Entrance Doors To The Apartment: How To Choose, Installation And Operation Features, Reviews

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

Features of types of entrance doors for an apartment

Entrance doors are an element of protection of the living space, and also complement the interior of the home inside. There are many options for such designs, differing in the level of functionality, appearance and other parameters. Therefore, the selection and installation of entrance doors requires knowledge of their features and characteristics.

Content

• 1 Criteria for choosing entrance doors for an apartment

• 2 Types of doors and their features

  • 2.1 Metal entrance doors
  • 2.2 Wooden doors for an apartment
  • 2.3 Soundproof doors
  • 2.4 Vandal-proof entrance doors
  • 2.5 Entrance doors with MDF finish
  • 2.6 Entrance door with a mirror
  • 2.7 Fireproof door models
  • 2.8 Table: pros and cons of different types of doors
  • 2.9 Video: how to choose an entrance door
• 3 Dimensions of entrance doors for an apartment

• 4 Features of installing the front door to the apartment

  4.1 Video: installation of a metal entrance door

• 5 How to repair a door

  • 5.1 Types of finishing the door to the apartment

    5.1.1 Video: leatherette door trim

• 6 Table: rating of manufacturers of entrance doors

  6.1 Reviews of entrance doors from different manufacturers

Criteria for choosing entrance doors for an apartment

The quality of the front door determines the comfort of the living space, the level of protection from outside noise and the provision of thermal insulation for the apartment. Therefore, the choice of a product is carried out taking into account several basic criteria. This allows you to choose a high-quality door that will last for decades and will not lose its performance characteristics.

Manufacturers produce many models of entrance doors with a variety of characteristics, so after spending some time, you can choose the product that you need

Since the door to the apartment has a protective function, it must be made of high quality materials. If the cost of a door is suspiciously low compared to the average market price of products with the same characteristics, you should not choose it. Cheap models can be without insulation, with poor build quality or with other drawbacks that will be revealed already during operation.

The design of the entrance door assumes the presence of a strong frame, good heat and sound insulation, as well as the possibility of accurate installation of high-quality fittings.

The device of a high-quality entrance door presupposes the presence of strong elements and a multi-layer structure with the use of heat and sound insulation materials. This design is typical for both wood and metal products.

When choosing, you should take into account such criteria as:

• insulation material. Mineral wool is a durable option, and in inexpensive door models they use polyurethane foam, corrugated cardboard or foam;
• door leaf thickness. It must be at least 50 mm. At the same time, the weight of the door should be quite large, because the structure consists of a solid metal frame and several layers of insulating materials;
• anti-vandal coating that prevents scratches on the surface. Such protection is convenient for apartment doors installed in the entrance without a coded lock;
• the presence of an eyelet, the required number of locks and loops, stiffening ribs. These structural components provide protection against intrusion and make the door durable;

• color and appearance of the canvas. The door design should match well with the interior of the apartment. For reasons of practicality, owners often choose a dark-colored entrance canvas.

  

  The inner side of the door should fit well into the interior of the apartment and, if possible, have a dark color of the canvas

Types of doors and their features

Manufacturers produce a variety of door options for apartments, which differ in functionality, appearance, characteristics and cost. Knowing the design features of each type of entrance door, taking into account the required level of sound and heat insulation and protection against penetration, helps to make the right choice.

Many manufacturers specialize in making one type of entrance door, for example, only metal or wood. Therefore, it is better to first determine the acceptable canvas material, and then select a product with the desired characteristics and design.

Metal entrance doors

Metal entrance door models are in demand for installation in an apartment. They have a multilayer structure, including an outer metal sheet, stiffening ribs, a sound and heat insulator, and an inner lining. Lock, handle, hinges, anti-removable pins complete the design. The canvas with the box during installation is equipped with sealing strips that run along the perimeter of the box and prevent the door knocking when moving, as well as the penetration of cold air.

