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How to choose the right front door. Choosing the best front door: from design to manufacturer

The theater begins with a hanger, and the house begins with the front door. The TAM.BY team launches a new special project "Door reception". In it, we will tell you how entrance doors are made, tell you which models are highly durable and reliable, and explain how to properly care for one or another of their types.

Let's start by figuring out how to choose a quality front door. Alexander Petrovich, Deputy Director for Development of the Steel Line company, the No. 1 manufacturer of entrance metal doors, helped us with this.

The first factor to consider when choosing an entrance structure is where it will be installed. Doors for an apartment and a house differ significantly in technical characteristics. They have different requirements and are produced using different technologies.

How to choose an entrance door for an apartment?

A high-quality apartment door should have the following characteristics:

— reliable sound insulation: you should not hear how the elevator opens or the neighbors in the entrance are talking;

— burglary resistance: the door must be strong so that it cannot be opened;

— tightness: a tightly closing door will protect you from a cold draft, as well as smells from the entrance;

— durability: it is important that the locks work properly, the coating of the handles is not erased, the finish is not damaged, and that the door closes softly and quietly all the time you use it;

— modern design: the front door is one of the elements of the interior, so it should be in harmony with the decoration, furniture, interior doors.

Each of these parameters is influenced by various factors that must be considered when choosing an entrance door.

Noise isolation

The sound insulation index for an apartment door must be at least 32 dB. This indicator is influenced by the thickness of the MDF panels, the number of sealing contours, the accuracy of the construction and the type of filler.

Metal transmits sounds much better than MDF. Therefore, panels should be installed on both sides of the door. The minimum thickness of MDF, which will provide good sound insulation, is 10 mm. But 16 mm thick panels cope even better with this task.

The more sealing contours on the inlet structure, the more reliably it protects against extraneous sounds. A quality door should have at least two of them. But even ten sealing circuits will not provide proper sound insulation if there are gaps between the door leaf and the frame. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to the accuracy of the manufacture of the structure.

As for the filler, the best option is mineral wool. Its thickness must be at least 50 mm. It is necessary to remember one feature of this material: from vibration, mineral wool settles over time and lets noise through. To avoid this, the filler must be fixed along the entire height of the door leaf.

Burglary resistance

Burglary resistance determines the reliability of the input structure. It is influenced by various characteristics of the door leaf, box, locks.

The first step is to evaluate the thickness of the steel: the optimal indicator ranges from 1.0-1.5 mm. Structures assembled using the spot welding method are stronger than those made using manual arc welding. The seams in the latter are fragile and over time the door can be deformed. But the most reliable structures are made using bending technology. This means that the canvas and the box are made from a single sheet of steel, bending it using high-precision equipment. The more bends, the stronger the geometry of the structure. The principle of automobile crash tests applies here: the more stiffening ribs a car body has, the more reliable it is.

Resistance to burglary also depends on the accuracy of manufacturing the input structure. If there are gaps in it, the attacker will be able to get to the edge of the canvas with a crowbar and bend it.

It is important that the door is equipped with anti-cuts and steel plates in the lock area. You also need a mortise armor plate for a cylinder lock. Unlike the consignment note, the mortise armor plate is installed in the body of the lock, so it cannot be knocked down.

Also pay attention to the burglary resistance class of locks: it must be at least the third. Locks of the fourth class are even more reliable. Products of Russian, Turkish and Italian production have proven themselves best. It is worth buying locks from trusted brands that have been on the market for a long time.

tightness

If the door is sealed, it will reliably protect against drafts and odors from the entrance. The manufacturing accuracy of the input structure largely determines its tightness: the smaller the gaps, the better. You also need a durable seal that does not wrinkle over time and does not require complex maintenance.

Pay attention to the tightness of the door leaf to the box. It is best to purchase designs with a porch regulator. Thanks to him, you can adjust the tightness of the door leaf and be sure that the door closes hermetically during the entire period of operation.

It is important that there is an overlay with spring-loaded curtains on the lever lock. When closed, they close the hole for the lock and do not let air out of the entrance, which cannot be said about curtains without springs.

Durability

The service life of the input structure largely depends on the quality of the loops. If something has happened to the locks or the handle, they are easy to replace. But if the hinges fail, you will have to buy a new door.

In order for the hinges to serve as long as possible, they need to be periodically lubricated. It is inconvenient to remove a heavy door leaf every time, so it is better if special holes for lubrication are provided on the hinges.

The design of the loops is also important. Over time, the house shrinks, which can change the geometry of the opening. In this case, the hinges on the support bearing work unevenly and quickly grind off. Hinges with a steel sphere at the base are considered much more reliable. They self-center and continue to work evenly in any position.

