PVC vs Aluminum Doors: Which is Better for Nepal?
Complete comparison of PVC and aluminum doors - costs, durability, security & maintenance for Kathmandu homes
Quick Decision Matrix
Choose Aluminum If:
- ✓ Door is for main entrance or exterior
- ✓ Security is a priority
- ✓ You want longest lifespan (15-20 years)
- ✓ Door will face direct sun/rain
- ✓ You want low maintenance
- ✓ Better resale value matters
Choose PVC If:
- ✓ Budget is limited
- ✓ Door is interior (bedroom, bathroom)
- ✓ Sound insulation is priority
- ✓ Not exposed to direct sunlight
- ✓ Security is less critical
- ✓ You prefer white/light colors
PVC (UPVC) and aluminum are the two most popular modern door materials in Nepal, having largely replaced wooden doors in new construction. But which one is actually better for your home in Kathmandu?
After installing both types across hundreds of homes in Kathmandu valley, we've seen how each material performs in Nepal's unique climate - the intense monsoon, high UV exposure, and temperature variations.
This guide provides an honest, detailed comparison to help you make the right choice based on your specific needs and budget.
Comprehensive Comparison: 10 Key Factors
| Factor | Aluminum Doors | PVC/UPVC Doors | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Rs. 8,000 - 15,000 | Rs. 7,000 - 12,000 | PVC |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-15 years | Aluminum |
| Strength & Security | Very high - hard to break | Moderate - can crack | Aluminum |
| Maintenance | Low - occasional lubrication | Very low - minimal care needed | Tie |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent - handles monsoon perfectly | Good but can warp in extreme heat | Aluminum |
| UV Resistance | Excellent - doesn't fade | Moderate - can yellow over time | Aluminum |
| Soundproofing | Good with proper seals | Better natural insulation | PVC |
| Color Options | Wide range via powder coating | Limited - mostly white/brown | Aluminum |
| Resale Value | Higher - perceived as premium | Moderate | Aluminum |
| Eco-Friendliness | Fully recyclable | Recyclable but less common | Aluminum |
Overall Assessment: Both Have Merit
Aluminum excels in strength, security, durability, and weather resistance - making it ideal for exterior doors. PVC offers better soundproofing and slightly lower initial cost - suitable for interior doors. The best choice depends on the specific door location and your priorities.
Cost Comparison: Initial vs Long-Term
Price Comparison (Standard 7x3 ft Door)
Aluminum Door Pricing:
- • Basic quality: Rs. 8,000 - 10,000
- • Medium quality: Rs. 10,000 - 12,000
- • Premium quality: Rs. 12,000 - 15,000
- • Designer/Custom: Rs. 15,000+
PVC/UPVC Door Pricing:
- • Basic quality: Rs. 7,000 - 9,000
- • Medium quality: Rs. 9,000 - 11,000
- • Premium quality: Rs. 11,000 - 12,000
- • High-end: Rs. 12,000 - 14,000
10-Year Cost of Ownership
Aluminum Door (10 Years)
Still functional after 10 years - can last 5-10 more years
PVC Door (10 Years)
May need replacement around year 10-12
💰 Long-Term Value: Aluminum Saves Rs. 9,000+ Over 10 Years
While PVC costs Rs. 1,000-2,000 less initially, aluminum's longer lifespan and minimal maintenance make it significantly cheaper over time. Plus, aluminum still has good resale/salvage value after 15-20 years.
Durability & Lifespan in Nepal's Climate
Aluminum: 15-20 Years
Strengths in Nepal:
- ✓ Handles 80-90% monsoon humidity perfectly
- ✓ UV-resistant powder coating doesn't fade
- ✓ No warping in summer heat (40°C+)
- ✓ Maintains strength throughout lifespan
- ✓ Corrosion-resistant in polluted city air
Potential Issues:
- ⚠ Hinges may need replacement after 10+ years
- ⚠ Locks can wear out (easily replaceable)
- ⚠ Minor dents possible (doesn't affect function)
PVC: 10-15 Years
Strengths in Nepal:
- ✓ Good moisture resistance
- ✓ Won't rot like wood
- ✓ Decent sound insulation
- ✓ Lower initial cost
Potential Issues:
- ⚠ Can warp in extreme summer heat
- ⚠ UV exposure causes yellowing (5-7 years)
- ⚠ Becomes brittle over time
- ⚠ Cracks possible from impact or age
- ⚠ Seals degrade faster in monsoon
- ⚠ White PVC stains more easily
Security & Strength Comparison
Aluminum Security
- ✓Very high strength: Cannot be broken or kicked in easily
- ✓Multi-point locking: Available with 3-5 locking points
- ✓Thick profiles: 1.2-1.5mm thickness resists tampering
- ✓Strong hinges: Can support heavy-duty security locks
- ✓Reinforcement: Can add steel reinforcement if needed
Best for: Main entrance, exterior doors, ground floor
PVC Security
- ~Moderate strength: Good for interior doors, less for exterior
- ~Can crack: Sharp impact or force can crack the frame
- ~Lock limitations: Cannot support very heavy-duty locks
- ~Weaker with age: Becomes more brittle after 7-10 years
- ~Reinforcement needed: Requires internal steel for main doors
Best for: Interior doors, bathrooms, upper floors
⚠️ Security Recommendation for Kathmandu
For main entrance and ground floor exterior doors in Kathmandu, we strongly recommend aluminum. PVC doors don't provide adequate security for these critical entry points. Save PVC for interior doors where security isn't a concern.
