PVC, Aluminum or Hybrid? Choosing Your Patio Door

PVC, hybrid or aluminum…
Is it all the same when it comes to a patio door? Not at all!

These materials differ greatly in price, energy efficiency and maintenance requirements.
If you’re thinking about replacing your patio door, make sure you have all the facts.

   

Before we get into that, what exactly is a hybrid door? These are patio doors that combine at least two materials.

In Canada, they’re typically made of aluminum and PVC. The aluminum exterior offers outstanding durability while the PVC interior provides exceptional thermal comfort. The frame may be all PVC or all wood to provide some stability, depending on the manufacturer's preference and market needs.


However, it’s not uncommon, especially in the United States, for hybrid doors to be defined as exposed wood doors on the inside with PVC or aluminum cladding on the outside.


This combination enhances the natural beauty of the wood and gives the interior a classic, elegant look. The exterior material offers the advantage of being weather-resistant. Although it also provides thermal benefits, this type of model needs more maintenance, since you’ll need to repeatedly stain, paint or varnish the wood inside. But why choose a hybrid door? While exposed wood doors with aluminum cladding are popular in some markets, our focus here is on doors that feature both PVC and aluminum.

Durability/energy efficiency ratio
You can’t beat the durability of aluminum. And since the doors contain PVC on the inside, they also provide a thermal barrier that limits heat transfer, offering better thermal performance than all-aluminum doors. Some hybrid door models even meet Energy Star standards thanks to sealed double glazing.


Appearance
There's no question that exterior aluminum cladding gives these doors an elegant, modern look.
You usually have a range of colours to choose from as a basic feature, making door customization an even more attractive choice. Some suppliers offer finishing options that will make your door all that more stunning. This is worth considering if you want a more premium finish. There are a growing number of hybrid window models on the market. Of course, if you choose this type of window, you'll need to match it with a patio door that complements your windows.

The cost
Hybrid doors are less expensive than all-aluminum ones, but they still offer the aesthetic advantages and durability of aluminum. Depending on the manufacturer and model, hybrid doors don’t cost much more than painted PVC doors, and the extra investment is well worth it.

Hybrid doors are excellent value for money. They’re a very smart choice, and you'll definitely get your money's worth.
Before making your choice, be sure to ask about available configurations, as well as colour options, energy efficiency and overall door design—type of frame, pane assembly (mechanically assembled or welded) and type of fastenings.
Novatech offers the Element patio door, with a PVC-coated wood frame and exterior aluminum cladding. The door comes in five basic colours and meets Energy Star standards with its double-glazing. It features an anodized aluminum sill cover for a premium finish and a contemporary handle with a one-of-a-kind design.

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most popular material on the market for doors and windows. It’s a low-cost solution with a simple look that fits easily into most homes. It’s also highly resistant: rust, rot, impacts and harsh weather have no effect on it! And best of all, it’s not very conductive, which means it can save you a lot in energy costs. For affordable renovations that are still energy-efficient, this is the material to go with. 
  
  
• Aluminum is very durable, doesn’t rust and doesn’t rot. It is a slightly more upscale material that keeps a pristine appearance for a long time and requires little maintenance. If you dream of letting in tons of natural light through a wall fitted with many patio doors, aluminum is what you want. Its sleek style is perfect for contemporary or modern-style homes but can also give new life to an older house. Aluminum patio doors built for our climate feature thermal barriers developed to support the wide range of temperatures. If you choose an aluminum patio door, make sure it was designed for your climate zone. 

• Don’t forget about hybrid materials (PVC/aluminum, wood/aluminum, etc.)! They can combine the various advantages of different materials and are perfect for a stylish, durable and affordable patio door. A PVC/aluminum door, for example, will give the front of your house a unique look and save you a lot on energy costs. And since it’s easy to paint, you can match it to the rest of the house in a snap. In short, hybrid patio doors are ideal for an inexpensive, long-lasting chic look.

Every kind of patio door material has its own advantages. The style of your home will help you make your choice. All that’s left is to consider your budget, the time you want to put into maintenance and your energy efficiency needs. Only you can choose the best door for your home!