How to choose the right metal door for the apartment. Steel doors top best

In this article, we will analyze what the front door should be in an apartment or a private house, how to choose it and what affects the cost.

A decent modern front door should meet the following points:

• even outwardly look reliable, personify safety
• at the same time, reliably protect housing from robbers and from public noise (noise isolation)
• retain heat (thermal insulation).

Let us analyze in more detail what materials such door leaves are made of and what other selection criteria exist.

When it comes to high-end front doors, there are only two worthy types of materials: solid wood and steel.

Natural wood wins in terms of aesthetic qualities, maintains a pleasant microclimate for some time, and looks reliable on the outside. But according to more significant criteria - safety and durability - thick steel is many times better.

Therefore, let's talk more about the choice of steel door panels.

What does the construction of an impeccable steel door look like?

When choosing or individually manufacturing a metal door, the following five characteristics should always be discussed:

• supporting structure feature
• steel thickness
• type of insulation
• finishing
• constipation system.

It will not be superfluous to pay attention to additional burglary protection mechanisms, aesthetics and quality of fittings.

However, the supporting structure and the type of steel sheets should be especially carefully considered. The durability of the door, reliability, sound and heat insulation will largely depend on these nuances.

Therefore, let's talk more about the ideal design of the product.

Safety

The basis of the design of a metal door is a frame and stiffeners.

The stiffening ribs can be attached to the box horizontally and vertically. And the most impeccable mounting option is similar to the first picture, that is, combined. The door with a lot of transverse and longitudinal ribs is as strong as possible, it is difficult to crack or damage it.

An ideal find - a modern door with lightweight stiffening ribs.

In such a door leaf, there can be a complex pattern of stiffeners, which ensures reliability. But, since the profiles themselves are made of curved rolled metal, they are much lighter than classic planks, and therefore the door itself weighs relatively little.

Thermal and sound insulation

The door structure is located between two steel sheets, each of which is at least 2 mm thick. There are also the latest models with a 3mm outer sheet.

When comparing door frames, it is useful to clarify the type of thermal insulation (insulation) with the implementer.

The gaps between the ribs must be filled with mineral wool, polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene.

Mineral wool retains heat well. At the same time, it is fire resistant and environmentally friendly. Foamed polymers also densely fill voids and do not accumulate moisture.

It is worth knowing that in low-quality Chinese doors, pressed cardboard is used for weighting and there may be no insulation at all. Therefore, pay attention: the door leaf with a reliable filler absorbs sound well.

In addition, a high-quality door along the perimeter of the structure must necessarily have a sealant - for more reliable protection against noise, odors and heat loss. One layer of good and properly fitted material is usually sufficient.

The best and most wear-resistant seal is made of a tubular rubber profile, as in the photo.

How to choose a lock for the front door?

An impeccable secure door is necessarily equipped with a secure lock or (ideally) two.

Of course, there must be mortise locks on the front door of the apartment (with a mechanism located inside the door leaf).

The two most reliable types of locks look like this.

• Cylinder - a lock with a complex mechanism. Such a lock is difficult to open, but it also has a drawback: the mechanism looks beyond the door leaf, so it can be knocked out.

• Level lock. The design of such a lock consists of thick plates (levers), due to which it cannot be knocked out with the help of physical force.

Lever locks are opened with special devices. The most reliable locking system on the door is two locks of different types with a manufacturer's warranty.

For better protection in some modern models door hinges are hidden, anti-removable pins are provided.

Internal loops:

Anti-removal pin:

Another characteristic that is important when choosing door panels is the type of finish. Let's say in more detail what it can be.

Metal front door: design options

From the outside, entrance doors are very often finished with MDF panels. These are relatively economical wood chip panels, quite resistant to cracking and moisture. Plus, there are many options to make them aesthetic and original.

With the individual manufacture of the door leaf, you can be offered an MDF lining with a PVC film decorated with a wood pattern, options for panels with a relief pattern.

MDF panels with an outer plastic layer are considered even more perfect, since plastic enhances wear resistance, better tolerates temperature changes, and can be painted in your favorite color.

Another budget option for decorating a steel door is powder coating. Outside, this finish looks even more reliable, corresponds modern style housing.

The technology of such a finish consists in applying a special powder paint (with aluminum powder). The paint allows you to create an anti-vandal layer with an interesting and even expensive-looking texture.

Let's say for comparison and about less popular types of finishes, which are more suitable for the inside of the door and can decorate the interior.

The most expensive and sophisticated option is solid wood panels. Thanks to this finish, the steel door acquires the aesthetic advantages of wooden counterparts, retains heat better. The wooden panel can be decorated with fine carving, metal pattern.

Natural wood trim also looks stylish from the side of the street in a rich house. But from the inside, it certainly makes more sense.