Performance in Nepal's Climate
🌧️Monsoon Season (June-September)
Aluminum: Excellent
- • No water absorption
- • No swelling or warping
- • Maintains seal integrity
- • Drainage holes prevent water buildup
- • Works perfectly even in heavy rain
PVC: Good (with caveats)
- • Generally moisture-resistant
- • Can warp if seals fail
- • Expansion in high humidity possible
- • Seals degrade faster in constant moisture
- • Requires better maintenance in monsoon
☀️Summer Heat & UV Exposure
Aluminum: Excellent
- • Powder coating UV-resistant
- • No color fading over 15+ years
- • Handles 40°C+ without warping
- • Doesn't become brittle in heat
- • Maintains appearance indefinitely
PVC: Moderate
- • Can yellow after 5-7 years (white PVC)
- • May warp in extreme heat (40°C+)
- • UV stabilizers help but don't fully prevent fading
- • Color quality depends heavily on manufacturer
- • Dark colors fade faster
🏭Pollution & Dust (Ring Road Area)
Aluminum: Excellent
- • Easy to clean with cloth
- • Powder coating prevents staining
- • Pollution doesn't affect durability
- • Maintains appearance in dusty areas
PVC: Good
- • White PVC shows dirt more easily
- • Harder to clean deep stains
- • Textured surface can trap dust
- • Requires more frequent cleaning
Maintenance Requirements & Costs
Aluminum Door Maintenance
Weekly: (2 mins)
Wipe with damp cloth
Monthly: (5 mins)
Clean tracks, check drainage holes
Every 6 months:
Lubricate hinges (Rs. 100)
Annual cost: Rs. 200-300
Total time: <1 hour/year
PVC Door Maintenance
Weekly: (3 mins)
Clean with mild soap solution
Monthly: (10 mins)
Clean seals, check for cracks
Every 6 months:
Lubricate hinges, check seals (Rs. 200)
Every 2-3 years:
Replace seals/gaskets (Rs. 1,500)
Annual cost: Rs. 500-800
Total time: 2-3 hours/year
Our Recommendation for Nepal Homes
Recommended Approach: Match Material to Location
Both materials have specific strengths. Here's our honest recommendation for a typical home in Kathmandu:
Use Aluminum For:
- ✓ Main entrance door (security priority)
- ✓ All exterior doors (weather exposure)
- ✓ Balcony doors (monsoon exposure)
- ✓ Ground floor doors (security)
- ✓ Kitchen door if exterior
Use PVC For:
- ✓ Bedroom doors (interior)
- ✓ Bathroom doors (if budget limited)
- ✓ Storage room doors
- ✓ Upper floor interior doors
- ✓ Partition doors
If You Must Choose Just One Material:
For most homes, aluminum is the safer choice - It's more versatile across all door types, provides better security, and handles Nepal's climate better. The extra initial cost (Rs. 1,000-2,000 per door) is recovered through longer lifespan and low maintenance.
Note: PVC is a valid choice for interior doors in climate-controlled spaces where soundproofing matters more than security. However, always prioritize aluminum for main entrance and exterior doors where security and weather resistance are critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which door is better PVC or aluminum?▼
For Nepal's climate, aluminum doors are generally better. They offer superior strength, longer lifespan (15-20 years vs 10-15 for PVC), better security, and handle monsoon conditions better. PVC is slightly cheaper initially but aluminum provides better long-term value.
Which is cheaper aluminum or UPVC door?▼
UPVC (PVC) doors are 10-15% cheaper initially than aluminum doors in Nepal. A basic PVC door costs Rs. 7,000-12,000 while aluminum costs Rs. 8,000-15,000. However, aluminum lasts longer and requires less maintenance, making it more cost-effective over 10+ years.
Which door is better for home - aluminum or PVC?▼
Aluminum is better for most homes in Nepal. It offers better security for exterior doors, handles monsoon humidity better, maintains appearance longer, and has better resale value. Choose PVC only if budget is tight or for interior doors where security isn't critical.
Do PVC doors last as long as aluminum?▼
No, PVC doors typically last 10-15 years while aluminum doors last 15-20 years in Nepal. PVC can become brittle over time and may discolor from UV exposure and heat. Aluminum maintains its structural integrity and appearance much longer.
Are PVC doors strong enough for main entrance?▼
PVC doors are less ideal for main entrance in Nepal. They are not as strong as aluminum, can crack under impact, and offer less security. For main entrance, aluminum doors provide better security with multi-point locking systems and cannot be broken as easily.
Do PVC doors turn yellow over time?▼
Yes, low-quality PVC doors can turn yellowish over 5-7 years due to UV exposure and heat. High-quality UPVC with UV stabilizers resist yellowing better but still fade more than aluminum with powder coating. This is a common issue in Nepal's sunny climate.
Which is more soundproof - PVC or aluminum door?▼
PVC doors generally provide slightly better sound insulation than aluminum due to the material properties. However, both materials can be made soundproof with proper seals and multi-chamber designs. For practical noise reduction in Nepal, the difference is minimal.
Can I get PVC doors in different colors like aluminum?▼
Yes, but color options are more limited for PVC. PVC doors typically come in white, brown, or wood-grain finish. Aluminum offers wider color choices through powder coating and can match any color scheme. Aluminum also maintains color better over time.
Need Help Choosing Between PVC and Aluminum?
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