Metal Doors: Varieties, Components, Installation And Operation Features

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Metal doors - the choice in favor of perfect protection, reliability and durability

A wide variety of door models allows the modern consumer to choose the best option, taking into account their own needs and budget. Manufacturers note the highest demand for metal doors, of which there are a large number of varieties. A steel door can not only be purchased ready-made, but also made according to individual parameters.

Content

• 1 What is the structure of a metal door

  1.1 Video: construction of metal doors

• 2 Leaders in the production of steel doors

  • 2.1 "Neman"
  • 2.2 "Became"
  • 2.3 "Legrand"
  • 2.4 "Torex"
  • 2.5 The Guardian

• 3 What are the metal doors, what are their features

  • 3.1 Features of insulated metal doors

    3.1.1 Video: how to insulate a metal door with your own hands

  • 3.2 Properties of doors with increased sound insulation
  • 3.3 Mirror inside metal doors
  • 3.4 Purpose of technical steel doors
  • 3.5 Characteristics of fire doors
  • 3.6 Description of safe doors
  • 3.7 Distinctive features of armored metal doors
  • 3.8 Purpose of vestibule steel doors

  • 3.9 Steel doors with thermal break function

    3.9.1 Video: installation of a warm door with a thermal break

• 4 Manufacturing and assembly process of steel entrance doors

  4.1 Video: production of metal doors

• 5 How to install a metal door correctly

  5.1 Video: how to install an entrance metal door

• 6 Possibility of self-repair of metal doors

  • 6.1 Timely maintenance - the possibility of long-term use of doors
  • 6.2 Video: how to get rid of condensation
• 7 Choice of fittings
• 8 Reviews

What is the structure of a metal door

A steel door is assembled from a frame with a metal profile and stiffening ribs, as well as iron sheets and hinges for fastening the door leaf. In shape, the structure is made in the form of a single or composite product.

A metal door is more reliable than a wooden one

The thickness of the canvas is determined by the number of sheets, and the design can be:

• single-leaf;
• two-sheet;
• three-sheet (an additional metal layer is laid inside).

Regardless of the structure, the model is equipped with protective elements:

• platbands - close the gap between the door and the opening;
• porches - protect from breaking with a crowbar;
• steel lock plate - do not allow to knock out or cut out the lock;
• anchor elements - they will not allow you to remove the door even if the hinges are knocked down;
• a variety of locks - can be hinged, mortise, overhead.

Video: metal door construction

Leaders in the production of steel doors

To select a high-quality model of a metal door, proven by many years of experience, a rating of the best manufacturing companies in this market segment is presented. The products of the companies described are ideal for installation in a house, apartment, or at work.

Neman

The first position in the rating of steel door structures is occupied by the company "Neman", which is a professional supplier of these products. Thanks to modern equipment and a variety of model range, the company has achieved high sales figures. The manufacturer guarantees the satisfaction of any customer's request. The uniqueness of the manufacturing process is confirmed by the variety of available patents. High-alloy steel is used in the casting of doors from the company "Neman", which is characterized by increased strength and impeccable operation. The manufacturer offers a wide range of door configurations - locks, fittings. In addition, the doors of the company "Neman" can be equipped with accessories from other companies.

Firm "Neman" is a leader in the production of metal doors

Two locks are built into the standard models, but if desired, you can install additional protective devices (locks, chains). The company's commitment to continuous development ensures the supply of a large number of new products.

By giving preference to Neman, the client receives a door:

• made on the latest imported equipment;
• at an affordable price;
• with a guarantee and a quality certificate.

Became

The company produces high-quality and durable products, has many years of experience. The assembly scheme for each design is worked out as much as possible and is clearly controlled by highly qualified craftsmen. The company values its reputation, therefore it builds an individual approach to each client, offering reliable and safe linens.

To achieve impeccable strength, products are made from a complex profile. It is based on a solid steel sheet with a thickness of 2 mm. At the request of the client, doors can be decorated in a specific design or retrofitted with special inserts. Comprehensive protection against burglary is achieved through the use of special linings, anti-removable anchors, two locking mechanisms with 2-3 bolts. In addition, the lower and upper shutters are attached to the doors, as well as latches for closing at night.