And finally, there is another type of finish, classic, inexpensive, moderately high quality - leatherette sheathing.

Leatherette (or any artificial leather) is a material that is resistant to damage and outdoor conditions. However, it has been successfully used for interior design door cloths. The surface of the material can be simple and smooth, as required by modern style, or classic, ribbed, richer and more exclusive.

How to choose the right front door dimensions

Before you start studying samples of door panels, you should take measurements and clearly define:

• what size door do you need
• and is it possible to find one among the standard models.

According to GOSTs and the system of building codes and regulations, approximate standards have been developed that help to choose the size of the door leaf for classic doorways:

non-standard double doors, which are made for individual design projects of housing, usually have a width of up to 2 meters, a height of up to 2.4 meters.

For single-leaf doors, the allowable width limit is 1.1 meters, and the height is 2.3 meters.

Let's move on to what other points you need to prescribe for yourself before choosing a door.

Protection classes and other nuances of choice

Main point

To begin with, it is useful to understand the principles by which the classes of burglary resistance (security) of products are distinguished.

In production, doors are divided into 13 classes, depending on the strength of materials, locks, and many parameters. It is enough for an ordinary buyer to find out the features of the first four.

The first class includes fragile door leafs with an elementary locking system. These doors are designed for utility rooms.

The main requirements that we talked about correspond to the doors of the second and third classes.

The second class of doors is considered optimal for apartments in closed entrances; it can also be used for offices. They are sufficiently protected (usually they have two locks of medium security), they have several multidirectional stiffeners.

Doors of the third class have improved protective properties. That is, their key difference from the previous class is that they are more difficult to crack. This door has:

• two locks of different types
• 8-9 stiffeners
• and a thick outer sheet of steel (from 3 mm).

Well, the doors of the fourth and higher classes are already products for the protection of banking institutions, for rooms with secret information and valuables. They are resistant not only to breaking, but also to bullet shots. To enter housing, such a model is selected only if it is appropriate.

Additional questions before choosing

Recall what other questions it is useful to immediately decide for yourself when you decide on the size and class of the door:

• what should be the location of the loops - external or internal
• whether additional anti-removable devices are needed
• suitable exterior finish
• your ideal type interior decoration- high-quality and corresponding to the style of the interior.

All these factors affect the cost of the product. Let's move on to how to choose the perfect model in terms of price and ideal performance.

Entrance door manufacturers

Original and non-standard custom-made doors are usually valued dearly. After all, the price in this case includes an individual selection of materials, finishing, all stages of work.

However, if you have clearly decided on the size, class and aesthetic characteristics, you most likely have enough chances to find a suitable model in the salon, among the exhibition samples.

Entrance doors Guardian

For example, standard finished models of the Russian company "Guardian" have powerful stiffening ribs and locks of high classes of burglary resistance. And business-class products from this brand also win among competitive models in terms of price and design.

Economic door "Guardian" with protection against force breaking

Among the products of imported brands, the models of the Italian manufacturer Dierre with an improved design, wooden panels, impeccably durable and adapted to modern interiors are worthy of attention.

Torex wood veneer doors with bronze hardware

The Russian company Torex uses European and Japanese technologies, imported components, and additional protection against burglaries in its production. Under this brand, a series of fire doors are produced, models with an original design. Plus, the company's products were awarded with an international award ("All-Russian brand of the III millennium. Quality mark of the XXI century").

We sincerely wish you to choose an impeccable door that will protect your home and at the same time emphasize its prosperity and well-being.

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Choose front door to an apartment is not an easy task and raises many questions. You need to know what qualities the design should have, what to look for when choosing. The front door is the keeper of the hearth, preventing noise, cold and uninvited guests from entering the housing. It should also look presentable, as it acts as the hallmark of the apartment.

Requirements for the entrance door to the apartment

Any premises, residential or industrial, meet the visitor with the front door. It is not difficult to choose the front door of internal opening to the apartment now. Nevertheless, manufacturers offer a wide range of products, the difference between which is in materials, dimensions, colors and styles.

Many people are not able to make a competent choice due to the large variety. This is especially true for those who buy entrance doors to the apartment for the first time. To avoid errors, you should take into account the requirements for any input structures:

1. General reliability parameter. Entrance doors perform many functions, but the main one is to ensure the protection of housing. For this reason, the design chosen must be durable and of high quality, able to protect against intruders.
2. It should be possible to inspect the outer territory. It is better if the front door to the apartment is equipped with at least a small peephole. This will allow you to see the situation outside the housing or on the flight of stairs.
3. Noise and heat insulation. The product prevents the penetration of noise and cold into the house, increasing the comfort of living.
4. Appearance. It is better to choose a beautiful front door to the apartment so that it is its own styling fit into the interior of the house.