The door to the apartment should not rust. A high quality polymer coating is responsible for this. Before buying, pay attention to whether there are inclusions, hairs, crumbs and other changes on the surface. If you find them, you have a short-lived coating in front of you. Most likely, the door was painted by hand in violation of technology. The first signs of rust will appear on the canvas within a year.

How to choose the front door for the house?

The door of the house, unlike the apartment door, goes directly to the street, and not to the entrance. Therefore, the entrance structure must provide good thermal insulation. It should not freeze and pass cold air even at very low temperatures.

Another important characteristic is weather resistance. The door of the house is operated in different climatic conditions: it is affected by the sun's rays, frost, rain and snow. Therefore, the entrance structure must be made of weather-resistant materials.

steel door

The main advantage of a steel door is a high level of burglary resistance. Other characteristics vary depending on the quality of the input structure.

When choosing a steel door for your home, pay attention to the sealing system. Mineral wool is not suitable for outdoor structures, as it absorbs moisture and loses its heat-shielding properties. It is important that the door has a thermal break: this will protect it from freezing.

Before buying a door, check with the seller if there is a layer of insulation between the stiffeners of the door leaf and the interior trim. If it is not there, then the canvas will freeze through the ribs. Frost forms in places where the metal parts protruding into the house (they are called moldings) are in contact with the outer sheet of steel.

Remember that no matter how good a door is in terms of thermal insulation, it will not perform its function if it is not installed correctly. For any outdoor structure, "warm installation" must be carried out.

In order for the door not to rust at high humidity outside, it must undergo a special anti-corrosion treatment. The threshold and joints of the box elements are considered the most vulnerable zones: it is in them that corrosion begins. The first rusty smudges can be seen already six months or a year after the installation of the door.

Choose doors whose vulnerable parts are treated with a zinc-containing solution. Even more reliable designs are made of galvanized or stainless steel. They are not afraid of atmospheric influences.

Door panels should be made of heat and moisture resistant MDF. This coating has a greenish tint. It is treated with a special composition and resistant to moisture.

aluminum doors

Photo stroy-podskazka.ru

Aluminum doors and galvanized steel doors are durable and strong options for home and office. Such structures are not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity, are fireproof, are not subject to corrosion and distortions, and provide a high level of sound insulation. Also, aluminum doors retain heat well, but they must have a thermal break.

The advantages of aluminum door structures include the fact that they do not require complex maintenance. It is enough to lubricate locks, hinges and other moving parts with machine oil or grease once every six months.

Aluminum entrance doors have only one significant drawback - their high cost. In addition, they are inferior to steel structures in terms of burglary resistance.

PVC doors

Photo sp-kazan.com

Plastic entrance structures are rarely installed in residential buildings. They are more suitable for office and industrial premises. Nevertheless, PVC entrance structures provide good heat and sound insulation. In addition, they are resistant to any weather conditions.

Plastic doors are characterized by low burglary resistance, so it is not recommended to install them in the house. In addition, a small variety of finishes is unlikely to allow you to choose an option that fits perfectly into the interior.

Wooden doors

Photo md-experiment.org

Entrance doors made of natural wood are suitable for those who love classics and elegance. But this is far from the most practical option for the home.

Wooden doors are environmentally friendly and beautiful. In addition, unlike metal, wood is not afraid of corrosion. However, natural wood doors have a number of disadvantages. They have poor fire resistance properties. But the problem can be solved by processing the door leaf with special tools. Another disadvantage of wooden doors is instability to external influences.

Due to fluctuations in humidity and temperature, the door leaf may swell or, conversely, shrink. And this means that the structure will not close well. In addition, temperature and humidity affect the coating of a wooden door: it can crack and wear out. If these defects are not eliminated in time, moisture can get on the wooden sheet and cause it to rot.

Competent care of a wooden door will help to avoid many problems. Remember that wooden doors do not tolerate changes in temperature and humidity, so you should not put heaters, humidifiers, air conditioners next to them.

If the coating of a wooden door is severely worn or scratched, it should be completely renewed. But it is better to entrust this work to professionals.

“Steel Line” has been making entrance doors for more than 20 years. We are known at 14 corners of the world. We control the high quality of our dzvyarey and with soul we put ourselves and the skin at the stage of creativity. We commend our buyers for the title of the No. 1 gatekeepers of metal gates in Belarus*.

*on the contest "Choice of the Year"

Entrance doors are the element of housing from which the first impression of the house is formed. Doors have a great influence on the perception of the interior, so their choice should be approached with all responsibility.
Doors should not only be pleasing in appearance, but also be reliable.