Steel doors can be finished with any material

External finishing of canvases at the request of customers is made of laminate, polymer films or powders, veneer, wood.

The Stal company guarantees its clients:

• project support until its final delivery and during warranty service;
• delivery of certified goods;
• execution of the order by highly qualified specialists.

Legrand

A distinctive feature of the company is not only the quality of materials, but also original structures with interior and exterior decoration. For the decoration of the canvases, MDF panels with a polymer coating are used, due to which it is possible to achieve the uniqueness of the decorative and design solutions. In addition, natural wood is widely used as finishing materials, emphasizing the luxury and aristocracy of doors.

Legrand doors are finished with MDF sheet

The customer is provided with a wide variety of basic and fully equipped models. Cold-rolled metal with a thickness of 1.5 mm is used in the manufacture of door leaves. For the purpose of sound insulation, structures are equipped with insulation sheets made of basalt or mineral wool. Door hinges are equipped with bearings, and in the place of fastening of the lock - an armored plate At the request of the client, the manufacturer installs locks of domestic and foreign production (Italy, Turkey).

Doors "Legrand" are:

• the result of a modern technological process;
• a variety of component parts;
• originality of design performance.

Torex

The company ranks among the top of the best manufacturers of metal doors thanks to the supply of modern designs with high technical characteristics to the market. Own equipment and reliable suppliers provide Torex with a fundamentally new level of development. Judging by the reviews, customers note a large selection of simple models, design variations, and modified products.

The color palette of doors from Torex allows you to choose the one that suits you

Thanks to a flexible pricing policy, the company concludes contracts with buyers with both an average budget and VIP clients. Doors under the Despani brand will satisfy the needs of people who want to equip their homes with exceptionally refined and luxurious elements. The manufacturer presents a large line of economical designs. Fire doors are separately highlighted, the acquisition of which, to a greater extent, is of interest to state, educational institutions, enterprises with a high level of security.

Among the advantages of Torex doors are:

• use of double-sheet steel sheets with polymer MDF trim;
• variety of assortment;
• the ability to independently select a complete set;
• involvement of Italian designers in the production.

Guardian

The doors of the Russian company differ from their counterparts in their soundproof characteristics, non-standard design style, and fire resistance. The selection of a complete set of each model is carried out taking into account the client's requests, which will allow you to purchase a metal door at an affordable cost.

Guardian doors are very colorful

You can choose the lock, handles, bolt, finishing option yourself. The multi-stage control of the production process guarantees the high quality of the models entering the market. Testing of each batch of products ensures timely detection of defects and violations of assembly technology.

When choosing Guardian doors, the client receives:

• quality proven by 15 years of work;
• a variety of equipment;
• hundreds of models of any price range.

What are the metal doors, what are their features

Depending on the purpose, the doors can be of different types, which gives them special characteristics.

Features of insulated metal doors

This type of entrance door has unique qualities that are not inherent in other models:

1. Products are characterized by high reliability, strength and durability, while they do not lend themselves to breaking, have an aesthetic appearance.
2. The construction of internal insulation and external heat-insulating materials guarantees maximum heat retention in the room.

The door filling is a special structure made of:

• mineral wool - it is cheap, environmentally friendly, good noise and heat insulation;

  

  It is mineral wool that is often used to insulate metal doors.

• stone wool - safe for people, does not support combustion;

  

  Stone wool non-combustible

• sealing tape - is attached around the perimeter of the leaf for a snug fit of the door to the frame.

  

  The sealing strip, if desired, can be replaced by yourself

There are three types of insulated doors:

1. Special designs. They are distinguished by the presence of all the properties characteristic of insulated models - a high degree of thermal insulation, noise insulation, resistance to fire and burglary.
2. Lattice doors. They are installed, as a rule, in the buildings themselves, but the presence of insulation allows their installation as input ones.
3. Technical door leaves. They do not have a special design, which significantly reduces their cost, while having the maximum degree of safety.