Before you go to the store for a purchase, you need to consider other points:

1. Canvas price. It all depends on the quality of the design. If you choose a door for suburban area or in an old abandoned apartment, it is not necessary that it be high-strength. Cheaper alternatives will work as well. But if the product is installed in a new building apartment or a residential country house, then more expensive variations can be considered.
2. Opening dimensions. The canvas should easily "enter" the doorway. Therefore, before buying, you should take all measurements in advance.
3. Choice of accessories. We are talking about locks, hinges, eyes, handles and so on. It takes into account the type of construction and your own preferences. Of course, it is better to choose the appropriate fittings for a good entrance door to the apartment, suitable in quality and style.
4. Availability of certificates and guarantees. This is an important point at the time of purchase, ensuring that all installation and operation issues are resolved.

Types of entrance doors

On the construction market a wide range of entrance structures is presented, designer canvases and technical models are also produced. They are classified according to the material used in the manufacture.

metal front door

This is the most requested type. They are made using special technology from durable materials. There are models that are additionally coated with an anti-corrosion compound, which allows the blades to be used under different climatic conditions, extending their service life.

The thickness of metal sheets also matters: for European entrance doors it is 1 mm, Chinese - from 0.5 to 1 mm, domestic - from 1.5 to 3 mm. The strength characteristics of the input structure depend on the thickness of the metal. European models have standardized sizes, while our manufacturers also produce non-classical options.

The customer can choose the design and format of insulation.

Before choosing metal door to the apartment, you need to familiarize yourself with the classification according to the level of complexity:

1. Economy class. These are simple and affordable products made of single-sheet steel with a thickness of 1 mm. As a design, only painting is used, without insulation and soundproofing. A separate variety is metal sheets in an apartment, assembled from two sheets (each 1 mm thick). For such products, finishing, heat and sound insulating filler is provided.
2. Middle class. These are products made from two sheets, where the thickness of each is 1.5 mm. Finishing can be any and depends on the preferences of the customer.
3. Elite class. Entrance doors with a reinforced structure, with a thickness of sheets up to 2 mm. They are finished with natural or artificial materials, sheathed with wood, veneer.

As a finish, they use: thermal film, polymer or powder paint, plastic or wooden lining, vinyl leather, car enamel, varnish, MDF lining and other materials.

Important! In order for the selected metal front door to successfully fulfill its functions, it is important to install it correctly.

wooden front door

Not so long ago, wood was used as the main material for the production of entrance structures. Now the user has a choice where each product differs in its operational properties. Nonetheless, wooden canvases belong to the luxurious and practical classics. Thanks to innovative technologies, their functions and properties have been improved by an order of magnitude compared to the first models, as a result they last longer.

Wooden products are no longer as popular as they used to be, this is due to the fact that a large selection of artificial materials is offered on the market. But some customers prefer the natural solid wood. Considering the design features, three types of wooden entrance doors can be distinguished:

1. Shield. To assemble these products, shields up to 4 cm thick are used. The frame is assembled from solid wood elements glued together. Some manufacturers supplement such entrance doors with an aluminum frame, which not only retains heat, but also extends the life of the product.
   
   
2. Paneled. In terms of design, they are similar to shield ones. They weigh an order of magnitude less, which facilitates transportation and installation.
   
   
3. Whole. This option is now the most common. For manufacturing take a solid array of wood.
   
   

What materials are wooden doors made from?

1. Oak. This is a high-strength and durable breed that can last for several decades. Interesting feature- oak hardens over time, which makes the canvas even more stable. The result is the most expensive entrance doors to the apartment.
   
   
2. Ash. By analogy with oak, a durable and practical material. A popular option due to the variety of colors.
   
3. Beech. It is better to install such a door to an apartment in a multi-storey building. Beech does not tolerate moisture, so it is not used for country houses.
   
4. Pine. The key advantage is the affordable price. Pine is a soft material, so canvases from it are made purely for apartments.
   
   

Wooden doors to the apartment are preferred by those customers who prefer environmental friendliness and natural appearance.

Entrance door to the apartment with a mirror

This species is gradually gaining popularity. Many customers prefer just such entrance doors to the apartment, explaining the choice by the small size of the hallway. Now the mirror can be mounted in both wooden and metal products.

The front door with a mirror looks organically in any interior, often acting as a key element of decor. The design is interesting for its decorative effect, but it can also perform other functions:

1. Practicality. Leaving the apartment, you can always look in the mirror, evaluating your appearance. Of course, for this you need to correctly place the light sources so that the light falls on the person.
2. Visually enlarges the space. Light, reflected, creates the illusion of a large corridor.

Important! To ensure the desired effect, it is necessary to carefully choose the shape and size of the mirror to be installed. This will emphasize the style of the apartment and decorate the interior.