Manufacturers offer a huge selection of door panels that differ in the material of manufacture, design and color scheme. It is very important to make the right choice, because the ultimate goal is reliable entrance doors to the apartment.
We will figure out how and which one is better to choose, buy and install an entrance door - metal, steel - and why.

Features of entrance doors

Doors at the entrance to a house or apartment simultaneously perform two important functions: they protect the home from illegal entry and are one of the main components of the external and internal design of the living space.
A high-quality door leaf installed at the entrance is the best protection for your home.
Currently, there are many door designs on the market, but choosing the right option is not so easy: buyers have different requirements for entrance doors.
For some, quality is of paramount importance, for others - the price (many are looking for a cheaper option), and still others want to combine one with the other, thinking also about the design of the product, i.e. to be cheap, reliable, and beautiful. What should be the best front door?

You should choose a door leaf, focusing not only on your own preferences. The specifics of the interior and the architectural appearance of the building, in addition to personal taste, also affect the choice. For example, if you live in a country cottage, then a massive canvas with high strength will suit you.
For a small apartment in a metropolis, located in a high-rise building, this option, on the contrary, is not the best solution: a massive structure will look ridiculous.


The budget also plays an important role. Owners of elite apartments, who are afraid for the safety of valuables, prefer armored structures. And people with average incomes, as a rule, install canvases made of wood or not too thick metal structures with leather covering.
The most popular among Russian residents are steel entrance doors, iron doors with thermal spraying and MDF sheets. Such designs can be bought in stores offering a similar product, or ordered via the Internet.

Experts advise ordering entrance doors from specialized companies. It is not enough just to choose a door, buy it - the canvas still needs to be installed correctly, having previously made the necessary measurements, and it is better to entrust this work to professionals.
Even if you purchase an expensive and high-quality door - for example, armored or made of solid wood, with installation errors, it will not be able to fully fulfill its purpose. Many people think that if the dimensions of the doorway are standard, then there will be no problems, and then they encounter difficulties.

Leaders of sells

To date, the most popular canvases made of steel. There are many requirements for such structures. First of all, strength: this parameter is of paramount importance. Steel products must be resistant to mechanical stress, including burglaries, strong impacts and minor defects such as scratches.
It is mandatory to have anti-removable pins plus additional reinforcement of the corners. Such doors may also have additional characteristics, such as dust resistance and fire resistance.
But not all designs have such properties, if you are interested in such properties, you need to find out the details from the manufacturer before buying.
For entrance door panels made of steel, burglary protection is mandatory. The armored structure is more expensive than conventional counterparts, but the cost of acquiring it justifies itself. Good, high-quality steel doors look really luxurious.


Noise and heat protection parameters are of great importance. When making a choice, consult and find out which product that suits you in terms of cost will meet these criteria.
Also pay attention to the presence of seals (they should be located around the perimeter), the internal filler and the thickness of the structure. In our country, almost all door structures are made of steel, but not every leaf is of high quality. Given this fact, you need to know how not to make a mistake in choosing.
The design of the steel product includes two sheets made of alloyed steel (such steel weighs much less than ordinary steel). The minimum thickness is 1.5 mm, the maximum is 3-4 mm.
A high-quality door leaf has stiffening ribs, which significantly increase the resistance of the entire structure to burglary, and also prevent the steel sheets from bending under the load and own weight of the door structure.

The door leaf frame can be made both in a complex version and in a simple one. The complex block outperforms the standard block in many ways and has been holding the lead for many years.

A complex production option is a single piece of fabric, in which there are no welding seams. It is known that the seams from welding "weaken" the product.

Accessories

The main thing, of course, is the canvas itself, but you should not lose sight of such details as hinges, locking mechanisms, eyes.

Many doors have a weak point that allows breaking - hinges. They can be cut along the seam from welding using a grinder, or torn off with a sledgehammer. Anti-removable pins allow you to secure the house - they are called "crossbars". When the canvas closes, the pin enters the hole in the door frame, thus fixing the entire structure.

Even if the hinges are knocked down or cut off, the doors cannot be removed. To ensure maximum reliability, the canvas is equipped with four pins: a pair at the location of the lock, one each at the bottom and at the top.

There is another method that allows you to protect the structure from removal - these are hidden hinges. Despite the fact that a canvas with hidden loops cannot completely protect a home from illegal entry, even the most experienced attacker will need at least 20 minutes to remove such loops; it is much easier to deal with ordinary ones.

Hidden hinges have another advantage - they improve the appearance of the door leaf.

When choosing an entrance door leaf, the number of hinges should be taken into account. This parameter depends on the mass of the structure. Consult with a specialist by showing him the design passport: he will recommend the best hinges.

If the doors are opened frequently per day (about 50 times), then the manufacturers advise installing at least four hinges, then the load will be distributed correctly.

