What types of doors are made from aluminium?
Aluminium is typically found in door frames in combination with glass panels or mesh (e.g. flywire). Aluminium is very commonly found in sliding doors, bifold and stacker door frames. Aluminium is a lightweight and low corrosion metal that can be easily worked and moulded. It retains powder coating well so it can be styled to suit just about any décor.
How are aluminium doors constructed?
The aluminium is smelted and poured into moulds, creating long bits of frame which are then cut to size. The glass panels are then fitted, and the aluminium frame is joined and finished.
In the case of aluminium security screen doors, the grille and frame are positioned and the mesh is laid over the top, before the frame is riveted together. In some cases, the mesh is pressed into a groove inlaid into the frame. This method allows for easy replacement of the mesh should it become damaged.
How do aluminium doors perform?
- Security – Aluminium is not as tough as steel, but won’t splinter and will bend before it breaks. Tempered aluminium is quite resistant to punishment though, and can be used in security doors.
- Weatherproofing – Aluminium is very weather resistant and won’t rust, even in salty air.
- Soundproofing – As it is rare for aluminium to make up a whole door, sound resistance is largely down to the material of the panels it frames. By itself though, aluminium will carry sound very easily.
- Cost – Aluminium is a relatively low cost metal in comparison to steel.
- Weight – Aluminium is very light, lighter than either steel or wood.
- Thermal insulation – As a metal, aluminium is not perfect when it comes to keeping the heat in, but as it is usually used as a framing material, the insulative properties of the panels it frames are just as important.