The mirrors themselves are practical products. Indeed, in a small hallway, it is sometimes difficult to place a separate large mirror. But the door panels are just the right size.

The width of the entrance door to the apartment

Standard dimensions are defined by GOST standards, regardless of the material of construction. The main parameters are as follows:

1. Height. The standard parameter is in the range from 2070 mm to 2370 mm. To determine a specific value, the total height of the ceiling and the width of the door leaf are taken into account.
2. Width. The minimum parameter is 910 mm. For single leaf - 1010 mm, one and a half - 1310, 1510 and 1550 mm, double - 1910 and 1950 mm.
3. Thickness. There are no strict regulations regarding this value, since it all depends on the material of the canvas for the apartment. The thickness should be enough for the front door to perform its main functions.

Important! For entrance structures, the standard size is larger than for interior ones. They do this so that a person carrying a load can freely pass through the opening.

How to choose entrance metal doors for an apartment

Most common metal constructions. Most often, a steel door to an apartment is chosen, which provides adequate protection for housing. There are both global and domestic manufacturers on the market, producing products different styles and sizes.

Metal has long been used to make entrance doors to an apartment. This is the most durable material that provides protection against burglary. For this reason, it is popular for both residential and industrial premises. When choosing an iron door to an apartment, you should pay attention to the base material. For the manufacture of products using the following metals:

1. Aluminum. Such products are different in texture and shades. Aluminum is a metal that is easy to process, so making entrance doors from it is somewhat easier.
2. Steel. This metal is more reliable and durable. In addition to the main function, such entrance canvases are equipped with noise and heat insulation. At a price they are more expensive than aluminum counterparts, but the quality is better.

When choosing a product for an apartment, pay attention to the thickness of the base layer - the more, the better design protect housing. Only two materials are used as the basis, but the products differ from each other due to the decorative layer. As a decor used:

1. PVC panels. Caring for such a coating is quite simple.
2. MDF. In addition to environmental friendliness, this material provides good sound insulation. The most preferred option for office space.
3. Powder coated. budgetary exterior finish.
4. Panels made from natural wood. Expensive, but environmentally friendly and visually appealing option.

To enlarge mechanical characteristics the front door to the apartment, manufacturers equip products with stiffeners. These elements provide protection against deformation and increase burglary resistance. The more stiffeners, the more stable the structure will be. It should be understood that due to the increase in the number of these elements, the weight increases, which means that the hinges will experience increased loads and will fail faster.

What color to choose the front door to the apartment

When choosing a color, consider general style housing design, color of floor material, walls, basic furniture. The right advice, which will help you choose the color of the front door to the apartment:

1. The best solution is to choose a neutral shade that will go with nothing. White, black, gray or beige options look good.
2. It is optimal if the color of the canvas matches the shade of the window frames.
3. Doors decorated with drawings, stained-glass windows or stickers look good. The slope is done on design decoration, so compatibility is relegated to the background.

Important! These tips are suitable for choosing the entrance canvas to the apartment, as well as for interior partitions.

Rating of entrance metal apartment doors

The most popular designs of the following brands:

1. Outpost. This manufacturer produces products at a reasonable price. The company is originally from Russia, but production is organized in China, which made it possible to optimize costs. The manufacturing process is controlled, so the products are different good quality, immutability technical parameters and appearance.
2. Torex. The company has been producing entrance doors to apartments for over 25 years. Thanks to solid practical experience, the fabrics produced have good consumer properties, without overpayment. The range includes fire protection options.
3. Elbor. The year the enterprise began its activity is 1976. Not so long ago, a comprehensive modernization of the company was carried out, which made it possible to increase production capacities.
4. Guardian. A distinctive feature of the products of this company is the high price, but consumer properties correspond to the premium class. For the manufacture of entrance doors to the apartment, strict international and domestic standards are taken into account.
5. Became. This is a group of companies that produces entrance canvases for individual orders. A feature of the products is additional concreting, thanks to which the box is attached many times more reliably, while maintaining tightness.

This is not a complete list of companies manufacturing entrance doors for apartments.

Where should the front door to the apartment open?

In this matter, there is a main requirement - in the case of emergency the design should not create obstacles for the evacuation of people. If we consider the practical side, then take into account several points:

• when opening inward, you will have to stop in front of the door and step back to open it;
• the canvas that opens outwards is characterized by burglary resistance, since it is much more difficult to knock it out;
• if the product opens inward, it will not be possible to put additional door, which will not only keep the heat in the apartment, but also reduce the noise level;
• if the room has a small entrance hall, it is better to choose the option of opening to the outside.

