Choosing a metal entrance door to an apartment or house - 10 tips

How to choose a metal door

• The base of the metal door is made of aluminum or steel. Steel structures are more durable and provide high-quality noise and heat insulation.

Aluminum sheets are lightweight and therefore easy to install. This material allows for many finishing options.

• Pay attention to the way the door opens. It is better to choose designs that open on both the left and right sides. Whether you choose external or internal doors depends on your taste preferences.
• Take into account the technical characteristics of the model, because it will constantly be under mechanical and temperature influence. To ensure the product retains its appearance longer, choose powder coating or oak paneling.
• The level of noise and heat insulation are important criteria. As a rule, a metal door is insulated using mineral wool, polystyrene foam, and corrugated cardboard.

Mineral wool is best suited for the internal filling of the product; it is an environmentally friendly material with high thermal insulation properties. Other materials are cheaper, but can crumble quickly.

• The door must have a reliable security system against unauthorized entry. Locks of 1-4 burglary resistance classes are built into metal structures that are used for domestic purposes.

By type, locks are divided into lever locks with increased security and cylinder locks, which are subject to recoding in case the keys are lost. As a rule, modern models are equipped with these two locks.

• Pay attention to the quality of the fittings. This includes door hinges, handles, chains, eyes, and other decorative elements. The aesthetics and beauty of these details also testifies to the reliability of the accessories.

Important parameters:

• Pay attention to the door hinges. Do not buy products that have fewer than three loops. Consider the opening angle of the structure: 90, 120, 180 degrees. The higher this indicator, the better.
• It is better if the model is made of a solid-bent profile.
• When choosing a door, check the thickness of the door leaf. The minimum value is 40 mm, but the structure will not be protected.

The thicker the fabric, the more reliable the protection and the higher the thermal insulation characteristics. In severe winters and constant frosts, the optimal option would be a thickness of 80-90 mm.

• Pay attention to the thickness of the sheet, the optimal figure is 2-3 mm. Do not purchase products with a steel thickness of less than 0.5 mm; such structures are susceptible to dents and have a short service life.

The thickness of the door frame must be twice as thick to withstand the fastening of the fittings.

• The most vulnerable places of the door leaf should be sealed with stiffeners. This improves the performance characteristics of the product and reduces the risk of deformation.
• Please note whether the product is equipped with an armor plate; this is a mandatory component of the kit.
• Choose models with ball hinges and anti-cuts that are attached to the hinge side.
• The tightness of the structure is ensured by a double-circuit seal, which protects against foreign odors, drafts and retains heat well.
• The diameter of the locking bolts must be at least 16-18 mm.

• The design and decoration of the door depends on your preferences. A popular finishing option is plastic panels, which are wear-resistant and impact-resistant.

Secondary parameters:

With the help of polymer painting, the structure acquires a new color and protective characteristics. Varnishing is a type of coating with a high level of resistance. Wood finishing is the most environmentally friendly and effective way of decoration.

• When choosing a color, be guided by your taste, but keep in mind that dark fabrics will retain their presentation longer.
• It is advisable that all fittings be made by one manufacturer.
• The presence of a manganese plate will prevent the door from being drilled.

No. 3. Number of stiffeners

Between the outer steel sheet and the inner panel, no matter what it is made of, there must be stiffening ribs that are necessary to achieve maximum strength and resistance to mechanical stress. Stiffening ribs can be located vertically, horizontally or diagonally : it is important that they are located evenly throughout the entire structure, which determines its burglar-resistant qualities.

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

Stiffeners can be produced:

• made from an ordinary corner and a rectangular pipe - this is a classic and very reliable option, the main disadvantage of which is its high weight;
• from rolled products with a complex profile. It has much less weight, but due to its complex profile it is difficult to bend, so its strength is high.

The best metal door with a thermal break

NORTH is used in harsh winter conditions, withstands temperatures down to -39 degrees, vulnerable areas are reliably sealed with contours. The thickness of the canvas is 80 mm. The design is reliable as it is equipped with 10 locking points.

The average weight of the model is 100 kg. The stylish design and beautiful appearance are ensured by the polymer powder coating of the model. The door is simple to install, easy to maintain, wear-resistant and durable if used correctly.

