Aluminum Sliding Doors: Are They Right for Your Home?

Using aluminum sliding doors in your home can be a good way to save space and money, along with being more durable than a glass, wooden, or vinyl door. Aluminum doors are useful in areas that will get high traffic or may be subject to damage from children or pets. The sliding doors run on a slim track that is easily hidden from view in smaller areas, like a corner closet. Many of these small or irregular shaped spots in a house can be fitted with aluminum sliding doors where a standard hinge-based door would not have room to open.

Aluminum sliding doors: Light and strong

Aluminum doors are much lighter than a comparable wood or glass door, making it easier to open and close. This can be a significant advantage if you are installing aluminum sliding doors in a home with children or elderly residents who may have trouble pushing a conventional door open. Aluminum is also quite strong, despite having such a low weight. Your aluminum sliding doors will be able to withstand more damage than a traditional door and will not warp or crack in extreme weather conditions.

Aluminum sliding doors: Resistant to rust and corrosion

Aluminum also has a major advantage over a steel sliding door because it is able to resist corrosion and rust for decades. The aluminum material itself protects your door from the elements in a way that steel cannot. Aluminum that is exposed to the air will create a layer of aluminum oxide on the outside of the metal. This becomes a protective coating that seals off the aluminum sliding door and protects it from rust and corrosion.

Aluminum sliding doors: Disadvantages

Aluminum sliding doors are not always the best option for your home. The biggest drawback of using aluminum sliding doors is their heat conductivity. In a very hot climate, your aluminum doors will transfer that heat into your home and may even be hot to the touch. Conversely, in cold climates, the aluminum sliding doors will be too cold to touch and will increase your home's heating expenses.

The other major issue with aluminum sliding doors is their appearance. Depending on your decor, a set of aluminum doors may make your home look like a restaurant kitchen. Painted doors are available to customize your home's look, but these are more expensive and may still have a metallic appearance due to the aluminum. Aluminum sliding doors often work best with a modern-style room that includes other decorative items with metallic accents.