Metal doors must have a strong frame and an outer leaf with a thickness of at least 2 mm

A good door leaf should be made of metal at least 2-3 mm thick. In many models, the inner side of the leaf is made of a less durable material, since it does not provide special protection, because to open the door, it is enough to cope with the outer leaf. The thickness can be easily checked by pressing on the metal, which should not bend.

Stiffening ribs increase the torsional stability of the structure. Longitudinal, transverse or combined arrangement of these elements prevents intruders from entering the premises.

Wooden doors for an apartment

Wooden doors can also be installed in apartments, which are also presented in a wide variety. They have inserts in the form of panels or glass. The latter option is rare, since glass elements reduce the thermal insulation capacity of the canvas and its protective properties.

Wooden doors look solid and beautiful and provide a high degree of protection against penetration

For the manufacture of entrance structures, oak, pine or ash wood is used. The material is treated with an antiseptic, subjected to grinding and staining. Subject to the manufacturing technology, strong, beautiful and durable canvases are obtained.

Soundproof doors

To achieve a high degree of sound insulation, the door leaf is adjusted so that it adheres particularly tightly to the frame. The canvases have a multi-layer structure that includes sound-insulating material, which is often used as foam. It is lightweight and good at absorbing noise.

Good soundproofing qualities of the door can be achieved by tight fit of the leaf to the jamb, the presence of special materials in the leaf and the device of a vestibule before entering the apartment

In metal doors, soundproofing material is placed between the stiffening ribs. A versatile option is mineral wool, which absorbs noise and prevents heat loss. Sometimes a vibration filter and splen are used, which provide sufficient protection and are suitable for entrance doors.

Vandal-proof entrance doors

The maximum degree of protection against burglary is possessed by anti-vandal doors, which especially make sense to install in apartments located in the entrance without a coded lock. If the entrance to the building is equipped with a reliable locking device, then anti-vandal structures may not be used, since the entrance is sufficiently well protected from intruders.

The main feature of this version of the canvases is that they have a reinforced cladding, and the thickness of the steel sheets is more than 2.5 mm. The design is complemented by hidden hinges, a reinforced door frame, armor plates in the places where the lock and handle are located. The final component of protection are anti-removable awnings, which prevent the door from being broken into.

Doors with a reinforced structure are designed for installation in rooms located in poorly protected entrances

Externally, the anti-vandal door practically does not differ from the usual one, and on the outside there may be a coating of laminated plastic, high-strength film or powder paint. These options withstand mechanical stress and prevent scratches.

Entrance doors with MDF finish

Metal sheets on the outside should have a strong layer, and on the side of the room, the aesthetic finish of the doors is more important. For this purpose, MDF panels are often used, which are sheets from 8 mm thick, covered with a laminated film that imitates the structure of natural wood. Such panels are made from thin wood chips mixed with adhesive and water-repellent components. As a result of hot pressing, plates are formed that are durable, affordable and practical.

In order to make the door aesthetic from the side of the room, you can choose an MDF panel with any pattern.

Between the outer sheet of metal and the MDF panel, layers of insulation and stiffening ribs are located. Thus, the panel performs not only a decorative function, but also provides additional sound insulation.

Entrance door with mirror

From the side of the room, the door can be finished with panels, upholstery with soft materials or some other coatings, but a mirror made of durable glass looks especially impressive here. This door design is practical and looks original. The reflective surface can be small or the size of the entire door.

A small mirror on the front door eliminates the need for other mirror elements in the hallway

The mirror is placed in the middle with an indent from the edges of the canvas about 10 cm. Such intervals allow you to install the lock and handle without the risk of damaging the glass. It is worth considering that doors with a mirror are often made of metal, and a reflective insert is mounted in an MDF or wood panel.

Fireproof door models

Metal structures, in the manufacture of which fire-resistant materials were used, are called fire-resistant. Such products prevent the penetration of fire from the side of the entrance, retarding the spread of the flame. The door block does not deform when exposed to high temperatures, and the materials of the door leaf do not emit corrosive smoke.

