Picking the right door for your home is not easy. You want something that looks good, works well, and lasts long. Two popular choices today are casement and pivot aluminium doors. Both have their own special features. But which one is better for your home? Let’s find out.
What Are Aluminium Casement Doors?
Think of a regular door that swings open like your bedroom door. That’s basically what a casement door is. These doors have hinges on one side. They can open inward or outward, just like a window. The frame is made from strong aluminium. This metal does not rust easily and stays strong for many years.
Casement doors are very common in homes. You can use them for your balcony, patio, or even as room dividers. They come in different sizes and colors. You can pick the one that matches your home style.
What Are Aluminium Pivot Doors?
Now, pivot doors are a bit different. Instead of hinges on the side, they rotate on a special point. This point is at the top and bottom of the door. When you open a pivot door, it spins around this point. It’s like a revolving door but simpler.
Pivot doors look very modern and fancy. Many luxury homes use them as front doors. They make a strong first impression. These doors can be much bigger than normal doors. Some can be as tall as 10 feet!
How Do They Open Differently?
The biggest difference is how they move. Casement doors swing open to one side. You need space for the door to swing fully. If you have furniture near the door, it might get in the way.
Pivot doors need less space. They rotate, so only part of the door moves into your room. This can save space, especially in tight areas. However, when a pivot door opens, it creates space on both sides. So you lose a little bit of walkway width.
Benefits of Casement Doors
- Casement doors are popular for good reasons. First, they save energy. The aluminium frame keeps heat out in summer and warmth in during winter. This helps you save money on electricity bills. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.
- Second, they block outside noise really well. If you live near a busy road, casement doors can reduce noise by up to 43 decibels. That’s quite a lot! Your home will feel much quieter and more peaceful.
- Third, casement doors are very secure. They usually have multiple locks. Some even have steel cores inside for extra strength. Burglars find these doors very hard to break into.
- Fourth, they keep rain, wind, and dust out. The door seals tightly when closed. No air leaks through. Your home stays comfortable in all weather.
- Lastly, you can customize them easily. Choose from many colors, glass types, and handle designs. Make your door match your home perfectly. At Fam Aluminium, we offer various design options to suit every taste.
Benefits of Pivot Doors
- Pivot doors have their own advantages. The biggest one is their wow factor. When guests see a big pivot door at your entrance, they get impressed. It shows style and sophistication. Your home looks expensive and modern.
- These doors can be very large. Regular hinged doors have size limits. But pivot doors can be much bigger and wider. They work great for large openings. If you want a grand entrance, pivot doors are perfect.
- Pivot doors need less swing space. This is helpful in areas where you can’t have a door swinging too far. The rotating motion makes them easy to use. Even heavy doors open smoothly because of the special pivot mechanism.
- Many pivot doors come with soft-close features. This means the door closes slowly and quietly. No loud banging. It’s convenient and saves your door from damage. Plus, the frames can be hidden in the walls. This gives a very clean, minimal look.
Size Comparison
Here’s where they really differ. Casement doors have size limits. Most can go up to about 9 feet tall and 4 feet wide. That’s still pretty big, but there are limits.
Pivot doors can be much larger. Some reach 10 feet or more in height. They can also be wider. This is because the weight sits on the pivot points at top and bottom. The door doesn’t stress the frame as much as hinged doors do. For large openings and impressive entrances, pivot doors win.
Security Features
Both door types can be secure, but in different ways. Casement doors usually have multi-point locking systems. These locks engage at several points along the frame. Very secure. You can also add steel cores for extra protection.
Pivot doors can have electronic locks and magnetic seals. The newer models have special magnetic strips at the bottom. When the door closes, the seal lifts up and locks into place. This provides both security and weather protection. If you want modern smart locks, pivot doors work great with them.
Weather Protection
Living in Dubai or anywhere with harsh weather? This matters. Casement doors excel at weather sealing. They close tightly against the frame. Multiple sealing points keep rain, dust, and sand out. Even in heavy storms, they perform well.
Pivot doors used to have sealing problems. But newer designs, like what we offer at Fam Aluminium, have solved this. Modern pivot doors have magnetic weather seals. They protect just as well as casement doors. The base seal is especially clever. It automatically lifts when the door closes, creating a strong barrier.
Best Uses for Each Type
Casement doors work best for patios, balconies, and back entrances. They’re perfect for connecting your living room to the garden. You can use them as room dividers, too. They suit cottages, apartments, and family homes. If you need something practical and economical, casement doors are the way to go. Check out our sliding doors, too if you want another space-saving option.
Pivot doors are ideal for front entrances. They make a statement. Use them in luxury homes, villas, and modern apartments. They also work in commercial buildings like offices, hotels, and showrooms. If you want to impress visitors and create a grand entrance, choose pivot doors. You might also like our automatic doors for commercial spaces.
Installation Needs
Installing casement doors is straightforward. Most contractors know how to do it. The process is quick and simple. You don’t need special structural support.
Pivot doors need more care during installation. You need experienced technicians. The floor must be strong enough to support the pivot point. The top frame needs proper support too. Installation takes longer and requires more expertise. But the result is worth it.
Maintenance
Both types are easy to maintain because they’re made of aluminium. This metal doesn’t rust. You don’t need to paint it. Just clean with soap and water.
Casement doors need very little care. Oil the hinges once in a while. That’s it. They last for many years without problems.
Pivot doors are also low maintenance. The pivot mechanism is simpler than hinges. Fewer moving parts mean less can go wrong. If you get quality pivot doors, they’ll serve you well for decades.
Cost Difference
Here’s something important. Casement doors cost less. They’re more affordable for most budgets. You get good quality without spending too much. This makes them popular for regular homes.
Pivot doors are expensive. They can cost 30% to 50% more than casement doors. The pivot mechanism costs more. Larger doors mean more materials. Installation is also pricier. But remember, you’re paying for that luxury look and feel. Consider our bifold doors as a middle-ground option.
Which Should You Choose?
Think about what matters most to you. Do you want to save money? Need something reliable and secure? Choose casement doors. They work great for most homes and situations.
Want to make a bold statement? Have a large entrance? Willing to spend more for style? Go with pivot doors. They add real value to luxury homes.
Also, consider your space. Tight areas with furniture might need pivot doors. Open spaces work fine with casement doors. Think about your climate too. Both handle harsh weather, but casement doors have a slight edge in very windy areas.
Conclusion
Both casement and pivot aluminium doors have their place. Casement doors offer security, energy savings, and great value. Pivot doors provide style, size options, and modern appeal. Your choice depends on your needs, budget, and style preferences. Whatever you choose, aluminium doors from quality makers will serve you well for many years.
Ready to upgrade your home with premium aluminium doors? Contact Fam Aluminium today for expert advice and quality installations that last!
