10 tips for choosing a metal entrance door to the apartment and house

Turning the house into an impregnable fortress without a reliable, strong and durable front door will fail. Ideal in almost all respects are metal doors, which are significantly superior to wooden counterparts in terms of protection and safety. However, door to door strife - the modern market is so oversaturated with various optionsthat can be found as flawless secure door, and one that is easily cracked even by an inexperienced housekeeper. How to choose a metal front door so that it provides home securitypleased with the appearance and impeccable service? Dwell on the most important things everyone should know before going to a store or a specialized company.

Attention! In the process of reading our material, you will understand that when choosing the front door there are a lot of nuances and all of them are important. In turn, manufacturers are forced to sacrifice some parameters in order to make their product competitive in price for the mass consumer. In the event that you are not ready to compromise and are willing to pay for a quality door according to your optimal characteristics, it is better to make a door to order directly from the manufacturer, where you can stipulate and register all future nuances in the contract.

No. 1. Design features of a metal door

The strength and reliability of the door in one way or another depends on the characteristics of each of its constituent element:

• door leaf - the main and largest area of ​​the structure, consists of a frame, internal and external sheathing, as well as stiffeners and insulation;
• door frame;
• Castle;
• loops;
• seal in one or more circuits;
• peephole, a pen and other accessories.

Door leaf made of sheet steel, which is obtained as a result of hot or cold rolling, on which the properties of the door largely depend on:

• hot rolled steel It has a dark color, but it is not visible under the decorative coating. This is a relatively cheap material that is more susceptible to corrosion;
• cold rolled steel It will cost more, but in terms of performance, this is the best option - no atmospheric effects are material.

Strength is also greatly affected by the carcass.. The most reliable will be the door in which the frame is made from a profile pipe with one seam. Less durable is the frame of four sections of hot-rolled profile pipe rolling, cooked between themselves. The most unreliable will be a frame in which each of the four segments is welded from two angles of equal length. Simply put, the fewer welds in the frame, the better, because each of them reduces resistance to mechanical stress. The outer part of the door leaf should only be made of monolithic non-welded sheetOtherwise, a medium-strength sledgehammer will damage the integrity of the structure.

No. 2. Steel thickness

The most important aspect that needs to be clarified when choosing a door is the thickness of the steel sheet.This parameter may fluctuate. from 0.8 to 5.0 mm: the higher it is, the more reliable and durable the door will be. Along with increased security, price and weight are increasing, which is also important to consider.

The scope of use of doors with different thicknesses of steel sheets differs significantly:

• doors made of steel thickness 0.8-1.0 mmare suitable for arranging farm buildings in which nothing of value is stored;
• steel doors 1.0-2.0 mm - This is a normal option for an office space, which is located in a well-guarded business center;
• steel sheet 2.0-3.0 mm considered the standard for the front door leading from the entrance to the apartment. Steel of this thickness is used by most domestic and foreign manufacturers;
• thick steel doors 4.0 mm and more suitable for installation in country houses and mansions.

Some manufacturers use steel sheet only from the outside, insisting that this is enough to create a solid structure and making an internal panel, for example, from MDF. To be completely confident in your own safety, it is better to choose a door with two steel sheets. On sale you can find options that reinforced with another additional sheet of steellocated between the main external and internal - this is the ideal of strength. Such doors are much more expensive than their simpler counterparts, they weigh more and by the way will not in all cases.

When choosing a metal door, it is recommended to pay special attention to castle area, since when breaking it often takes most of the load. It’s great if this place is covered by a reinforcing sheet of steel or even armor plate- This is a huge plus in terms of reliability, even if the door is made of not very thick sheets of steel.

No. 3. Number of stiffeners

Between the outer steel sheet and the inner panel, no matter what it is made of, stiffeners must be located, which are necessary to achieve maximum strength and resistance to mechanical stress. Stiffeners can be located vertically, horizontally or diagonally: it is important that they are evenly distributed throughout the structure, which makes it dependent burglary resistant.

The minimum set of stiffeners is two vertical and one horizontal. It is better if there are more of them, but without busting, because they significantly increase the weight of the entire structure.