Characteristics:

• weight – 100 kg;
• dimensions – 860 by 2050 (960 by 2050) mm;
• 2 sealing circuits;
• 10 locking points;
• canvas thickness – 80 mm;
• polymer powder coating.

Pros:

• the structure does not freeze, there is no ice;
• reliable protection system against penetration;
• multilayer insulation system;
• functionality;
• thermal resistance;
• wear resistance and durability;
• average weight, transportability;
• high-quality fittings, reliable fastenings;
• convenient installation and maintenance of the door.

Minuses:

• high price.

The best metal door with thick leaf

Trio Metal canvas , insulated with mineral wool, thickness – 80 mm. The model is sealed with three contours in places that wear out quickly. Hinges on bearings ensure the door opens 180 degrees, and the peephole provides a wide view.

The design includes 2 locks and a night bolt. For interior decoration, a moisture-resistant PVC coating in the color of bleached oak is used. A product with reliable burglary protection, high heat and sound insulation.

Characteristics:

• canvas thickness – 80 mm;
• dimensions – 2050 by 880 (980) mm;
• the canvas is filled with mineral wool;
• three sealing contours;
• MDF panel finishing;
• door with special powder coating;
• fittings (2 locks, night bolt, hinges, peephole, handle).

Pros:

• resistance to mechanical damage and atmospheric influences;
• high thermal insulation characteristics;
• convenient equipment, reliable fittings;
• Stylish and high-quality interior and exterior decoration.

Minuses:

• weighty and large-sized product.

Professional advice

Technologists strongly recommend not installing doors with untreated decorative panels:

• In areas where the air temperature may fall below 10 ºC degrees Celsius and rise above 60 ºC with a relative humidity above 60%.
• In places where the sun's rays fall freely.
• Near heat sources.

If you ignore the advice given, this is fraught with unpleasant consequences: the wood may dry out, the color may fade, the plastic will peel off, the film may swell. Take care of your metal insulated street entrance doors if you undertake repair and construction work that is accompanied by dust and increased humidity. Such a “shake-up” will not be useful even for the highest quality and most expensive product.

The best metal door made in Belarus

Veldoors Chocolate design is available in two sizes. The door opens from both sides. Beautiful design and high-quality finishing using PVC. The simplicity of geometric shapes and dark chocolate color give the design elegance and special charm.

Characteristics:

• dimensions – 860 by 2060 (960 by 2050) mm;
• 2 sealing circuits;
• filler – ISOVER mineral wool;
• covering – structured MDF panel;
• accessories (2 hinges with bearings, 2 locks, night bolt, anti-removal pins).

Pros:

• Possibility of opening from the right and left sides;
• environmentally friendly insulation;
• external and internal finishing of MDF;
• compaction of vulnerable areas of the metal sheet;
• the main lock is protected by an armor plate;
• stylish design;
• quality headset.

Minuses:

• difficulty in care;
• accumulation of dust.

Correct thermal insulation

A high-quality entrance door has good thermal insulation. If the structure consists of several canvases with voids between them, then they are filled with a special material that provides reliable thermal insulation.

The best material is mineral wool, because it does not burn and does not emit dangerous toxic substances. Popular materials for filling voids are polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam. They also provide good thermal insulation, but are a fire hazard.

Best metal soundproof door

The design of LEGANZA FORTE ideally combines aesthetic appearance and high quality: sound insulation, insulation. Adjustable hinges prevent the door leaf from sagging. The product has reliable burglary protection, the external finish is powder coated.

Characteristics:

• modular layout;
• canvas thickness – 60 mm;
• 5 stiffeners;
• double porch;
• weight – 85-115 kg;
• maximum opening size – 1020 by 2300 mm;
• fittings (hinges, locks).

Pros:

• anti-corrosion protection;
• locks with recoding;
• built-in protection against the most popular hacking methods;
• high sound and heat insulation;
• equipped with adjustable hinges that prevent the fabric from sagging;
• convenient and practical design.

Minuses:

• large door;
• low transportability.

The cost of a wrong choice

Owners who have not taken into account all the nuances of choosing the right metal doors for a cottage often encounter the following difficulties:

• Fogging from inside.
• Freezing and icing of individual sections of the door leaf and frame.
• Deformation of the decorative panel due to exposure to moisture, which is easily absorbed.
• Delamination.
• Changing the original shade of the color of a decorative coating.

