TECHNICAL ADVICE

The Ultimate Guide to Aluminium Doors

Aluminium doors offer unparalleled design flexibility, robust security features and exceptional durability, making them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial properties. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about aluminium doors – from selecting the perfect entrance door to understanding the benefits of internal doors and patio systems. We’ll also explore specialised options like doors for exposed locations and pet-friendly designs, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

1: Why Choose Aluminium Doors 

Aluminium doors are widely considered superior to alternatives like timber, uPVC, and steel, thanks to their exceptional strength, low maintenance and sustainability. Aluminium is 100% recyclable and offers high thermal insulation, making it an environmentally responsible choice. Its inherent strength allows for slimmer frames and larger glass panels, maximising natural light and providing expansive views. Moreover, aluminium doors are highly customisable, available in a vast array of colours and finishes to suit any architectural style. 

2: Selecting the Perfect Aluminium Entrance Door 

Choosing the right entrance door is a critical decision that significantly impacts your home’s curb appeal and security. An entrance door is not just a functional element; it’s a statement about your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your property. 

Design Considerations 

When selecting an aluminium entrance door, consider how it complements the architectural style of your home, the surrounding environment, and the materials used in your property’s construction. For instance, contemporary homes might benefit from sleek, minimalist designs with clean lines, while traditional properties may require doors that mimic classic styles. 

For a detailed exploration of factors to consider when choosing an entrance door, read our comprehensive guide. 

Glazing Options 

Incorporating glazed panels into your entrance door can significantly enhance natural light within your entryway, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Glazing options range from horizontal and vertical panes to square tiles and even double arches. Triple glazing is standard in Sieger Entrance Doors, ensuring high thermal performance without compromising on style. 

Security Features 

Security is paramount when it comes to entrance doors. Modern aluminium doors come equipped with advanced locking mechanisms, such as multi-point locks and biometric systems. Sieger entrance doors, for example, feature 10-point locking bolts integrated into the door, providing significantly enhanced security over traditional single or double bolt systems. 

Ironmongery Choices 

The finishing touches, such as door handles, letterboxes, and knockers, play a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of your entrance door. Sieger offers a wide range of ironmongery options categorised into Contemporary, Classic, and Heritage styles. These accessories can be matched with any of our entrance doors, allowing you to create a bespoke design that perfectly reflects your home’s character. 

3: Aluminium Entrance Door Designs 

Aluminium doors offer unparalleled design flexibility, catering to a wide range of architectural styles, from ultra-modern to classic and rustic. 

Contemporary Designs 

For those seeking a modern aesthetic, the Contemporary Range of Sieger Entrance Doors is an excellent choice. These doors feature straight lines, square glass cut-outs, and minimalist ironmongery, available in a plethora of colours, including matt finishes and textured metallics. The structural bonding of the aluminium door to an A+ thermal core minimises sightlines and visual interruptions, enhancing the sleek appearance. 

Traditional and Cottage-Style Doors 

If your property exudes traditional charm, aluminium doors can still be a perfect fit. The Grosvenor Door Range from Sieger is designed with classic London townhouses in mind, featuring bevelled decorative panels and glass inserts. For rural or cottage-style homes, the Rural Door Range offers characterful designs with options for small vision panels in various shapes. 

To explore traditional aluminium door options, visit our guide on Aluminium Entrance Door Designs. 

4: Aluminium Doors for Exposed Locations 

Properties located in exposed areas, such as coastal regions or open plains, face unique challenges due to harsh weather conditions like high winds and heavy rain. Aluminium doors are particularly suited for these environments because of their strength, durability, and low maintenance requirements. 

Wind Loading Considerations 

Wind load is a critical factor when specifying doors for exposed locations. The force exerted by high winds can impact the structural integrity of doors, especially large glass panels. Aluminium doors undergo extensive testing for air permeability and water-tightness, ensuring they meet strict performance standards. 

For detailed insights into choosing doors for exposed locations, read our article on Aluminium Doors for Exposed Locations. 

Material Durability 

Aluminium’s natural resistance to corrosion makes it an ideal material for harsh environments. Unlike timber or uPVC, aluminium does not warp, rot, or require frequent maintenance, providing a long-lasting solution for your property. 

5: Benefits of Aluminium Internal Doors 

Aluminium internal doors are gaining popularity for their ability to create fluid, light-filled spaces while offering the option to separate areas when needed. They are perfect for achieving a broken-plan living concept, combining the openness of open-plan layouts with the functionality of distinct zones. 

