Aluminium vs PVC folding/sliding doors

golden_eagle

We are hoping to build an extension to the back of our house this year. We want the back wall to be mostly glazed so that we get the view of our garden. We asked the architect to allow for a large opening (about 4m) to install either folding or sliding doors. What we cannot decide is whether to go for aluminium or PVC frame. Wood would be the nicest but we live in the Peaks so it's pretty wet here which means wood would probably not last very long. We worry that aluminium will make it look more like a car showroom (although I know we can choose colours) and with PVC we worry it will just look too "plastic-ey' and cheap. Any views?

Also, should we be considering anything when choosing between sliding and folding doors? Is plastic or aluminium better suited for either of the two types of doors?

Any good/reliable companies supplying aluminium/PVC doors in the North West?

thanks for any advice

Yolina

Hardwood would last for a long time provided you maintain it, and would be my first choice. If you go for aluminium then make sure there's thermal breaks/warm spacers - I'm saying that because my place has powder-coated windows which are over 20 years old and whilst they still look pristine after that time, there are no thermal breaks and the inside frames in winter get colder than the glass! I hate PVC windows so won't comment on that though ultimately it will all come down to budget.

fraser

Be prepared to spend, I like the alu doors as structurally they will last, you can go too cheap, costs of around 3 to 4k are not uncommon

golden_eagle

fraser wrote: »

Be prepared to spend, I like the alu doors as structurally they will last, you can go too cheap, costs of around 3 to 4k are not uncommon

Don't mind spending more providing we'll get quality and finish. Any reliable providers? Would rather go local as feel that the really big national players only sub-contract anyway so you could be a bit of a lottery regarding who you will get.

Mariela

golden_eagle wrote: »

We are hoping to build an extension to the back of our house this year. We want the back wall to be mostly glazed so that we get the view of our garden. We asked the architect to allow for a large opening (about 4m) to install either folding or sliding doors. What we cannot decide is whether to go for aluminium or PVC frame. Wood would be the nicest but we live in the Peaks so it's pretty wet here which means wood would probably not last very long. We worry that aluminium will make it look more like a car showroom (although I know we can choose colours) and with PVC we worry it will just look too "plastic-ey' and cheap. Any views?

Also, should we be considering anything when choosing between sliding and folding doors? Is plastic or aluminium better suited for either of the two types of doors?



Any good/reliable companies supplying aluminium/PVC doors in the North West?

thanks for any advice

Hello, We are extending our kitchen and my mum wants the exact same thing as you (4 metre glazed- to view the garden) and we are not sure whether we want sliding or folding and PVC or aluminium. Can you please tell me what you decided in the end and why?

Thank you in advance.:):)

malc_b

The other thing to consider is the frame to glass ratio aka size of the frame. uPVC will be a lot wider than aluminium so you'd end up with thicker bars in what ideally should be all glass.

clockworks_2

You probably won't be able to get PVC in a 4 meter size as it's too large. Some places may do them. I would go for aluminium all day long. Maintenance free, won't flex like PVC , thinner profile too.