In the case of apartment buildings, the following points are also taken into account:

• when plowing outside, the canvas should not interfere with the opening of the neighbor's doors;
• if the apartments open to a common vestibule, then the vestibule door is opened outward, and the entrance door is opened inward;
• if during the opening the door touches something, for example, a counter, then it is supplemented with an opening limiter.

For the most part, where the canvas will open is the decision of the owner of the apartment.

Conclusion

Choosing an entrance door to an apartment is not a problem, as there are many offers: these are metal, wooden crafts or designs with mirrors. The main thing is that the door provides adequate protection for the apartment and at the same time matches the interior of the room. You can take into account the rating of the entrance metal doors to the apartment, but it is equally important to properly install the canvas.

For a house to become a real fortress, it is not enough for it to have strong walls. We also need a reliable one that resists any hacking attempts. Often sellers, in pursuit of profit, try to impose the most expensive model, although it is not the best. We will figure out how to choose an entrance metal door to an apartment in order to get a good value for money.

All about choosing a metal door

Design features

Before you go to the store, you should get acquainted with. The operational properties are determined by the characteristics of the constituent elements.

Design

• door frame, which is considered the framework of the system.
• Cloth that closes and opens the opening. Inserted into the box. This is a frame sheathed on both sides with internal stiffeners.
• holding the product on the box.
• Sealant fixed in one or two circuits.
• Locks, handle, other accessories.

The frame for the panel is made of different materials which determines its strength. The fewer welds on it, the better. The most reliable model is from a profile pipe, which is connected by one seam. The frame, which is made of welded corners, is not as strong as possible. The canvas must also be solid, without seams. It is made from two types of materials.

materials

• Hot rolled steel. The cheapest and most corrosive material. It can be identified by its dark color, although it is not always visible under decoration.
• Cold rolled metal. Durable, resistant to corrosion and any atmospheric phenomena. The price is higher than that of analogues.

Criteria for choosing a metal door

Steel thickness

The steel sheets from which they are made have different thicknesses: from 0.08 to 0.5 cm. The thicker the metal, the stronger the product. But do not immediately choose the maximum thickness. With its increase, the price and mass increase. Heavy weight suggests operational problems.

A massive system opens and closes with effort, sags, fails faster. In addition, reinforced fittings will be required, which will ensure the normal functioning of the structure. And you need to be prepared for the fact that the system may fail before its lighter counterparts.

• in houses and mansions - over 0.4 cm;
• in apartments - 0.2-0.3 cm;
• in offices located in protected buildings - 0.1-0.2 cm;
• in outbuildings - 0.08-0.1 cm.

Sometimes a steel sheet is placed only on the outside. This is economical, but very questionable in relation to . It is good if there is metal on both sides of the frame. They produce models with an additional sheet of steel located between the two main ones. They provide increased security, but are not always appropriate. The best manufacturers of metal doors recommend paying attention to the area where the locks are located. When hacked, they will be subjected to special effects. It is better to strengthen them with additional steel or even armor plates. This will significantly increase the level of protection, even if not the thickest sheets of metal were used to make the panel.

Stiffening rib

The maximum strength and ability to resist mechanical stress to the canvas is given by stiffeners, they are located inside the structure. They can be positioned horizontally, diagonally or vertically. Their number is different, but cannot be less than three. A large number of ribs increases weight, and this is not always justified.

Parts are made from a corner and a rectangular pipe. They are reliable, but massive. Well-known manufacturers put rolled ribs with a complex profile. It is very durable but light weight. This allows you to strengthen the product without weighing it down. The best entrance metal doors do not have to have a large mass, it is important that its elements are of high quality. Therefore, it is better to choose products from trusted manufacturers.

Loops and their varieties

Significant door element. If you choose it incorrectly, neither the most complex lock nor a strong steel sheet will save you. Loops are of two types.

Open or overhead

Simple and fairly reliable design. Well withstands the weight of the cloth, used for massive systems. Their price is noticeably lower than that of analogues. This is due to the simple manufacturing technology. Under open loops do not need to equip seats, use a hollow profile under the hidden mechanism. The main disadvantage is availability. Such loops are visible and can be cut.

This shortcoming can be leveled in various ways. For example, choose a hinge group with turning pins made of hardened steel. It is difficult to open it. Another way is to install anti-removable crossbars. When the lock is locked, they go into the grooves. In this position, it becomes impossible to remove the panel. The type of hinges determines the resistance of the structure to breaking. The hidden mechanism is more reliable, but the risk of jamming increases. It will be difficult to repair it.

Hidden

Multi-piece hinges that are not accessible from the outside. This is their significant advantage, since it is impossible to cut off such loops. However, hidden elements have disadvantages. First of all, this is the need for frequent adjustments, which is due to their design. Such loops often creak and eventually sag under the weight of the canvas. It is undesirable to choose them for very heavy products. But if it is still necessary, with a mass of over 200 kg, high-quality elements are selected. Otherwise, they won't last long.