Stiffeners can be produced:

• from a regular corner and a rectangular pipe - This is a classic and very reliable option, the main disadvantage of which is its high weight;
• from rental with a complex profile. It has a much lower weight, but at the same time due to the complex profile it is difficult to bend, so the strength is high.

Number 4. Thermal and sound insulation of a metal door

Metal is not the best insulator from cold and extraneous sounds, so earlier, when metal doors began to appear in large quantities in the domestic space, it was common practice to put two at once the door: one - metal to protect against unauthorized access, the second - wooden to keep heat in the apartment. Today the situation has changed significantly: although there are cold bridges in the metal door (this is the frame and stiffeners), but it can become an independent protection against drafts, odors and cold.

High heat and sound insulation characteristics are achieved due to the following elements:

• door seal system eliminates drafts and odors, promotes a more snug fit of the canvas to the box and quietly closing the door. Manufacturers today offer doors with two or even three contours of the seal, but this is nothing more than a marketing move. If a quality and correctly installed rubber sealant is used, then one circuit of it will be enough. Best leads self rubber seal - it is reliable, durable, resistant to all kinds of influences. Silicone and polyurethane sealants proved to be slightly worse, and foam and plastic do not stand up to criticism. There are also magnetic sealing strips, but it will be difficult to open doors with them for children and the elderly;
• voids inside the door leaf are filled insulation (mineral wool, polystyrene foam, etc.), which not only allows you to keep warm in the apartment, but also prevents the “drum effect”;
• decorative panels, which are usually installed on the inside of the door and sometimes on the outside, can damp sound vibrations and play the role of an additional heat insulator;
• correct installation, because if the mounting seam turned out to be too large or poorly filled, then there can be no talk of any heat and sound insulation, even if a high-quality metal entrance door is selected.

Thermal insulation material is inserted between the frame and stiffeners, filling the entire space between the outer and inner sheets. Most often in the manufacture of steel doors use such insulation:

• mineral wool - the most common option. The material has excellent soundproofing and noise absorbing properties, retains heat, does not burn and does not emit harmful substances, however mineral wool prone to subsidence, therefore, may require additional crates;
• polyurethane foam It has excellent heat and sound insulation properties, is durable, resistant to temperature and humidity changes, but it is highly flammable and costs more than mineral wool;
• Styrofoam - one of the cheapest options. The material retains sounds and heat well, but it is highly flammable, and the gaps between the foam and stiffeners will need to be filled polyurethane foam;
• penoplex in many ways resembles mineral wool, but slightly inferior to it in resistance to fire;
• foam rubber and synthetic winterizer they are used infrequently, since to achieve more or less acceptable insulating qualities, a layer of 10 cm is necessary;
• paper and pressed cardboard - good insulators, characterized by low cost and low weight, but inferior in terms of moisture resistance to other materials.

It is important that the manufacturer also fills the internal cavities of metal profiles with a heater, otherwise there is no need to talk about high thermal insulation qualities. It is not difficult to check this - it is enough to knock on the surface with a metal object: a dull sound indicates that the insulation has been made with high quality.

No. 5. Exterior and interior decoration of a metal door

Steel sheets of door leaf need decoration. When choosing interior finishes it is worth starting only from personal preferences and the nuances of arranging hallway. Exterior finish It must be resistant to humidity changes, precipitation and sunlight, if the door leads to the street, and withstand mechanical stress if you have pets. In the case when the door leads to the vestibule or porch, there are no special requirements for its external decor.

Most popular finishes:

• powder coating involves the application of special paints to the surface, which under the influence of high temperature form an anti-vandal film. There are many shades and types of coverage, so there will be plenty to choose from. Among the main advantages are excellent performance, resistance to any weathering and low coating price. Doors that lead from the street to the room, it is recommended to coat with powder coating on both sides, without using wood and materials created from its fibers, so that moisture and temperature fluctuations do not often make repairs;
• solid wood - The most expensive, environmentally friendly and beautiful way to finish the door leaf. Using painting and carving, you can get a real work of art.In addition, the tree will serve as an additional heat insulator;
• MDF panelsmade on the basis of wood chips, have a thickness of 7-20 mm, covered with paint, film with a pattern or veneer, a thin cut of valuable wood. Such panels allow you to arrange the door as you like, are expensive, the price range depending on the type of decorative coating is decent. Another advantage is good heat and sound insulation qualities;
• vinyl leather - once the most popular material for decorative doors. It can be of any color, imitates the structure of genuine leather, inexpensive, but not durable enough;
• plastic panels - a budget option for decorating the door, the choice is wide, caring for them is simple, but the durability is low;
• PVC film lamination allows you to give the door any design, simulate leather or wood. The material is cheap, but short-lived, it looks rustic;
• painting and varnishing can even be done independently, but the stability of such a finish is low, as is the price.