As a result, not only the appearance of the door suffers, but its functionality is also impaired. To avoid problems, you should carefully study all the parameters of the product when purchasing.

If we draw a parallel between outdoor insulated metal doors and a person’s outer clothing, we can say the following. When choosing a jacket for rainy weather, we prefer the item to be made of water-repellent fabric. And for its inner part (lining) this effect is not required, the fabric simply must be pleasant to the touch and practical to wear. As for the door, the influence of precipitation and other natural phenomena occurs both on the outside and on the inside. After all, for example, when opening a door to the street in frost, snow or rain, we also test the strength of the decorative panel installed on the inside of the door. Entrance doors freeze, are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and deteriorate. One of the common problems with outdoor doors is condensation.

The best apartment metal door

The design of Akron 1 is reliable, wear-resistant, durable. The doors are made of metal sheet 65 mm thick and provide good sound insulation. In vulnerable places they are sealed with special contours.

Reliable protection is provided by fittings: hinges, locks, anti-removal pins. The door has a Guardian 10.11 main lock with a second class of burglary resistance.

Mineral wool is used as a filler; the material is environmentally friendly and safe for health.

Characteristics:

• canvas thickness – 65 mm;
• filler – mineral wool;
• 2 sealing circuits;
• reinforcement of the canvas in unreliable places;
• accessories (locks, anti-removal pins, hinges).

Pros:

• burglary resistance;
• dense fabric provides excellent sound insulation;
• reliable fastening of accessories;
• strength and wear resistance;
• durability subject to operating rules;
• high sound insulation.

Minuses:

• difficult to transport.

From us - a guarantee, from you - implementation of recommendations

Over the many years of existence on the market, Guardian products have gained a solid reputation. Manufacturers are confident in the quality of the product, therefore they provide an official guarantee for purchased insulated entrance doors with a thermal break and other types of products. Basically, it ranges from one and a half to three years for the coating, up to five years for the metal structure of the door block, and from one to five years for locks, fittings and components.

Not only buyers, but also manufacturers are interested in ensuring that products serve for many years without complaints. But if the door damage occurred due to failure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, the warranty will be void. In particular, claims will not be accepted if a steel door block was installed for use in the “building-street” mode without pre-treatment for weather resistance.

Best metal door with MDF finish

Profdoor-MD10 design is heavy and large in size, suitable for decorating entrance and front doors of an apartment. Thanks to the built-in stiffening ribs, the elastic metal sheet becomes reliable and durable.

The door is equipped with a reliable security system, there are lower and upper locks and a peephole. The noise and heat insulation of the model is at the highest level; this design will bring comfort and coziness to the house. MDF finish is used to create a natural effect.

Characteristics:

• dimensions – 200 by 80 cm;
• weight – 70 kg;
• 2 pyramidal stiffeners;
• MDF finishing;
• reinforcement with profile pipe;
• noise and thermal insulation of the door vestibule;
• accessories (two locks, peephole).

Pros:

• the structure is protected from outside penetration;
• high-quality insulation of the model;
• high sound insulation;
• Stiffening ribs ensure wear resistance and reliability of the structure;
• MDF finishing brings the model closer to a natural design.

Minuses:

• weighty design.

Protection and safety classification

In terms of reliability and resistance to penetration by strangers, all products are divided into 4 classes:

• Able to resist if normal physical force is used to break in;
• Structures that will remain intact if simple hand tools are used.
• Which can only be opened using a cutting power tool.
• Heavy armored protection that can withstand any mechanical impact and fire from firearms.

According to fire resistance, doors are divided into 3 classes:

• Capable of resisting open flame for up to half an hour.
• With fire resistance 1 hour.
• Providing flame protection for one and a half to two hours.

The degree of protection is also affected by the material of the walls and the method of fastening the box. In some cases, installers have to take measures to strengthen the doorway.

The best metal door for a private home

Wear-resistant Arma Standard-1 is a dense design with two sealing contours. To make the door, a bent metal profile with stiffeners is used. The product is equipped with a cylinder and lever lock, a peephole, and chrome-colored fittings.

Reliable protection against burglary is provided by anti-removal pins. The metal door is powder-painted and resists corrosion and mechanical damage. Although the design is heavy, it opens easily and without unnecessary sound effects.