Door system insulation

Entry group should not only protect against unauthorized entry, but also be an obstacle to noise, cold and. All this will provide good insulation. Each product is a frame on which two steel plates are fixed. Between them there are stiffening ribs, everything else is voids. They must be filled with a suitable insulator.

• Pressed cardboard or paper. Most cheap option, more common in Chinese manufacturers. Retains heat well. It burns, is very hygroscopic, absorbs moisture and loses its properties.
• . Good noise and thermal insulation characteristics. Non-toxic and non-flammable. Of the minuses: you need to be aware that over time the material may sag. If water gets in, the insulating properties are lost.
• Styrofoam. Effectively retains heat and sounds, moisture resistant. Affordable price. The main disadvantage is that it is highly flammable and emits toxic substances during combustion.
• Polyurethane foam. Good insulator. Durable, moisture resistant and not sensitive to temperature changes. May ignite.

Insulation of the door leaf is required, otherwise cold, noise and unpleasant odors will end up in the apartment. It is better to choose rubber parts, silicone and polyurethane have proven themselves a little worse. The cavities in the profiles are also filled, otherwise the insulating characteristics will noticeably decrease. Professionals advise, when choosing an entrance metal door, to knock on it with a suitable metal object. A dull sound indicates high-quality insulation. The presence of a seal is also important. It gives a snug fit, thereby protecting against unpleasant odors, noise and drafts. In stores there are products not only with one, but also with two, and sometimes three sealing contours. You need to know that this is just a way to increase the price of products. If you believe the reviews, one properly fixed contour of the rubber seal is enough. Polyurethane and silicone are somewhat worse.

Finishing inside and outside

Metal plates are durable, but not aesthetically pleasing, so they need decoration. If any material is suitable for the inside, then the outside is made out with a cladding that is resistant to adverse effects. Here are some options.

• Powder dyes. Leading the top. Attractive, durable finish that lasts a long time. At the same time, its price is low.
• An array of wood. Expensive, environmentally friendly and very beautiful way decor. Polishing, carving or staining can be used.
• PVC film lamination. It is possible to imitate a variety of materials. The finish is fragile and short-lived.
• PVC panels. Performance characteristics similar to film. A wide range of designs and a short service life.

Thanks to original decor steel entrance doors can be a decoration for any facade. And it doesn't matter what style it is made in. A good choice for inexpensive models would be powder coating. Best in the premium segment natural wood. The rest of the options are not durable enough.

What to consider when choosing a castle

Theoretically, any lock can be opened. The question is how much time it will take. Therefore, the main task is to choose the optimal combination of locking mechanisms in order to make the work of a potential burglar as difficult as possible. You can choose from two options.

cylinder

An internal mechanism with a large number of pins or cylinders, each of which is located at a given height. A lock of this type is difficult to pick with a master key, but given that the elements extend beyond the frame, it is possible to knock it out. Experienced burglars can easily knock out a cylinder lock. For this reason, it is recommended to additionally protect it with special balls that interfere with drilling, or with an armor plate.

Suvaldny

The design contains metal plates-levers in an amount from one to ten. Sufficient security is provided by a mechanism with six or more levers. It is easier to pick up a master key for such a system than for a cylinder one. But it's impossible to knock him out. It is optimal if the mechanism has a manganese insert that will protect it from drilling. It is recommended to complete the product locking mechanisms different type. There must be at least two of them. More quantity is welcome. Electronic locks are still quite rare. They are reliable and easy to use. However, they cannot be considered the safest. Crackers select the code for such mechanisms.

Mounting methods

The method and quality of installation affect both the resistance of the system to burglary and its insulating properties. It is important in advance, even when measuring the opening, to discuss with the craftsmen what kind of fasteners they will use. There are four main options for fixing in the opening. The choice of one or another of them depends on the material and thickness of the wall, as well as the mass of the canvas.