In principle, the door trim options are not limited to these materials. Recently, it has become popular to decorate the inside a mirror: it expands the space and allows save space in the hallwayif it is not large.

No. 6. Attention to the hinges

When it comes to choosing the front door, little things do not exist. The canvas can be three times reliable, and the castle can be tricky and complicated, but without good loops the apartment will still be easy prey for the householder.

Today, metal doors are installed such types of loops:

• ordinary outdoor (overhead, open) loops. They are easy to cut, so modern doors are complemented by anti-removable crossbars that will not allow access to the house. When closing the doors, the crossbars enter into special holes made in the profiles of the box, which provides the canvas with a reliable fixation. Loops with anti-removals are most popular;
• hidden loops (internal) on the outside of the door are not visible, so it is impossible to cut them. Many call them even more aesthetic, but their main disadvantage is the probability of jamming, blocking the way home to the owners of the apartment.

As for the quantity, for a web weighing 70 kg (the most common version with a steel thickness of 3 mm) two loops are enough. If the door weighs more or is designed for active use with opening / closing more than 50 times a day, it is best to install 3-4 pieces of hinges. For massive doors, hinges are selected with pillow block bearings, which will greatly facilitate the process of opening the blade and avoid creaks.

Number 7. Features of choosing a lock for a metal door

The front door must be reliably protected not only from “rough” breaking with grinder, autogenous or sledgehammer, but also from attempts at "intellectual" invasion. Of course, if you choose a door for a country house, where there are infrequently, then the structural strength and castle reliability it is worth paying equal attention, but for an apartment in an apartment building the trick of the castle is even more important, because it is unlikely that the noise from the forceful methods of opening will go unnoticed by the neighbors. However, there is no castle that could not be opened, especially an experienced thief, so the task is to ensure that choose a castle, the opening of which will take as much time as possible: This will increase the chance that someone will notice the attacker, or he will surrender and leave, risking being caught red-handed.

Experts recommend to achieve the highest possible level of security. put two locks of different types, which will require the thief more time and significantly higher qualifications.

Types of locks for entrance doors:

• lever locks are considered the most reliable, and the degree of this reliability is determined by the number of levers.There can be from one to ten, but really good castles have at their disposal from six suvald. By the way, their quantity can be judged by the key, or rather by the steps on it: it is necessary to subtract one from their number in order to obtain the desired value. With a large number of levers a simple master key to open the lock will not be so easy. Pay attention also to the number of crossbars and pins: the more the better. Great option - lever locks with manganese insert. These are the most expensive, but also the most reliable products, which are distinguished by the presence of a special plate located between the lock case and the outer door leaf. The manganese drill bit will break repeatedly. One more good option - lever locks "Crab" design, in which the crossbars are pushed to the sides, so it becomes more difficult for the thief to find the necessary places for cutting, but such a lock must be correctly installed, otherwise it can jam;
• cylinder lock, if you do not go into details, it differs in the internal mechanism in the form of cylinders that line up at a certain height. Using a master key, it’s difficult to open such a lock, but it’s easy to knock it out with a good blow, so the cylinder mechanism is better additionally armored or special balls that prevent drilling. For entrance doors, it is suitable only with a level door;
• crossbar lock not suitable for entrance doors to the apartment, it is not reliable enough and easy to crack;
• electronic locks open by code, card or fingerprint, until they take root in our market. This means that thieves will not pick a master key for it, but they can try a “rough” hack, so that the canvas must be strong;
• combination locks combine several mechanisms at once, is a good reliable option.

The perfect match is lever locks and cylinder locks, and it is necessary to arrange them at a distance of 25-35 cm from each other. For the front door, only mortise locks should be chosen, preferably 3 or 4 security classes, relying on products from reliable manufacturers. Remember that any castle can be opened, so if an apartment or house can attract "qualified" thieves, it is better to put in addition alarm.

