For many South African homes, aluminium doors are the better long-term choice for exterior use. This is because they stay stable in changing weather, and therefore need less upkeep. Coastal humidity and salt air can be tough on timber, while the heat and strong UV that the drier inland areas experience can dry wood out over time, which leads to movement and the need for more frequent refinishing. Aluminium also doesn’t rot or attract termites, and it’s less likely to swell or stick as seasons change. Maintenance usually involves simple cleaning and the occasional check of hinges, rollers, seals, and locks. Wood still makes sense where you want a classic look, and it can look great if well maintained (especially in sheltered areas). For a low-fuss option that handles year-round exposure, exterior aluminium doors are often the more practical choice.

Aluminium doors don’t rust like steel because aluminium doesn’t contain iron, which is why they’re common in coastal South Africa where the salty air accelerates corrosion on many materials. The part that most people forget to watch is the hardware. Handles, locks, rollers, and bolts can corrode if they’re steel-based or low-grade. If you live at the coast, choose hardware suited to coastal conditions and keep up a simple cleaning routine. Regularly rinse or wipe down frames to remove salt residue, and clean the tracks so grit doesn’t build up. Lubricate moving parts occasionally to keep operation smooth and reduce wear. Inland, the bigger issue is usually dust and grit in tracks and rollers, which can make doors feel rough or become noisy over time.

Choose the aluminium door colour and finish based on the overall exterior palette of the space you are designing. Start by matching or complementing nearby elements such as window frames, gutters, garage doors, boundary walls, and roof colour. Most aluminium doors are supplied with a factory-applied finish, so the practical approach is to choose the colour and finish upfront and keep it consistent across openings. Dark finishes often suit modern façades and hide scuffs well, but they can show dust and salt residue more quickly in some areas. Lighter colours tend to look cleaner for longer and can soften strong sunlight on large door areas.

Aluminium doors can last 30 years or longer when the installation is square and the moving parts are well looked after. Rollers, hinges, seals, and locks take the most wear, especially on aluminium sliding doors that get daily use. Inland homes often deal with dust and grit that builds up in tracks, while coastal homes deal with salt exposure that can shorten hardware life if cleaning is neglected. A simple routine can make a significant difference to the lifespan of your door. Keep tracks clean, check drainage holes, lubricate rollers and hinges when needed, and replace worn seals early so the door stays smooth and weather-tight. Quality glazing and correct sealing also support long-term comfort and performance.

We offer sliding doors, folding doors, and hinged doors, and each is designed to meet your specific needs. Aluminium sliding doors are common for patios because they save space and work well with covered verandas and braai areas. Aluminium folding doors tend to be best suited for entertainment spaces where you want a wide opening onto a garden or pool area. Hinged aluminium doors are most popular for front, back, and side access, and they can usually be configured as single or double doors depending on the opening. Your best option will depend on factors such as clearance, weather exposure, and day-to-day traffic.

Yes, aluminium doors cope better with the constant moisture and salty air than wood does. Timber takes on moisture, which can quickly lead to swelling, sticking, or changes in alignment if maintenance is not thorough and is not done consistently. Wooden doors also need frequent sanding, sealing, and refinishing to stay protected. Aluminium frames are less likely to bind as humidity changes. That said, coastal performance still depends on the full system. Good seals, proper drainage, and quality hardware are important, and regular cleaning helps prevent salt and sand build-up in tracks. If you want the warmth of timber near the sea, plan for higher ongoing maintenance.

Aluminium doors can improve kerb appeal, reduce visible maintenance, and tie modern indoor-outdoor layouts together elegantly. Many buyers like large openings that connect living areas to patios, entertainment spaces, and gardens, so brighter aluminium door colours are the natural solution, as they help homes feel more open. Value gains depend mostly on the quality and finish of the door system. Doors that rattle, stick, or leak in heavy rain are naturally less likely to add value than doors that operate smoothly. This is another reason why regular door maintenance and upkeep is so important, as many of these potential issues can be mitigated with minimal effort.

Yes, aluminium is fully recyclable and can be recycled without losing its core properties. Many aluminium products include recycled content, which reduces the footprint compared to producing new aluminium from raw materials. Longevity matters too. Doors that last for decades and don’t need regular replacement reduce waste over time. The overall footprint depends on how the door is made and how long it stays in use.

Yes. Aluminium doors are supplied pre-hung in their frames, with glass, locks, and handles already fitted. This makes ordering and installation planning simple, because you’re buying a complete unit rather than a door leaf that still needs glazing and hardware selected separately. For site work, make sure the opening is prepared correctly, since aluminium frames rely on square, plumb installation for smooth operation.