Aluminum vs vinyl sliding glass door

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DIYEngineer
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Dec 02, 2010 7:14 am

Aluminum vs vinyl sliding glass door

#1 Post by DIYEngineer »

Hello, I’m looking at an aluminum vs vinyl sliding glass door. These are PGT brands; I was told the aluminum version has a better boxed screen slider and about $400 less. Of course the vinyl would be better for thermal.
What are to good and bad features for both aluminum and vinyl sliding glass doors?
Thank You

:D

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Windows on Washington
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Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC

Re: Aluminum vs vinyl sliding glass door

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

Aluminum has more structural rigidity per inch and therefore can be run at thinner lineals with similar structural ratings. Thinner frame...more glass.

Aluminum is great in the heat as it will not soften at temperatures that might affect vinyl (160 degrees and is probably a moot point regardless).

Aluminum will not photo-degrade or change over time. Neither will premium vinyl, but aluminum is pretty good stuff.

Cons...Thermal numbers, non-Energy Star rated, etc.

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TheWindowNerd
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Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex

Re: Aluminum vs vinyl sliding glass door

#3 Post by TheWindowNerd »

i would not consider an aluminum patio door unless it was a premium thermally broken door, also I would want to know the AL rating of each to compare. I have not sold an aluminum PD in ten years.

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