Number 8. Door Security Classes

Like locks, front doors are divided into safety and security classes:

• the first class is doors with a steel thickness of 1-1.5 mm and simple locks. They are easy to crack, so they are placed in vestibules, entrances to the basement, etc .;
• the second class is already more secure doors, but opening them is also easy, they are not suitable for entering the apartment;
• the third class is constructions with good locks, which are difficult to open with a master key, and thick sheets of steel. Great choice for entrance doors to the apartment;
• fourth grade - option for country houses. It uses thick steel, several locks, one of which is “crab”, armored plates;
• the fifth, sixth and seventh classes are doors for banks, offices where important documents are stored, etc.

No. 9. Entrance metal door size

The front door should ideally be made for a specific opening, and not an opening to be finalized under a certain door. Responsible large companies offer their customers a comprehensive service, from measurement to installation, and take into account the individual parameters of the doorway during manufacture, but such a pleasure will cost more than using a standard door.

It is desirable that the door width is more than 90 cm, otherwise large-sized pieces of furniture will be difficult to bring into the room. The design can consist of one canvas, two or one and a half - if the opening is wide, then one leaf may not be enough.

By way of opening doors can be right and left, external and internal. From point of view fire safety it is better when the door opens inside the room, but this design simplifies the access of thieves to the apartment, because they can squeeze the canvas with a 5-ton jack.

No. 10. Door Entry Manufacturers

Only a quality door should protect the house. Entrusting your home with products from dubious manufacturers means making the apartment vulnerable, and insignificant savings when buying a door can lead to sad consequences. At the moment, the largest and most established manufacturers are considered:

• Elbor - A domestic company, founded in 1993. Today it is the largest enterprise in the country in the country, has a developed dealer network, provides warranty service. Entrance doors are presented in different price categories, security classes 3 and 4, the choice of decorative panels is wide, accessories and components of own production;
• ProfMaster - A small, relative to other eminent competitors from the list, commercial and industrial enterprise. The company has been operating since 1998 and is known to the consumer thanks to the popular street doors of the Nord series. The peculiarity of the company is that it is aimed at the individual production of doors to order of the client. Almost any front door can be made here at the request of the customer, which is not to be expected from large manufacturers who manufacture doors on a conveyor strictly in accordance with their model range. The company operates in the Moscow market, but delivers some individual products directly to customers in neighboring regions by a transport company.
• Guardian - A large holding company operating since 1994. The structure includes several enterprises of various fields of activity, including Portal CJSC, specializing in doors. The company has representative offices in all regions of the country and in the neighboring countries, doors are produced in standard and non-standard sizes, in dozens of different designs, weighing from 50 to 140 kg, 3 and 4 protection classes. Locks and accessories of own and European production;
• "Doors Granite" It offers not the most extensive assortment of doors, but they all have the highest protection against burglary. Warranty - 10 years;
• Torex - This is a wide range of doors at different prices, degrees of protection and design. Everyone can choose a suitable model, the warranty period depends on the specific model;
• "Bastion" - a domestic company, which from the very beginning of its activity (1997) has headed for the production of affordable doors. Today, the assortment includes designs with different thicknesses, locks and accessories from different manufacturers;
• company "Oplot" the first to release a bimetallic door, in which there is an additional door between the two main sheets of metal. Mineral wool and polyurethane foam are used as insulation, locks are from the best manufacturers, the range includes almost a hundred different models. Prices are not the lowest, but the reliability is worth it;
• Dierre - An Italian company known for its advanced developments in the field of door protection. At the moment, the manufacturer is working on creating Smart doors;
• Gardesa - An Italian company with several representative offices in Russia. The quality and price are high, the manufacturer uses the locks of the best Italian companies, which are developed for him by individual order;
• Galant and Novak - Polish companies offering good doors at reasonable prices, but domestic analogues are not inferior to them in quality.

Finally

When choosing a metal front door, also pay attention to hardware quality: It's a shame if it falls apart after a year or will spoil the appearance of the door. The peephole, pens and chains must be functional, practical and reliable. Always put reliability in the first place, not aesthetic qualities.