Design Flexibility 

Aluminium internal doors come with a range of finishes and glazing options. Frames can be powder-coated in any RAL colour, and glass panels can be clear, tinted, or frosted to suit your privacy needs. The slim, lightweight frames (from just 18mm) maximise light flow and maintain visual connections between spaces. 

Maintenance and Durability 

Aluminium internal doors require minimal maintenance and are resistant to rust and corrosion. This makes them ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and indoor pools, where timber or steel doors might deteriorate. 

Steel Look Designs 

If you love the industrial aesthetic of steel doors but are concerned about cost and weight, aluminium doors can replicate this look with added benefits. By incorporating glazing bars, aluminium doors can achieve the coveted steel-look design without compromising on performance. 

For inspiration on steel-look aluminium doors, read our article on the Benefits of Aluminium Internal Doors. 

6: Pet-Friendly Aluminium Doors 

For pet owners, balancing the need for functional doors with the freedom of their furry friends can be a challenge. Aluminium doors offer flexible solutions to incorporate pet doors without sacrificing style or security. 

Incorporating Pet Doors into Patio Systems 

Integrating a pet door into sliding or bifolding aluminium doors is entirely feasible with bespoke design considerations. By adjusting the configuration—such as making the end fixed pane wider—you can accommodate a pet door that doesn’t interfere with the door’s operation. 

To understand how to make your doors pet-friendly, check out our guide on Pet-Friendly Aluminium Doors. 

Design Considerations for Pet Doors 

You can choose pet doors in various colours to match or contrast with your aluminium frames. Powder coating allows for precise colour matching, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. Whether you prefer a seamless blend or a bold contrast, aluminium doors provide the flexibility to meet your design goals. 

7: Understanding the Cost of Aluminium Patio Doors 

When planning for aluminium patio doors, understanding the factors that influence cost is crucial for budgeting and achieving your desired outcome. 

Factors Influencing Cost 

1. 1. Sightlines

      Slimmer frames offer a sleek appearance but may come at a higher cost due to advanced engineering.

       

   2. Thermal Efficiency

      Enhanced thermal performance can increase upfront costs but result in long-term energy savings.

       

   3. Glass Options

      Choices like laminated glass, solar control glass, or low-emissivity coatings affect pricing.

       

   4. Design and Aesthetics

      Custom configurations, such as multiple sliding panels or flush thresholds, can add to the overall cost. 

What to Ask When Specifying Sliding Doors 

• • Desired Sightlines
    

    How slim do you want the frames, and how will that impact performance? 

• • Thermal Efficiency
    

    What U-value do you require for energy efficiency? 

• • Security Needs
    

    Are there specific security features you need to incorporate? 

• • Glass Specifications
    

    What type of glass best suits your home’s orientation and climate? 

For a detailed breakdown of costs and considerations, read our article on How Much Do Aluminium Patio Doors Cost. 

8: Case Studies 

Main Road Project 

The Main Road project in Bristol is a stunning example of blending contemporary and traditional design elements. The refurbishment utilised Sieger Casement Windows, Sieger Lux Casement Doors, and the Sieger Lux Bifold—the slimmest aluminium bifold on the market. The dark grey aluminium frames contrast beautifully with light wood and white interiors, enhancing natural light and creating an airy, inviting space. 

To explore this project’s unique features, view the Main Road Case Study. 

Woodwind Project 

Located in Maidenhead, the Woodwind project showcases how unique colour choices can elevate architectural design. The glazing frames were powder-coated in RAL 7033, a grey-green hue that complements the contemporary aesthetic. The project features Sieger® Casement Windows, Sliding Doors, Bifolding Doors, and Glass Balustrades, creating a cohesive and modern living space. 

For a closer look at this innovative design, read the Woodwind Case Study. 

Chestnut Cottage Project 

Chestnut Cottage is a period property that beautifully integrates a modern glass extension, providing a striking contrast between old and new. The extension features a Schuco Casement Door alongside fixed structural glazing and glass beams supporting a structural glass roof. This design floods the interior with natural light and offers uninterrupted views of the sky. 

To see how contemporary glazing can enhance a traditional property, explore the Chestnut Cottage Case Study. 

Let Us Help You…

At Sieger Systems, we specialise in creating bespoke aluminium door solutions that combine timeless design, exceptional durability and cutting-edge innovation. Whether you’re seeking a modern entrance door, expansive patio doors or minimalist internal doors, our expert team is here to guide you through every step.

Ready to transform your space with high-quality aluminium doors?