Depending on the door opening mechanism, there may be:

• from the inside;
• with an external system.

The external finish of metal doors can be different

Video: how to insulate a metal door with your own hands

Properties of doors with increased sound insulation

When making models of this classification, manufacturers use a special technology that you should pay attention to when buying:

1. A special synthetic foaming agent that fills the door cavity guarantees not only a high degree of sound insulation, but also fire resistance of the product.
2. Compliance with the size of the gaps formed when installing hinges and keyholes will allow you to achieve optimal sound insulation. For maximum effect, rubber, plastic or silicone sealing elements are used.
3. The degree of insulation of the room also depends on the material from which the door leaf and frame are made. So, wood and metal cladding will have different characteristics.

Corrugated board increases the sound insulation properties of doors

As the best option, the installation of a double door is proposed, when due to the creation of an additional air gap, the level of sound permeability is minimized. At the same time, the additional costs will quickly pay off by creating a cozy and quiet environment.

The following can be used as filler for soundproof doors:

1. Corrugated cardboard is not suitable for the climatic conditions of our country.
2. Mineral wool is a cheap material with impeccable sound and heat insulation characteristics.
3. Polyurethane - copes with high loads, temperature fluctuations, creates a rigid support for doors, fire-resistant, due to its high cost, it is used in the manufacture of expensive models.
4. Polyfoam is lightweight, rather tough, retains heat, while the only drawback is rapid flammability.

Mirror inside metal doors

This option of entrance doors has been presented on the market for several years, but it still raises doubts among consumers about the appropriateness of the application.

The advantages of mirrored doors include:

• the ability to visually increase the area of the hallway;
• the convenience of checking the state of your appearance before leaving home;
• solving the problem of choosing a place for installing mirrors in tight corridors.

A metal door with a mirror is often used to visually increase the space of the hallway

The disadvantages of such metal doors include:

• difficulties with installing accessories - peephole, door handles;
• the complexity of self-repair and replacement of the mirror;
• high cost of glass coating;
• the need for constant care;
• high probability of accidental damage, for example, when replacing the lock.

All of the above disadvantages can be eliminated even during manufacture, but the main disadvantage when installing such doors is non-compliance with fire safety. In the event of a forced evacuation, people in panic will not be able to navigate in time and find an exit point, since they will see objects in front of them in the mirror. In addition, the installation of mirrors may be prohibited for medical reasons, for example, in the case of people with mental disabilities or personal intolerance.

Appointment of technical steel doors

The specificity of technical doors lies in several factors, one of which is the lack of decorative trim. Outside, they are covered only with special anti-corrosion coatings, which is due to a number of reasons:

1. Externally attractive finishing materials do not provide the required degree of protection against fire and other adverse conditions.
2. There are no people in the places where the doors are installed, or, on the contrary, there is a lot of traffic.

Depending on the functions performed, technical models can be divided into:

• products that provide protection against mechanical damage, fire, burglaries;
• doors for installation in the entrances of residential buildings, offices, medical and other institutions.

In the first case, we are talking about products equipped with additional bolts, reliable locks, and alarms. The second option implies models provided with a security system similar to that used in the manufacture of apartment entrance doors. In order to avoid its sharp closure, reduce the load at the moment of impact, the additional equipment for metal technical products is a bringing system.

Technical doors are the most durable

This category includes a large number of models with a high degree of fire resistance, armor, tear resistance, which do not need decorative design. To protect against moisture, different temperatures, a special agent is sprayed onto the door leaf and frame at the final stage of production.

Characteristics of fire doors

Their installation is allowed in any room, from residential buildings to production, office and warehouse buildings. The main purpose of fire doors is to keep fire and smoke within the source of occurrence, which will reduce the risk of death and the amount of material damage. In production, exclusively fire-resistant materials are used - metal, special fillers, and wooden elements are impregnated with special means.

