There is no doubt that timber and aluminum are popular materials used for windows and exterior doors in Montreal. They have generated hot debates among manufacturers, suppliers and buyers about which is superior, and irrespective of which side of the debate you choose to join, both materials will always be great, and each will have their own sets of merits and demerits.
As a buyer, you can easily get drawn into these debates, and you may find it challenging to make up your mind on which choice to make as far as aluminum and wooden doors in Montreal are concerned.
Before you begin shopping for your door, you should have an idea of what exactly you need and precisely know the primary purpose of the door. With that said, here is a look at some of the defining factors for both aluminum and wooden doors, and what should guide your decision to choose one and leave the other.
The case for aluminum doors
The case for aluminum doors in Montreal is strong, as far as features are concerned. They have specific benefits over wooden doors in Montreal, and these are some of the many reasons why homeowners prefer to use them. Here is a look at some of the specific benefits of this door type-:
Great thermal performance – both aluminum doors and windows contribute excellently when it comes to thermal and sound insulation. Their thermal performance is better than that of timber and PVC and this simply means that they will contribute towards the energy efficiency of your home, owing to the improved heat gain and heat loss towards the doors and the windows.
They are durable and require low maintenance – aluminum doors in the West Island are not only robust, but are also virtually maintenance free. This is because they are resistant to corrosion and they will also perform very well under harsh weather conditions. Additionally, they won’t crack, warp, bend or swell like their wooden counterparts when they have been used over time or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
They are affordable – with all the versatility that these doors have, it is refreshing to note that they are relatively affordable. They are a great economical solutions for both domestic and commercial applications where versatility, longevity and affordability in doors and windows are desired.
Available in great finishes – aluminum doors in Montreal are available in a variety of finishes and this ensures that homeowners will find the right door type to match any type of décor they may have. Most of the finishes feature powder coating, which does not require any additional painting to look great. The coating is available in a wide range of colors for homeowners to choose from.
The case against aluminum doors
Though there is a lot to be admired about aluminum doors, they come with certain demerits that may overshadow their benefits and which may make them less appealing for certain applications. Here is a brief look at some of them:
- Aluminum doors are susceptible to staining from water. When that happens, they not only lose their aesthetic appeal, but it may take some effort to remove these stains. As such, they may not be the best door choice for places that are constantly wet.
- Installation of the doors are relatively more demanding than that of wooden doors or other door types. The reason for this is due to their high standards and levels of finishing, the installation should be done professionally. This will come as an additional expense on the part of the homeowner.
- Other than being susceptible to stains by water, aluminum doors can also corrode very fast if proper precautions are not taken. The way to avoid this is to ensure that you purchase doors that have been taken through the electrolysis process to give them an additional layer that will protect them against corrosion.
The case for wooden doors in Montreal
Wooden doors have been in use for centuries, and this is mainly due to the unique set of features they possess which are not available in most other door types. Here are some of the things that make wooden doors in Montreal so appealing:
Traditional elegance – wooden doors are traditionally beautiful. They have a way of providing authentic elegance and create that traditional feel in homes. Since it is a natural material that has been in use for centuries, it is always an obvious choice for many homeowners.
Strength and durability – wooden doors can last for decades if proper care and maintenance are ensured. Most wooden doors available in Montreal today are made from different pieces of plywood, some laminate and a hardwood support. This gives them the strength and durability to make the owners not think of replacing their doors for decades.
Easy to maintain – wooden doors don’t demand a lot in terms of maintenance. Once painted or stained, all you may have to do is ensure regular dusting to make the paint stand out.
Versatility in design – wooden doors are available in a myriad of designs, and this has allowed homeowners to choose doors that will match existing décor they have at home. Other than the versatility in design, they are also versatile in applications and this is why you will find them as the main entrance doors, garage doors or being used for the inner rooms.
The case against wooden doors
Here are some of the thing you may find less appealing about wooden doors and why you may prefer other door materials to them in Montreal:
- They are susceptible to rotting if a poor quality wood was used and it was installed in a place where it would constantly be exposed to water.
- Good quality wooden doors are expensive and this may make it out of the reach of many homeowners.
- Some wooden doors in Montreal may be affected with elements of weather, and may warp, bend, or swell, and when that happens, their aesthetics and ease of operation may be affected.
- They require regular care and maintenance to ensure that their aesthetic appeal is not lost. This may mean painting the door on a regular basis which comes with additional expenses.