Fire doors are made of special materials that do not support combustion and do not emit harmful substances at high temperatures

The door construction is airtight and does not let the flame through for a period from 15 minutes to 6 hours. Such products are useful in old houses, in the construction of which many wooden elements were used.

Table: the pros and cons of different types of doors

Entrance door type	Advantages	disadvantages
Metal	Durability, resistance to mechanical stress, easy maintenance, variety of options	Dents are possible, low heat and noise insulation of doors without laying the corresponding materials inside the leaf
Wooden	Environmental friendliness, aesthetics, large selection, durability	Difficult maintenance required, doors made of durable wood are expensive, deformation due to moisture is possible
Soundproof	Protection against noise from the outside, durability, different sizes	High cost, careful installation without gaps and gaps is important
Vandal-proof	Practical in operation, protection against burglary and scratches	High cost, more weight than conventional canvases.
Finished with MDF	Affordable price, aesthetics, easy care	MDF swells from moisture, panels are not resistant to impacts and scratches
Doors with a mirror	Aesthetics and practicality, a variety of options	The mirror is prone to dirt, there is a high risk of cracks in the glass if the door is used carelessly
Fireproof	Fire resistance, tightness, strength and durability	Heavy weight, high cost

Video: how to choose an entrance door

youtube.com/watch?v=Db6sbv4W5Cg

Dimensions of entrance doors for an apartment

The dimensions of the front door play an important role in the selection of products. There are models with standard parameters that provide convenient operation, safety and practicality of structures. GOST and SNiP regulate the performance of both doors and openings. For example, for a panel house, the optimal opening height is 1950–1980 mm, and the width is 740–760 mm. For a brick building, these parameters are in the range: width - from 880 to 930 mm, height - from 2050 to 2100 mm.

The main parameter of the door is the width, since the ease of use depends on it

According to GOST 24698–81, the standard height of metal entrance doors must be at least 2–2.3 m, and the width can be from 800 to 1800 mm. If the opening is more than 1.2 m wide, then it is necessary to install double-leaf structures, consisting of two canvases, the width of which must obey certain rules:

• the main sash should not be narrower than 700 mm;
• for an entrance opening of 1200 mm, canvases with a width of 400 and 800 mm or 500 and 700 mm should be installed;
• for an entrance of 1400 mm, two options are also assumed - 700 and 700 mm or 500 and 900 mm;

• with a width of 1800 mm, both leaves must have the same size of 900 mm.

  

  Before buying and installing a door, it is necessary to measure the dimensions of the entrance opening, since for non-standard sizes you will have to make a door to order

An opening in an apartment building often has standard dimensions. Any redevelopment or change in the geometry of the opening is coordinated with the relevant authorities. At the same time, doors can be made according to an individual project.

Features of installing the front door to the apartment

To mount the entrance structure, you need to align the opening, which must have the correct geometric shape and neat edges. This will ensure easy alignment of the box and correct fixation of the web.

Next, prepare the following tools:

• screwdriver;
• drill;
• building level;
• gun with polyurethane foam;
• roulette.

To align the box, wedges and spacers with a height of 1.5 - 2 cm will be required, as well as self-tapping screws and anchor bolts that will allow the structure to be fixed.

The front door leaf is hung on the frame, which must be perfectly aligned in the doorway

Installation of the front door should be carried out in accordance with the installation technology and taking into account the characteristics of the type of construction. If the installation is carried out independently, then you need to perform the following stages of work.

1. A box is placed in the prepared opening, placing it on the spacers from below, and fixing it with wedges on the sides and top. These elements help to align the structure. The quality of alignment in all planes is checked by the building level.

   

   Wedges and spacers help to fix the box exactly vertically and horizontally

2. The canvas is hung on the hinges, the absence of tension and deformation is checked. If there are such defects, then the door is removed from the hinges, and the position of the box is corrected. The fixation of the box in the opening is carried out using lugs or holes in its structure. Anchor bolts with a length of at least 12 cm are installed so that their heads are recessed inward.