Fire doors keep fire and smoke out

According to statistics, during a fire, smoke and carbon dioxide emitted are considered to be fatal for people, therefore, to prevent their spread, door systems are equipped with seals. Depending on the degree of strength, the time of resistance to fire is determined: economical options can withstand several minutes, expensive ones can stand for more than one hour. An EI record with resistance time is used as a product label. So, the minimum value for residential buildings is EI 30, industrial and service premises are equipped with doors marked at least EI 60.

Fireproof models are endowed with a number of other properties of entrance doors:

• high strength in relation to mechanical stress;
• heat and sound insulation - due to the high-quality tightness of the block;
• a wide range of finishing materials.

Description of safe doors

The choice in favor of installing metal entrance structures is determined, first of all, by the desire of people to maximally protect their homes from penetration. The most durable at the moment are considered safe-doors, which have significant differences from conventional steel systems:

1. Construction - cold-rolled steel sheet 1.5–2 mm thick is used to create it.
2. The hinges have a hardened axle and bearings, which allows them to withstand a large door leaf weight.
3. Special elements preventing burglary - additional stiffening ribs, fixed pins, cylinder and lever lock with 8-10 locking points, reinforced frame.

The safe door is equipped with additional stiffening ribs

A safe door is in many respects better and more reliable than standard metal blocks. The cost for such models with a minimal decorative design of the canvas, which, for example, is powder spraying, is acceptable for a buyer with an average income. For lovers of luxury, there are many options for exclusive doors with individual finishing. The canvas can be sheathed with elite wood and MDF panels, it can have forged fittings.

In addition to the main purpose - to prevent intruders from entering - the safe-door also performs other functions:

• thermal insulation;
• protection against drafts;
• soundproofing;
• prevention of other kinds of impacts.

For this purpose, the door frame is installed with a multi-layer sealant, a heat-insulating layer made of modern materials (mineral wool, polystyrene, penoizol).

Distinctive features of armored metal doors

Burglary protection of any degree of complexity is carried out thanks to armored doors. Steel is used in their production, which is much stronger and more reliable than in conventional models. The thickness of the metal sheet exceeds 2–3 mm, and in some situations, for example, to protect a warehouse, bank safes, the door is filled with a thickness of about 12 mm.

According to the degree of protection, armored products have a certain classification:

1. Class I - doors that are installed in apartments, private houses. They are able to withstand a break-in using only physical force.
2. Class II - models that protect against intruders using metal devices (knife, screwdriver, can openers).
3. Class III - boxes that prevent burglary with massive metal objects (pry bar, crowbar).
4. Class IV - door resistant to complex devices and power tools (drills, chisels, chisels).
5. Class V is a product that can withstand the onslaught of electrical devices used in everyday life (electric saws, drills).
6. Class VI - the most durable and bulky doors installed in banks, or if you need perfect protection against burglaries with powerful electrical appliances.

Armored doors are practically indistinguishable from ordinary ones

The reliability class of armored doors is formed from different components, where the frame is the main one. For its manufacture, manufacturers use different designs. So, the frame from the corner will help insert the door without expanding the existing opening. Profile pipes will make it stronger, thanks to the arrangement of a double circuit.

Purpose of vestibule steel doors

Installation of vestibule doors allows you to get additional free space on the staircase, while providing protection from third parties, sound and thermal insulation of the apartment. These models are installed in public places, as a rule, these are offices, entrances, emergency exits, corridors. During operation, the structures do not need special care; it is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth. A simple finish of the canvas makes it easy to repair it and bring it back to its original appearance in case of wear of the coating or damage by vandals. The features of the models include:

• production according to non-standard sizes - the doorway for the vestibule structure is much wider and higher than the usual entrance opening in apartments;
• the use of additional inserts typical only for such blocks; overlays can be fixed permanently, or they can be removed;
• rubber seals guarantee silent adhesion of the door leaf to the frame at the moment of closing.

As an additional fittings for vestibule doors, manufacturers offer a lot of options for observation eyes, door closers, locks. To achieve perfect security, it is proposed to install video surveillance and intercoms.

