Choosing aluminium front door glazing: Your options explained
Author: John Collins - Managing Director
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When selecting a front door for your home, the material, style, and glazing play pivotal roles in achieving both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Aluminium front doors have become increasingly popular due to their durability, sleek design, and security benefits. One crucial aspect of these doors is the glazing option, which not only affects the appearance but also the energy efficiency and privacy of your home.
This guide will help you understand the benefits of aluminium front doors and the different glass options to help you make the right choice for your home.
In this guide:
Read the benefits of aluminium front doors.
Read more about the different types of aluminium entrance door glazing.
Find out more about the thermal efficiency of Vufold’s aluminium front doors.
We answer common questions on aluminium front door glazing.
Why choose aluminium front doors?
Before diving into the available glazing options for your new door, let's highlight why aluminium front doors are gaining traction in the market:
Exceptional durability
Aluminium is a resilient material that stands up to harsh weather conditions without warping, cracking, or swelling. Its corrosion-resistant properties make it perfect for coastal regions and other challenging climates.
Low maintenance
Aluminium front doors maintain their original finish with minimal upkeep. Find out more about the benefits of aluminium front doors here.
Security
Aluminium doors are naturally robust and can accommodate high-security locks and multi-point locking systems to deter intruders effectively.
Energy efficiency
Modern aluminium doors come with thermal breaks that significantly reduce heat loss, contributing to energy efficiency and lowering heating costs.
Design versatility
Available in a wide range of colours and styles, aluminium front doors can be tailored to match both traditional and contemporary properties. Choosing a bespoke supplier such as Vufold can also make sure you find the perfect fit for your home.
Read our guide to choosing an aluminium front door style here.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PREMIUM-QUALITY ALUMINIUM FRONT DOOR?
SHOP SIGNATURE ALUMINIUM FRONT DOORS
Our premium quality aluminium entrance doors provide the ideal blend of security, style, and performance. The range includes designs to suit all types of homes. Available made to measure or in standard sizes – these doors will create the perfect entrance to your home.
- Extensive 10-year manufacturing guarantee.
- Multi point locking system, 3-star security cylinder and laminated glass as standard.
- Double glazed.
- High-density foam core and polyamide thermal breaks.
What are some popular types of front door glazing?
Glazing is a key consideration for front doors. The type of glass you choose affects everything from light transmission and insulation to privacy and security. Here are some popular glazing options available for aluminium front doors:
Clear glazing
Clear glass provides the maximum amount of natural light while offering an unobstructed view. However, it may compromise privacy and security if not properly considered. It’s often combined with other glazing features to strike a balance. Read about the benefits of front doors with glass panels here.
Frosted glazing
This type of glazing features frosted or patterned designs that obscure the view through the door while still allowing ample light to pass through. Frosted glazing is ideal for front doors where privacy is a concern, but light is desired.
Tinted glazing
Tinted glass reduces glare and provides some level of privacy by making it difficult to see inside the house during the day. It's also helpful for regulating the temperature by reducing heat transmission.
Laminated safety glass
Laminated safety glass consists of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer. This feature makes it shatter-resistant, improving security by preventing intruders from easily breaking through. It also blocks harmful UV rays, protecting your interior furnishings.
Double glazing
Consisting of two panes of glass separated by a gap filled with air or inert gas, double glazing provides excellent insulation. It helps reduce heat loss, maintains a consistent indoor temperature, and improves energy efficiency.
Triple glazing
Similar to double glazing but with an additional glass pane, triple glazing offers even better insulation and soundproofing. It's ideal for those living in noisy areas or extreme climates.
Read our complete guide to external door glazing here.
Are Vufold’s aluminium front doors thermally efficient?
Vufold’s aluminium front doors are available in U-values from only 1.2W/m2K and offer either double or triple glazing. With high-density foam core and polyamide thermal breaks, our aluminium front doors offer exceptional thermal efficiency as well as eye-catching designs. Read our complete guide to front door thermal efficiency here.
Frequently asked questions
What glazing should I choose for optimal energy efficiency?
Double or triple glazing is recommended for improving energy efficiency. The insulated gap between the panes reduces heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Additionally, look for low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings that reflect heat back into the home. Before purchasing a new front door, ensure you check the U-value first for an indication of its thermal efficiency.
How does the glazing affect security?
Laminated safety glass or toughened glass is recommended for better security. These types of glazing are more difficult to break than standard glass. Toughened safety glass has an interlayer that holds the glass together if broken, while toughened glass breaks into small, less harmful pieces. To improve door security, it is important to invest in high-quality door handles, locks and choose a reputable supplier.
Can I achieve privacy without compromising light?
Yes - frosted glazing, tinted glazing, or decorative glazing can provide privacy while still allowing natural light. Obscure patterns blur visibility, while tinted glass and artistic designs offer privacy with a stylish appearance.
Are there glazing options that reduce noise?
Double and triple glazing effectively reduce noise pollution. The space between panes acts as a buffer against outside noise, while the additional glass layers provide an extra barrier.
What maintenance is required for the glass?
Most types of glazing require minimal maintenance. Simply clean the glass with a mild detergent and a soft cloth to prevent scratching. Laminated and toughened glass require the same care as standard glass.
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About John Collins
John has built Vufold into a unique online door and window company and has spent 20 years bringing innovative products and designs to fruition, recognising niches in the market and placing them in the likes of Wickes and Travis Perkins, he started Vufold in order to sell them directly. John founded Vufold and has amassed a wealth of experience in product design and development, and in particular timber-based products
Read more about John Collins