4 options for fixing the door frame

1. Using steel anchor dowels (diameter 10–14 mm, length 100–150 mm). This is the most common installation method. It is simple, does not require welding, and the relatively small diameter of the holes reduces the risk of cracks in the wall during anchoring. Such fastening is reliable only under the following conditions: each rack of the box should be fixed with at least four anchor dowels; the box must be pre-equipped with welded external platbands, which reduce the load on the attachment points when slamming; the weight of the door leaf must not exceed 100 kg.
2. Reinforcing pins (diameter 12–16 mm, length up to 200 mm). This method is applicable for blocks of strength classes M1 and M2 according to GOST 31173-2003. It is optimal for apartment buildings with thick (more than 16 cm) internal walls made of light (hollow, cellular) blocks. Each rack must be attached with four or five (in the case of a foam block) pins, which the craftsman must then weld to the box, and clean and treat the welding points with an anti-corrosion compound.
3. Reinforcing pins or anchors with concreting. The box is made of an open profile resembling a channel, the shelves of which are directed towards the wall. After fastening with pins, it is filled with a cement-sand mortar using a syringe or pump for this. This method is rarely used today due to increased labor intensity, but it gives a significant gain in resistance to operational loads and burglary, as well as in sound insulation.
4. With reinforced opening. Such reinforcement is necessary when installing products of increased resistance to burglary (class II and higher according to GOST R 51113-97) in walls made of lightweight blocks. The opening is reinforced with two U-shaped frames from a corner with shelves 40–50 mm wide. These frames are installed inside and outside the room, and then connected to each other by welded jumpers. The reinforcement is additionally fixed with reinforcing pins with a length of at least 200 mm, and then a door frame is screwed or welded to this metal structure.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which metal inputs are the best. Different models are designed for use in various conditions. Only the owner of the house can make the best choice, taking into account all the features of his home.

• Material prepared: Inna Yasinovskaya

The entrance metal door should have many qualities. It must be strong, reliable, and work flawlessly. Also, acquiring an iron entrance structure, everyone assumes that it will last for many years, because such a product costs a lot. The advice of professionals will help you choose an entrance metal door that will beautifully complement the facade of the house and become reliable protection from the weather and "uninvited guests".

Although such entrance systems are universal, before choosing an iron door for a private house, you need to pay more attention to certain criteria.

So, you should take into account:

1. Place of installation. The front door in the house is in direct contact with external environment. Therefore, special requirements are placed on the material of the product. When deciding which metal door to choose, pay attention that the exterior finish can withstand temperature extremes, frost, moisture, direct sunlight.
2. Protection level. Private ownership needs a reliable door, especially if the owners do not live in the house permanently. Burglary resistance directly depends on the thickness of the metal, the number of stiffeners in the middle of the structure. Locks, their number and hinges, anti-removable pins also contribute to the burglary resistance of the structure. Before choosing a steel door, analyze what you want to get.
3. Insulation. The entrance system to a private house should be well insulated. The number of layers of insulation, the thickness and type of material is determined climate zone where the house is located. For warm regions it will be enough to choose a steel door with corrugated cardboard or foam, for colder winters it will be required mineral wool, polyurethane foam, insulation not only of the sash, but also of the box.
4. The number of seal circuits. When the sash is attached to the box, there are always gaps that can be eliminated by installing a sealant. It is glued in one, two or even three contours for maximum insulation.
5. Dimensions and weight. To choose the right iron front door, this must be taken into account. Often the opening has custom sizes, considerable width. The larger the size of the door, the more layers of insulation in it, the more impressive its weight. To hold such a design, special strong loops in sufficient quantities (three or four) will be required.
6. Appearance. The sash must simultaneously be combined with the facade of the building and the interior of the room.

When choosing a steel door you need to know that a quality product has a certificate, and the manufacturer provides a long-term guarantee for its products.

Door for apartment

When choosing a metal front door for installation in a multi-storey building, thermal insulation properties are important, but not as much as for a private house. The climatic stability of the casing does not matter, because the structure is located in the entrance.

Before choosing entrance metal doors for an apartment, you should pay attention to such factors:

1. Locks. Apartments are always under the watchful eye of thieves, so you should take care of the safety of the structure. It is better if two locks with different mechanisms are mounted in the sash. Additionally, you can install a night valve on the canvas.
2. metal thickness. When deciding which steel doors to choose for an apartment, pay attention to this characteristic. The strength of the product, its resistance to breaking directly depends on it. Minimum Thickness steel sheet is 1-1.5 m; in premium products, metal 2 mm thick is used.
3. decorative features. The interior finish of the canvas is of great importance. It should go well with the interior of the apartment. Before choosing a steel door to an apartment, study the options offered.
4. Peephole and viewing angle. This simple element will allow you to consider the one who came, to find out the cause of the noise in the corridor. For a good inspection, the peephole should have a viewing angle of 180 degrees.
5. Noise isolation. To stay in the apartment was comfortable, the design should not let in extraneous sounds. The presence of even a small layer of insulation together with the sealant circuit (one or more) will provide reliable sound insulation.

In addition, the equipment of the door is important. In addition to the frame and sash, there must be suitable platbands, as well as a sill, so that you can make an opening.

When deciding which iron door to choose, keep in mind that two types of steel are used to make the structure. This affects the quality of the product. Hot-rolled steel is produced in accordance with GOST 19903, it is cheaper, but corrodes faster. Such material is more destroyed under the influence of factors environment. Cold-rolled steel is produced in accordance with GOST 19904. It is more expensive, but its sheets are of better quality and are not afraid of external climatic influences. When buying, you should ask the seller about the type of material used and ask for advice on how to choose a metal door to the apartment.