   

   After aligning the door frame, it is fixed with anchor bolts so that their heads completely go into special countersunk holes

3. After that, the canvas is again hung on the hinges, the evenness is checked and the position of the hinges is corrected. The lock, handle and peephole are mounted in advance. A rubber seal is attached around the perimeter of the box to prevent slamming, and a closer is installed. The cracks between the box and the wall are filled with polyurethane foam.

   

   The door must be hung so that it closes tightly and presses against the jamb, and the anti-burglar elements completely fit into the mating sockets in the box

Video: installation of a metal entrance door

How to repair a door

The front door is exposed to changes in temperature, humidity and dirt, and frequent opening / closing. As a result, the canvas is damaged and various breakdowns occur, for the elimination of which you need to know the repair technology.

The set of tools for repairing breakdowns depends on the type of defect. Screwdriver, rubber seal, tape measure and spirit level are the main elements. Polyurethane foam and a cylinder gun may be needed to remove or adjust the door frame if necessary.

If distortions of the door frame appear, it must be freed from the fasteners and leveled by installing the linings in the right places

During operation of the structure, the following breakdowns may occur, requiring repair:

• a broken doorknob or lock must be replaced. To do this, you need to purchase new products with the same characteristics and dimensions as the old ones. Broken parts are removed, and new ones are fixed in their place;
• scratches on a wooden door can be eliminated with furniture wax, special corrective markers. These means treat the damaged area, and remove the excess with a napkin;
• if the hinges are damaged, they must be replaced. In the event that the door has sagged, tighten the hinge bolts, controlling the position of the canvas with a level;
• if cold air passes through the slots, then the rubber seal must be replaced. A new tape is laid along the perimeter of the box in the area where the canvas fits.

Types of finishing the door to the apartment

Wooden canvases do not require special finishing, but they are always painted or covered with a layer of protective varnish. This prevents deformation of the product and protects it from dirt.

Wooden door parts must be covered with a layer of varnish to protect the wood from damage and dirt

The current option for door finishing is leatherette upholstery. This is acceptable for older structures that are strong but have lost their appearance. For finishing, you will need leatherette of the desired color, sheets of foam rubber about 5 cm thick, special nails with a wide head, a ruler and a knife. The upholstery should be done as follows.

1. Remove the canvas from the hinges and lay it on a horizontal surface.
2. Attach foam rubber sheets cut to the size of the door on the inner side of the door. It is best to use PVA glue or a construction stapler for this.

3. Nail the leatherette with nails, tucking its edges.

   

   Dermantin is nailed with special nails with wide heads through a layer of glued foam rubber

Video: leatherette door trim

Table: rating of manufacturers of entrance doors

Manufacturer	Product features	The nuances of operation and installation
"Became"	The thickness of the metal sheet is more than 2 mm, there are anti-removable pins, the doors can have lower and upper locks.	The doors have a complex shape, installation is carried out by professional craftsmen.
"Legrand"	Finishing with MDF panels, the thickness of the cold-rolled steel sheet is 1.5 mm, there is a basalt or mineral wool insulation.	The canvases are hung on hinges with bearings, the lock is installed in the area with the armor plate.
"Torex"	Finishing from MDF panels covered with a polymer layer. The frame consists of a 2 mm solid steel profile.	The doors are standard and can be assembled by yourself.
"Guardian"	It is possible to independently select a complete set of doors by purchasing a lock and other elements of the required type. The canvas is equipped with an armor plate.	The structures can be installed by professional craftsmen or by yourself.

Reviews of entrance doors from different manufacturers

The variety of entrance door models makes it easy to choose the best option, having decided on the desired level of functionality and product quality. Careful installation, taking into account all design features, will ensure the reliability and long service life of the front door.