Characteristics:

• canvas dimensions – 880 x 2050 mm;
• thickness – 80 mm;
• filler – mineral cloth “URSA GEO”;
• MDF finishing;
• external powder copper coating;
• fittings (sealing contours, hinges, pins, night bolt).

Pros:

• large thickness of metal sheet;
• high level of sound insulation;
• high-quality filler, high-quality insulation;
• reliable protection against burglary;
• Possibility of opening on both sides;
• beautiful appearance, stylish design;
• convenient equipment.

Minuses:

• heavy construction.

Other criteria

For decoration, metal trims are mounted on the door frame, which simultaneously perform protective functions. The hollow metal profile must be filled with insulation.

Platband.

Number and types of locks

The design of the front door should provide protection not only from brute force entry, but also from the possibility of using master keys. As history shows, the structure of any lock, no matter how complex it is, sooner or later becomes known to security guards. As a result, they manage to come up with a way to quickly open doors (we wrote about how this is done here). Therefore, you should not rely only on the complexity of the design of the locking device.

In most cases, lever and cylinder locks are installed on steel doors. In the first, the movable-fixing part is assembled from a set of plates that can block the retractable bolt or move its “open-closed” position. The main advantage of these locking devices is the hidden and protected placement of the secret part.

Instructions for installing the front door yourself are outlined in this article.

There are no protruding parts due to the mortise design of the lock. However, there is a high probability of picking master keys and quickly opening doors, although recent developments by manufacturers may include magnetic or electronic key recognition systems. However, such proposals are still very expensive.

For cylinder locks, the secret part is made in the form of a rotary cylinder with a protruding cotter pin. It is during its rotation that the locking bolt moves. Several types of such cores are offered for sale, simple, reinforced and increased strength. The main disadvantage of the cylinder is that it has a protruding outer part. In simple designs, it is enough to insert a strong steel lever instead of a key and break out the secret core with a sharp turn. Strengthening the secret part and strength of the lock leads to its significant increase in price.

It is recommended to install several different types of locks. You can install a lever lock with a cylinder or a smartlock (digital or biometric lock with a code - to open it, a fingerprint check is carried out) with a lever mechanism. For additional protection of the house, we recommend installing an internal gate valve, which comes in two types – mortise and overhead.

Opening direction

The front door should open outwards. This will eliminate the possibility of knocking it out or squeezing it out using a jack, and will also complicate the process of breaking it using a crowbar.

Loops

As practice has shown, traditional hinges for outdoor installation can be cut or broken. Door designers took this point into account and began installing special anti-removal pins in the entrance doors, which are capable of holding the door even in the absence of awnings.

External hinges.

The next constructive step was the use of internal hinges with their location inside the frame and door leaf. To ensure easy opening, these hinges are designed with support bearings. It is impossible to cut them, but they still have several significant disadvantages:

• high cost of fittings and its installation;
• their installation reduces the width of the doorway;
• The rotation angle is limited to 150-160°.

Most often, the manufacturer provides more than 5 loops. But a significant number of holes in the frame weakens the structure. However, if the weight of the fabric exceeds 70 kg, then the number of loops should exceed 4 pieces.

When the door is opened sharply, there is a possibility of their deformation when reaching the stop.

Hidden loops.

If you plan to install a solid door, then the package should include hinges with support bearings. They prevent squeaks. On high-quality canvas, manufacturers install hinges that are height-adjustable.

Peephole

Installing a peephole on the front door is mandatory. Through it you can look outside and determine whether it is possible to open the doors and let in arriving guests. The presence of a viewing device allows you to monitor the situation on the landing and, if necessary, call the police.

The best metal door for technical rooms

2DP-1S are installed in buildings and public places and are made from high-quality and wear-resistant materials.

The door is designed taking into account the latest technologies, equipped with reliable burglary protection and fire resistance. Two types of seals are used. Stylish design and beautiful powder coated finish.

Characteristics:

• dimensions – 1400 by 1000 (2350 by 1750) mm;
• external finishing with powder-polymer coating;
• two contours of rubber seal, thermally expanding seal;
• design of the box (with or without a threshold, in the overhead or in the opening);
• equipping with fire-fighting mechanisms;
• fittings (crossbars, locks).