Tambour doors have non-standard sizes

From the finishing materials, you can choose the cheapest - artificial leather, powder coating, and an elite design made of MDF panels.

Steel doors with thermal break function

It is not always advisable to install an insulated steel door, especially when it comes to the sulfur regions of the country. In this case, the installation of doors with a thermal break is considered more effective. Being a relatively new product in the construction market, such doors are able to completely replace double structures and provide a heat retention effect without a vestibule. Achievement of unique properties is explained by the presence of low-thermal insulation in the door structure.

Advantages of metal doors with thermal break:

• prevention of freezing of materials, including the locking mechanism;
• suitable for use in harsh climatic conditions;
• sound insulation guarantee;
• there is no need for the arrangement of thermoregulation of the door leaf;
• the door does not need to be insulated or covered with sealing tape.

The production process of models differs from the manufacture of standard metal products only with thermal insulation materials:

• PVC inserts - reduce the rate of heat transfer from one material to another;
• a layer of extruded polystyrene foam protects the canvas from freezing;
• mineral wool is used as a free space sealant;
• glass wool is used only in models for non-residential premises, which is explained by its low environmental performance;
• natural wood, in addition to its impeccable environmentally friendly properties and degree of density, has an external appeal. Such a door will not only be reliable, but also beautiful, which will affect its cost.

Thermal break metal doors can be used in harsh climates

Video: installing a warm door with a thermal break

Manufacturing and assembly process of steel entrance doors

The most important indicator of a door structure is its reliability, but as production technologies improve, the stages of work also change. You can buy an entrance door both by standard sizes and by an individual order. When choosing a model, experts recommend paying special attention to the rating of the manufacturer, its experience in the market. So, a large number of cheap products, being outwardly attractive, do not correspond to the declared characteristics - the canvas is thin, unsuitable additional components and accessories are installed.

Each stage of production is strictly controlled

Since the degree of stability and reliability of the door frame directly depends not only on adherence to the production technology, but also on the correct assembly of the structure, then you should select a company that offers not only the doors themselves, but also the service for their installation.

The whole process of assembling a door structure can be represented by the following steps:

1. Preparation of the frame from bent and rolled metal profiles or welded rectangular pipes. The last option is considered the best in terms of reliability and rigidity.
2. Installation of locks is carried out to the location of the armored plates. In the case of streaming production, armor plates are supplemented with technological pockets.
3. Installation of additional protective and reinforcing elements at the corners of the hinges and the opposite part. As a rule, work is limited to inserting pins to prevent the door leaf from being removed.
4. Filling the metal frame with a layer of insulation and soundproofing material. The work uses a wide variety of polymer and mineral materials; The best qualities are provided by a filler made of wooden beams.
5. The door is sheathed on the outside and inside with sheets of metal, the seams are welded using a special technology.
6. The final stage - finishing, is performed using raw materials of different properties and cost. It is the complexity and scale of the door leaf design that is the determining factor in pricing.

The metal door has a clear structure

Video: production of metal doors

How to install a metal door correctly

The guarantee of high quality and reliability of the entrance doors can be lost if the installation and operation technology is not followed. You can avoid such troubles by ordering the assembly of the unit from the manufacturing company, but to control the actions of specialists, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the process technology.

1. Measurements of the opening under the door block. If the dimensions of the door are smaller, then the tightness of the structure is immediately lost, which leads to a decrease in heat and sound insulation. If the opening turns out to be less than the purchased door leaf, then it will need to be expanded, while material costs, additional efforts and a decrease in the quality of the product as a whole are inevitable.

   

   Before installation, you need to carefully calculate

2. Preparation of the opening. Here the dismantling of the old door, box, surface cleaning is carried out.

3. Door lock insert. This procedure is skipped when buying a model that already comes with a lock.

   

   Lock in a metal door after its installation

4. Door installation. The structure is exposed in the opening according to the building level, the correct location of the hinges and the perpendicularity of the frame to the floor surface are checked. The box is fixed to the fixing pins, the door is hung on the hinges.

