Aluminium Sliding Door Design vs uPVC Comparison
Sliding doors are a modern and practical way to open up your living space. Whether you’re designing a new home or renovating your existing one, selecting the right material for your sliding doors is crucial. Two of the most popular choices today are aluminium sliding door design and uPVC sliding door design.
But how do you decide which one is better for your needs? Let’s look at how they compare in terms of design, strength, maintenance, cost, and more. This simple guide will help you make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and budget.
What Are Sliding Doors?
Sliding doors are doors that operate by sliding sideways rather than in and out like a typical door. They save space and can let more light into a room. You will find them used in balconies, patios, living rooms, and even in kitchens. They can also be used in wardrobes and as room dividers.
Sliding doors can be made from many different materials, but the most popular materials are aluminium and uPVC. Both materials offer specific benefits and styles. Let us take a look at the key differences.
Aluminium Sliding Door Design: Modern & Sleek
Aluminium sliding doors are popular for their durable frames and modern styling. These doors open up completely to a home and have narrow sightlines, which means larger glass panels and a better view. The aluminium frames are extremely strong while also being lightweight enough for designers to create stunning, slim and strong sliding door systems.
Key Features of Aluminium Sliding Doors:
- Slim frames, bigger glass view
- Highly durable and rust-resistant
- Works well in large openings or multiple panels
- Modern and stylish appearance
- High weather resistance and thermal performance
Modern brands like TOSTEM, known for their advanced aluminium door technology, offer unique features such as TEXGUARD coating and EPDM gaskets, innovations that make their doors not only visually appealing but also exceptionally durable.
uPVC Sliding Door Design: Affordable and Efficient
uPVC stands for Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride, a type of plastic that is tough and doesn’t bend easily. uPVC sliding doors are popular for their cost-effectiveness and decent performance. They offer a variety of designs and work well in most Indian homes, especially where the budget is a concern.
Key Features of uPVC Sliding Doors:
- Cost-effective choice
- Good insulation against heat and sound
- Available in limited colours and textures
- Corrosion-proof and termite-resistant
- Heavier and bulkier compared to aluminium
While uPVC is durable, it may not be as strong as aluminium. It also tends to expand or contract with temperature changes, which might affect long-term performance in very hot or humid regions.
Aluminium vs uPVC Sliding Doors: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Aluminium Sliding Doors | uPVC Sliding Doors |
| Design & Appearance | Sleek, slim, modern | Bulkier, traditional |
| Durability | Extremely strong, weather-resistant | Durable but less impact-resistant |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, doesn’t fade or rust | Needs repainting periodically |
| Thermal Insulation | High, especially with coated profiles | Good insulation |
| Customisation Options | 200+ colours, finishes, large panels | Limited colours, smaller panels |
| Environmental Impact | Fully recyclable, low carbon footprint | Non- biodegradable |
| Cost | Higher upfront, better long-term value | Cheaper initially, higher upkeep cost |
Which Is Better for Indian Homes?
It’s all about your needs, your budget, and the location of your home. If you’re planning to build a luxury home or desire some long-term value, you would be right to specify aluminium windows and doors. Aluminium windows and Doors have great performance specifications, and they keep their operable geometry over large openings. They have longer lifespans and virtually no maintenance on the sections is required.
If your situation limits your budget, but you still want something of decent performance, uPVC may be suitable for moderate weather zones. However, for hot or monsoon-like weather or on the coast, aluminium will perform better than uPVC.
Design Flexibility and Customisation
Aluminium sliding doors offer endless design possibilities. You can choose from 2-, 3-, 4-, or 6-panel options, depending on your space. These doors can be powder-coated as well as anodised in over 200 colours with matte, gloss, or timber-effect finishes. You can also match them with aluminium windows and doors across your house for a seamless look.
uPVC sliding doors come in limited colour options and textures. Some may even have woodgrain foil for a timber-like effect. But they are not as flexible in design or size.
Maintenance and Lifespan
One major benefit of aluminium is its low maintenance. Thanks to modern coatings, you don’t have to repaint or worry about fading. Wiping with a cloth every few weeks is enough to keep them shining.
In contrast, uPVC can stain over time and may need repainting or cleaning products to maintain appearance. If exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, the material can warp or crack.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Both aluminium and uPVC provide good insulation, especially when fitted with double-glazed glass. However, aluminium doors with thermal breaks and special coatings can now match or even surpass uPVC in energy efficiency.
Modern aluminium systems use rubber gaskets for better sealing against dust, wind, and noise, making them ideal for both hot and cold climates.
Environmental Impact
Aluminium has the potential to be infinitely recyclable without losing its purity. It requires less energy to recycle aluminium than to produce new material. Hence, aluminium sliding doors contribute to environmentally friendly building projects.
uPVC is equally recyclable; however, it might degrade over multiple uses. Additionally, being plastic-based, it has a larger environmental footprint in production.
Must Read: Facts You Should Know about Slide and Fold Doors
Cost and Long-term Value
Yes, the upfront cost of aluminium sliding doors is higher. But over the long haul, they have a longer lifespan and less maintenance. You won’t have to repaint, fix, or replace as often.
uPVC doors have a lower installation cost but can drive up the final cost as repair, repainting, or premature replacement rip away at your budget.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between an aluminium sliding door design and uPVC, consider your lifestyle, climate, budget, and how much you value design and durability.
If you want sleek looks, long life, and excellent performance across all weather conditions, aluminium doors are hard to beat. For affordable, quick installations in less harsh climates, uPVC is still a fair option.
Want expert advice before buying? Explore beautifully engineered aluminium sliding doors from brands like TOSTEM, where design meets quality with the best of Japanese innovation.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for general informational purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the content or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained herein for any purpose.