Pros:

• high technical safety;
• several design options;
• high-quality external finishing, beautiful design;
• reliable insulation;
• supply of fire safety system.

Minuses:

• quite heavy design;
• difficulties during transportation.

Burglary resistance

Each entrance door belongs to a specific security class. Although, only serious and responsible manufacturers certify their products. The burglary resistance of a door structure is determined by tests.

• Class I - such doors can be easily and quickly opened using manual equipment;
• Class II - the design is capable of protecting against burglary using a simple power tool. Most street entrance doors fall into this category;
• Class III - massive doors with double steel cladding on the outside and additional reinforcing elements throughout the structure. Hacking will require about half an hour and a powerful (up to 500 W) grinder.

Advice: when choosing an entrance door, ask who made it and where, and also find out whether this product has passed official certification for burglary resistance, and what class it is assigned.

The best double leaf metal door

DZ-98 is designed for wide doorways. The weight is distributed approximately equally on both parts of the door leaf, so the load on the hinges is significantly reduced.

The design is strong, wear-resistant and durable. The fittings include two locks and a peephole with a 180-degree view.

Characteristics:

• type – front double doors;
• dimensions – 2000 by 800 mm;
• finishing (powder coating);
• equipped with top and bottom lock;
• number of loops (2);
• insulated with mineral wool;
• equipped with a peephole with a 180 degree view.

Pros:

• uniform load distribution;
• reliable protection against penetration;
• wear resistance, durability;
• stylish design and good finish;
• the structure is insulated;
• convenient equipment.

Minuses:

• Only suitable for large openings.

Sheet thickness and durable welded frame

A good metal door cannot be less than 70 mm thick. This standard allows you to use sheets of the minimum thickness allowed for entrance doors of 1-1.5 mm, and supplement them with the necessary fillers and interior decorative trim. The thickness of rolled steel should be considered carefully:

• products up to 1 mm should not be considered - they are only suitable for interior or auxiliary premises that do not require special protection;
• models with sheets of 3-5 mm are too heavy. These armored monsters, of course, reliably protect the residents and the furnishings of the apartment. But, during installation, they require reinforced walls and a doorway, at least four massive, reinforced hinges. The heavy design is difficult to operate. For the elderly, people with disabilities and small children, they pose a serious obstacle due to their massiveness. And an accidental gust of wind or a shock can cause a severe bruise or fracture to a person who happens to be in the path of the door leaf at that moment.

The optimal sheet thickness for a reinforced structure is 2 mm. Also, a good option is a thickness of 1.5 mm with additional bends in places of greatest load.

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Durable steel structure with powder-polymer anti-vandal coating

The best metal door with internal opening

DS-7 is intended for installation in office and residential premises. The structure is made of one-piece bent door leaf (two metal sheets, 4 stiffeners). The product is equipped with locks of burglary resistance classes 3 and 4.

Wear-resistant design with two sealing contours, insulated with environmentally friendly mineral wool. Stylish design, wide choice for decorative finishing. High-quality fittings will provide reliable protection, comfort and coziness.

Characteristics:

• 4 stiffening ribs;
• dimensions – 2000 by 880 (2100-980) mm;
• two seal circuits;
• the structure is insulated with mineral wool;
• fittings (hinges, peephole, lining, handle).

Pros:

• wide range of decorative finishes;
• environmental Safety;
• high-quality fittings;
• insulation with mineral wool;
• 5 available sizes;
• the design is wear-resistant and durable;
• burglary protection (class 3 and 4);
• durability and reliability.

Minuses:

• there are no anti-removal clamps.

Where does condensation come from?

An accumulation of wet drops can be seen on the linings, handles, eyes and the inside of insulated street entrance doors. Why does this phenomenon occur? The steel from which doors are made has high thermal conductivity. It is almost three hundred times higher than the thermal conductivity of wood. When cooled, the metal becomes a conductor of cold. Frost appears. The main reasons for condensation on the door:

• There is high humidity in the room.
• There is too much difference in air temperature in the house and outside.

“Cold bridges” are formed by the door frame, stiffeners and other parts, despite the use of thermal insulation material. Condensation has a negative impact on the condition of the door, so it is worth taking care to prevent it.