Once you decide to buy a metal entrance door, the question arises: how to choose the right one? To make the right choice, you should follow these criteria: • Security – First and foremost, the door must serve as protection, mainly against unauthorized entry. Therefore, its construction must be strong and reliable. • Access Control – A peephole or modern video system, such as a videophone, can be installed on the door to see and communicate with people without opening the door. • Thermal and Sound Insulation – Any door should protect against noise and heat loss. • Locks – These protect against unauthorized entry by people without keys. • Appearance – The entrance door is not only for protection but also the face of your apartment, so its design should match the interior style.
What materials are used for metal entrance doors
Today, stores offer a wide variety of doors made from the most reliable materials. The most popular among consumers are steel doors.
Basic rules for choosing steel doors:
• Rigidity of Construction – The door should have a perfectly correct shape. • Steel Thickness – It should be no less than 1.3 mm. • No Welding Seams – The door surface should not have visible welding seams. • Presence of Reinforcing Ribs and an Additional Steel Plate – These elements add extra strength. • Door Frame – It should be thicker and stronger than the door panel.
Locks for metal entrance doors
Before choosing a lock, it’s best to explore all the options available in stores. Door locks can be:
• Lever Locks – These are currently considered some of the most reliable and are sometimes called “safe locks.” Inside the lock are special details called levers, which can number from one to ten. The more levers there are (five or more), the harder it is to pick the lock with a simple tool. The only downside is their large size. • Cylinder Locks – This type of lock consists of cylinders and is equipped with a lever mechanism. It is as reliable as the lever lock. • Smart Locks – Modern locks with number pads. To enter, you must input the correct code. If the code is incorrect, the door won’t open. These locks operate on batteries, so if the batteries run out, you’ll have to use a regular key. • Re-keyable Locks – These can be lever or cylinder locks. If the key is lost, you don’t need to buy a new lock. A special device included in the kit allows you to easily rekey the lock and create new keys.
Types of locks based on installation:
• Surface-Mounted Locks – These look like small boxes attached to the door. They are often used as additional locks from the inside, making it easier to lock the door when you’re home. • Mortise Locks – These are built into the door itself, so when purchasing, you should consider the thickness of the door panel.
Sound and thermal insulation of entrance doors
Metal entrance doors should not only provide security but also prevent external noises and heat loss. It’s unpleasant when, while resting at home, you hear voices from the hallway or when noise from your apartment is heard outside. To avoid such issues, experts recommend paying attention to the internal filling of the door panel when buying.
It is widely known that metal conducts sound and heat more efficiently than wood, so manufacturers insulate their steel doors. Insulating materials are carefully placed inside the door. The most common insulators used are:
• Basalt Wool – This material has unique properties: it prevents heat loss, blocks noise, is fire-resistant, and is environmentally friendly. It is often used in construction. • Polyurethane Foam – This material eliminates the drum effect, creating a comfortable and cozy atmosphere in the home. • Decorative Panels – Wood is often used for this, as it helps absorb sound and retain heat.
To ensure effective sound and thermal insulation, you must also account for all gaps, even those between the door frame and the panel. Sealants, such as silicone, rubber, or brush seals, help combat drafts and reduce the entry of dust and unpleasant odors. For the best results, the seals should be applied in two layers—on both the front and back parts of the door. The voids between the door frame and the walls are filled with special materials like sand-cement mixtures or installation foam. Sand-cement is preferred, so companies that install doors often use it.
Appearance of entrance doors
There are many materials available for the exterior finish of doors, including natural wood, veneer, as well as more affordable options like laminate, MDF, and PVC. Doors can also be coated with hammer paint or expensive paints that imitate a silk finish. The interior side of the door can be decorated with mirrors, unique lighting, or artwork replicas.
If installing a metal door in a private home, many of these decorative options won’t be suitable. This is often explained upfront by store consultants. Many types of paint, except for hammer paint, can’t withstand winter conditions and may start to chip. However, in apartment buildings, they work perfectly. Therefore, it’s important to learn about all the features of the door’s finish before purchasing.