ᐅ Front Door – PVC or Aluminum

Created on: 11 Apr 2016 21:54
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Lile08
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?
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Elina
13 May 2016 11:51
Fuhr, our lock manufacturer, also offers a transponder version, similar to keyless entry systems in electric cars (Smart Touch). You just need to approach the door, and the lock opens. We considered this option but decided against it because you have to carry the transponder with you, and anyone who has it can enter. Additionally, this would have required a different radio control system than the one used for the fingerprint scanner and remote control, which would have made both of those impossible to use. I also didn’t want to give up the fingerprint scanner.
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Sebastian79
13 May 2016 11:53
However, it is a myth that radio-controlled switches are extremely secure – the rolling code technology works the same way with cars, and we all know how easily those can be hacked...
sirhc13 May 2016 13:44
Really very interesting – although I am still quite undecided. I can definitely imagine a combination of a "regular" key and an automatically locking lock, preferably mechanical rather than motor-driven.
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Elina
13 May 2016 14:40
There is also a semi-automatic version of this lock, meaning it closes motor-driven but opens mechanically (or something similar); you would need to check if interested (Autotronic, while the fully motorized version is called Multitronic). Regarding security, you can also find good explanations on the manufacturer’s website. The remote key is not comparable to a car remote key, which can be relatively easily hacked by intercepting and copying the radio signal. This is not possible with the rolling code system, as no signal is used twice. For more details, please refer to the information yourself, as I am not very tech-savvy but found it understandable.

The fingerprint scanner works differently as well; it does not scan the surface. It is absolutely not comparable to the pseudo fingerprint scanners used in smartphones.
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Sebastian79
13 May 2016 14:46
You are mistaken – switching codes has long been standard in cars.
sirhc13 May 2016 14:51
Since I
Elina schrieb:

Please read the details yourself if you are interested; I am not very tech-savvy, but I found it understandable.

Precisely because I come from the IT field, mechanical security is very important to me.