Barring mindset change, aluminum will stay a tough sell

Feb 01, 2011 | 05:05 AM | Myra Pinkham

While the aluminum residential door market clearly represents a very small niche, there are those in the aluminum industry who see some potential for at least a modest increase in market share, although it will require a change in consumer mindset.

Despite efforts to push the use of aluminum for this application based on lifecycle cost and sustainability advantages, it continues to struggle to maintain its standing vs. vinyl and other materials.

"Aluminum intensity is high for commercial door applications because of its properties, value, low maintenance and environmental advantages. It is not, however, as popular for residential applications as people don't realize the long-term advantages of aluminum doors. They tend to make a choice based on the immediate price as opposed to the lifecycle cost," said Jerome Lucaes, director of strategic marketing for North America at Montreal-based Rio Tinto Alcan.....