Before the final fastening of the block, the operation of the latches and locks is checked. Polyurethane foam is used to fill the gaps. After 24 hours, the door structure is decorated - platbands and additional fittings are installed.

If the installation of the product was carried out by the company's specialists, then the customer is issued an acceptance certificate, before signing which it is recommended to re-verify the reliability of the entrance doors, the functioning of the locking mechanisms, and constipation. As a document confirming the warranty obligations, the manufacturer issues a certificate to the customer indicating the warranty period for the door.

Video: how to install an entrance metal door

The possibility of self-repair of metal doors

The need to repair steel doors may arise due to minor defects or breakdowns that require serious work. The most common problem is the formation of rust on the structure. In this case, you can update the finish yourself; for this, all fittings and sealing strips are removed. Further, the places where corrosion appears are cleaned of paint with a metal brush and skinned. Then a degreasing agent is applied and the surface is plastered. As the composition dries, the door is primed and painted.

To give the original appearance, it is recommended to apply paint on the canvas in 2-3 layers. As soon as the product dries well, you can screw in the fittings, sealing cord and other elements.

The color of the metal door can always be changed

One of the types of complex repairs is the correction of the skew of the door structure. You can notice the skew by the scratches appearing on the threshold, the loose fit of the door to the box. The reasons for such a problem may lie in the large weight of the structure or in the wear of the hinges. To eliminate this defect, it is enough to replace the failed hinges with new ones. Another option for eliminating the skewing of the frame can be to create additional support by driving wedges into the base of the doors.

Timely care - the possibility of long-term use of doors

Depending on the timing and complexity of the execution, care for metal doors is:

• capital;
• periodic.

In the first case, we are talking about a planned (every 2 years) disassembly and inspection of fastening systems, connecting elements, locking and other door mechanisms. The second option involves simple cleaning and processing of materials in order to maintain the appearance of the product and timely identify defects.

Particular attention is required for door leafs made of wood, which are exposed to negative factors, while losing color saturation, the integrity of the coating (peeling, cracking). In order to avoid more serious problems, it is recommended to renew the protective coating in time. For wet cleaning, it is important to select only those solutions that are unable to damage the varnished layer, and to achieve a gloss, the surface can be rubbed with furniture wax. The same tool helps to mask minor scratches on the door leaf.

Video: how to get rid of condensation

Choice of fittings

The front door, being an integral system, does not have minor elements. So, with the wrong choice and installation of fittings, the entire structure will become vulnerable to hacking by intruders.

For a metal door you need a certain set of fittings

You should think about installing fittings already at the stage of choosing a manufacturer. If all parts of the model are manufactured in one place, then the quality and reliability of the doors will be the highest. It is not recommended to trust companies that exclusively produce door frames without fittings. When installing additional door elements from another company, the degree of protection of the product as a whole is immediately reduced. There is only one way out - to order products only from those suppliers who conduct the entire manufacturing process without involving other companies.

Each client determines the number of fittings independently, but the main elements must be present on doors of any class.

1. Door lock. It is checked for the strength of attachment to the canvas, for the flawless performance of the pivoting mechanism, regardless of its location (inside or outside). If even minor malfunctions are detected, you should request to replace the lock. It is better to equip the entrance structure with two locks combined in a locking system. In addition to traditional locking elements, electronic versions of locking mechanisms - digital counterparts - are widespread.

   

   The door lock must have flawless functionality

2. Doorknob - Must not share the same structure with the lock. To exclude sawing of the blade, you should additionally strengthen the metal sheet at the place where the handle is attached with armored pads.

   

   The door handle can also serve as an additional shutter

3. Hinges - are made of a material that exceeds the strength of the base itself, otherwise the structure will inevitably begin to skew, which will create favorable conditions for breaking doors.

   

   The hinges must support the weight of the door

Reviews

An entrance door is a burglary-resistant structure, consisting of a door frame with a metal sheet movably attached to it. When closed, the canvas is fixed in the box using a locking device or a locking mechanism.