Maximum security

The main function of the entrance metal door, both in a private house and in an apartment, in an office or industrial premises is the protection of property. There is no structure that cannot be opened, but the degree of resistance to burglary varies greatly between models. Some can be opened in minutes. With stronger systems, crackers will have to tinker with one or two hours. In total, there are 4 classes of reliability. It is better to choose a steel front door to a class 3 or 4 apartment, although it costs more.

What determines the reliability of the door:

1. metal thickness. The best option is 1.5-2 mm. Thicker sheets make the sash unnecessarily heavy. For this reason, material with a thickness of more than 4 mm is not used for the production of doors. With a thickness of 1 mm, the canvas can be opened like a regular tin can. It is correct to choose a metal door to the apartment, in which there are two sheets of steel, and a heater is located between them.
2. Stiffening rib. They are longitudinal, transverse or combined. The more of them, the more reliable the design is protected from twisting, deformation.
3. Locks. They are suvaldnye and cylinder. It is better to choose iron doors to an apartment, where one locking mechanism is of a lever type, the other is a cylinder. To better protect them from drilling, a special armor plate is mounted on the sash at the place where the lock is installed.

The best steel entrance doors to the apartment are equipped with locks of such well-known brands as Kale, Cisa, Iseo, Motulla.

A few words about comfort

Staying in a house or apartment will be pleasant only if you choose the right entrance metal door and install it correctly. It should not make a creak or noise during operation. In addition to preventing penetration, the entrance system is a barrier to noise, bad smell, cold.

To do this, it must have the following characteristics:

• have a leaf thickness of at least 80 mm;
• be lined with panels, their thickness is about 12 mm;
• the presence of one or two sealant contours is mandatory;
• have good insulation material inside.

One of best fillers mineral wool is used for entrance metal doors. The material is completely non-flammable, does not emit any toxic compounds into the air. At the same time, mineral wool perfectly absorbs noise, has high thermal insulation characteristics.

For the fabric to function well, it must be hung on high-quality hinges. They need to be adjusted twice a season, timely cleaned and lubricated. Then the design will last longer, will not creak, and the locking mechanisms will work properly.

If the entrance metal system is installed at the entrance or at the entrance to a non-residential premises, it should be equipped with a door closer. It will ensure smooth closing of the sash, the door will not slam.

Metal door finishes

Before choosing an iron door to an apartment, it is worth considering the possible finishing of the canvas. decorative coating is of great importance. It protects the metal from corrosion, gives the product an attractive appearance. If quality materials were used, the canvas is easy to care for.

For finishing metal doors use:

1. Powder paint. It includes metal powder and polymer materials. Application is carried out in a special chamber. The paint is resistant to scratches, it does not fade in the sun, it allows you to create coatings of various colors.
2. Artificial leather. This is a budget option. It will not work if there are pets (dog, cat) in the house or apartment.
3. Natural wood. Enough expensive coverage. It is suitable for interior decoration of the apartment door. For external protection of the canvas in a country house, it is not suitable, because it is afraid of moisture. Expensive products are faced with ash or oak with special processing.
4. Imitation wood. MDF panels or veneer are cheaper than natural wood and have an attractive appearance. Covering MDF panels with PVC film is the best value for money.

What affects the cost?

The iron entrance system is a rather expensive product. Therefore, before choosing a metal front door, it is worth analyzing the prices.

The cost depends on many factors:

• brand, manufacturer;
• the thickness and quality of the metal used, the number of its sheets;
• finishing material on the inside and outside;
• product dimensions, standard model or custom-made;
• accessories (its quality, quantity);
• decorative finishing (coating, inserts, elements);
• locks.

Saving on materials does not make sense. Since when using thin metal, poor-quality sealant and weak fittings, the product will quickly become unusable. All the money saved will have to be spent on repairs or on a new door.

Also, the cost is affected by the presence of additional services. It is one thing to choose an iron front door for an apartment, another thing is to order its installation, dismantling and removal of the old structure.

At the time of buying metal system you should trust manufacturers who have been on the market for at least 5 years. If they have a wide range that includes budget options and products for the premium class, then this is a good sign. You can also ask for advice on how to choose a metal front door from those who have already been engaged in similar arrangement of their homes.

Among companies offering similar products, it is preferable to choose those that have their own production. In this case, it will be possible to order the manufacture of doors for individual sizes. It is good if the company provides installation, warranty and post-warranty service. After all, the lock or other fittings may fail. It is not always possible to fix the defect on your own.

The choice of a steel door to an apartment must be approached responsibly. It is worth listening to the advice of professionals, take them into account when buying a product. High-quality doors will last more than one decade, they will reliably protect property and the residents themselves.