door with a side window that meets our preferences, we would be looking at around 5-6,000 EUR for example, with
- at least RC3 security rating
- the best possible thermal transmittance value (Ud-value) within that price range
These two features are unfortunately only listed online by very few of the companies mentioned above. Why does only Hörmann present this information so openly and transparently?
Are the other companies in the same price range? Or are there more affordable aluminum front doors with RC3 and relatively good insulation?
We decided on an aluminum front door because it provides a premium impression, should not warp after several years (which could happen with plastic), and generally has a very long service life.
Thank you very much for your experiences and answers.
ludwig88sta
Has anyone here happened to install front doors from any of the following manufacturers?
- Hörmann
- Rodenberger
- Kompotherm
- Hörmann
- Weru
Unfortunately, Hörmann is the only company where an online configurator (if one even exists) provides a final price. For an aluminum front door with a side window that meets our preferences, we would be looking at around 5-6,000 EUR for example, with
- at least RC3 security rating
- the best possible thermal transmittance value (Ud-value) within that price range
These two features are unfortunately only listed online by very few of the companies mentioned above. Why does only Hörmann present this information so openly and transparently?
Are the other companies in the same price range? Or are there more affordable aluminum front doors with RC3 and relatively good insulation?
We decided on an aluminum front door because it provides a premium impression, should not warp after several years (which could happen with plastic), and generally has a very long service life.
Thank you very much for your experiences and answers.
ludwig88sta
L
ludwig88sta15 Jan 2020 20:01More of an increased need for security. Of course, an RC3 door only makes sense if the windows on the ground floor are also RC3. Or are the prices for RC3 windows just too high? We actually started today with choosing the front door (instead of the windows).
@Dr Hix, did someone from Kompotherm come to your construction site and install the door for $400, or did you probably order through a dealer? What RC rating did your door have, or did Kompotherm not provide any information about that?
@Dr Hix, did someone from Kompotherm come to your construction site and install the door for $400, or did you probably order through a dealer? What RC rating did your door have, or did Kompotherm not provide any information about that?
Yes, RC3 everywhere gets expensive. Actually, RC2n or RC2 is usually sufficient.
You can always get in. You just have to be a tougher target than your neighbor. More deterrents come from lighting (motion sensors), visibility; cameras, a dog (any size), and so on.
The feeling of security is individual. But an RC3 front door probably won’t bring you peace of mind.
Better develop a plan with motion-activated lights and lighting around the house. Possibly also cameras with person detection.
You can always get in. You just have to be a tougher target than your neighbor. More deterrents come from lighting (motion sensors), visibility; cameras, a dog (any size), and so on.
The feeling of security is individual. But an RC3 front door probably won’t bring you peace of mind.
Better develop a plan with motion-activated lights and lighting around the house. Possibly also cameras with person detection.
Regarding the insulation value of the door, I actually have a question.
During the planning phase of our house, I spent a lot of time researching the insulation of the building envelope. For context, if I had been able to choose freely, I would have loved to build a passive house because I simply find it attractive.
But gradually, I realized that the additional costs hardly pay off—unless money is no object.
So, back to the door.
Isn’t the situation similar there? The differences in insulation values between doors aren’t that significant. And we’re talking about a relatively “small” opening in the building envelope compared to the rest of the structure.
Based on what I have learned so far, a highly insulated door only really makes sense if the entire building is well insulated as well.
In other words: well-insulated masonry, windows, insulation above and below rafters in the roof, and so on.
If those conditions aren’t met, isn’t a highly insulated door basically just a hole in the wallet?
During the planning phase of our house, I spent a lot of time researching the insulation of the building envelope. For context, if I had been able to choose freely, I would have loved to build a passive house because I simply find it attractive.
But gradually, I realized that the additional costs hardly pay off—unless money is no object.
So, back to the door.
Isn’t the situation similar there? The differences in insulation values between doors aren’t that significant. And we’re talking about a relatively “small” opening in the building envelope compared to the rest of the structure.
Based on what I have learned so far, a highly insulated door only really makes sense if the entire building is well insulated as well.
In other words: well-insulated masonry, windows, insulation above and below rafters in the roof, and so on.
If those conditions aren’t met, isn’t a highly insulated door basically just a hole in the wallet?
@ludwig88sta
The seller’s team installed it. I can’t tell you what RC class it is because we didn’t focus on that. Generally, aluminum doors with multiple locking points should be around the level of “similar to RC2” without having to book that option separately. And yes, the upgrade cost for the window will be quite significant.
Since then, I’ve been recommending carefully considering where to use fixed glazing on the ground floor. Otherwise, see @rick2018. If you end up feeling uncomfortable with a “less secure” window, you can always choose to add extra burglary protection for that particular window. Ordering all windows as RC3 will probably at least double the price in the end.
@Tarnari
The area of the door doesn’t really matter, but it might be relevant for grant funding if minimum requirements apply. In older buildings, a highly insulated, airtight door might even be disadvantageous.
The seller’s team installed it. I can’t tell you what RC class it is because we didn’t focus on that. Generally, aluminum doors with multiple locking points should be around the level of “similar to RC2” without having to book that option separately. And yes, the upgrade cost for the window will be quite significant.
Since then, I’ve been recommending carefully considering where to use fixed glazing on the ground floor. Otherwise, see @rick2018. If you end up feeling uncomfortable with a “less secure” window, you can always choose to add extra burglary protection for that particular window. Ordering all windows as RC3 will probably at least double the price in the end.
@Tarnari
The area of the door doesn’t really matter, but it might be relevant for grant funding if minimum requirements apply. In older buildings, a highly insulated, airtight door might even be disadvantageous.
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