Doors with such a protective system are more expensive, but the safety of the home should come first, so do not skimp. In this matter, saving is inappropriate, otherwise you can lose more.

There is one more, at first glance, insignificant detail - this is a peephole. Choose a door leaf model, the peephole of which is made of armored glass.

Mistakes

As mentioned above, even the most reliable entrance door leaf will not be able to protect the home one hundred percent if mistakes are made in its installation.

To avoid mistakes, it is better to entrust the installation to specialists: they will make the necessary measurements and design the canvas for a specific opening.

Having designed the door under the opening, the specialists will install it and dismantle the old one.

It is also necessary to qualitatively seal the gaps formed between the door frames and the wall; for this it is best to use concrete. Many choose mounting foam, but it is short-lived.

Advice. In the pursuit of savings, avoid buying front doors in stores and companies with a dubious reputation that do not give warranty on their products.

One of the most common mistakes is the installation of two canvases: external steel and internal wooden. Such a decision is made in the hope of increasing heat and noise insulation, but the wooden structure will not cope with the tasks.

It is much more practical to install a steel sheet with high sound and heat insulation parameters: it will take less time and money.

You can also increase the heat and sound insulation properties of the front door with the help of its upholstery.

doorways

Not in all cases, it is possible to install a steel structure in the opening that is available. It is rarely possible to choose, buy and deliver immediately and on your own. Sometimes it becomes necessary to cut the canvas on one side or on both sides at once. There is also the possibility that the doorway may not be wide enough, and the wall too strong and thick. In this case, the doors are installed outside.

Another option is the coordination in special bodies of work to expand the doorway. To reduce the size of the opening, they resort to concreting or masonry from cement.

There is another solution - to purchase a door consisting of two wings.

Locks

As for locks, mechanisms that cannot be opened have not yet been invented. An experienced attacker will be able to pick up a master key for any lock. But it takes time to select a master key, and the thief may not have the tools necessary to open a certain type of lock. Some locks can take 30 minutes or more to open.

The entrance door leaf must be equipped with at least two locks, one of which is a cylinder and the other is a lever lock. The lever lock is difficult to remove, it is massive. And it is very difficult to pick up a master key to the cylinder one, so these two mechanisms perfectly complement each other.

To throw into the house, on the front doors to which such locks are installed, you need to try very hard. While the thief is fiddling with the locks, he may be noticed.

Before installing the lock, get advice from a specialist: he will help you choose the model of the protective mechanism, give information regarding the pros and cons of certain devices.

Appearance

Finishing is very important for a door made of any material.

As a finishing coating for entrance doors, various materials are used that differ in quality, cost and appearance.

The surfaces of the door panels are upholstered and glued, thereby increasing the heat-insulating and sound-proofing parameters, improving the appearance.

The result depends on the material used for finishing.

Materials for finishing doors are very diverse, among them:

  • plywood;
  • leather substitutes;
  • wooden panels;
  • plastic.

The design of the door structure is chosen based on personal preferences.

Remember: you need to buy only doors from well-established manufacturers whose products are in demand.

Elite door panels

When choosing entrance doors, do not forget that their design should be combined with the interior of the hallway. Entrance doors should become part of the room, fit into it.

When choosing, pay attention to the quality and appearance of the fittings. Fittings largely determine the visual appearance of the entire door structure. Good quality fittings can transform the simplest door, and bad, on the contrary, can spoil the impression.

Important point! When choosing upholstery (finishing) material, consider the care factor for it. The door leaf should be presentable and practical in operation, not require complex maintenance.

Manufacturers are trying to finish the doors with materials that are easy to care for.

Which door would you prefer? Decide on the manufacturer, it will be Russian or foreign. High-quality entrance doors are produced by both domestic and foreign factories.

Which front door is better to install in an apartment, based on quality? In most cases, imported products still win in terms of quality, although they cost more than Russian counterparts.

The cost of steel sheets produced by domestic factories is about 200-400 dollars, while foreign ones cost 300-700 dollars. In addition, the apartment doors of foreign factories do not always fit our openings.

Corner set in Khrushchev or any other small apartment is a real salvation. See if you are choosing furniture for arranging your own kitchen in a small area.

Read about the features of repairing an apartment in a new building with your own hands - all the secrets of a phased implementation of high-quality repairs.

When buying an entrance door to an apartment, be guided by simple recommendations for choosing, take into account the opinion of experts, and then you will certainly make a successful purchase.

Video

The timely advice of a professional master will also be useful: in the video below, find out which one is better and how to choose the right front door and a reliable lock:

No matter how convincingly the manufacturers of wooden entrance doors propagate their products, they are, without a doubt, significantly inferior to their steel counterparts in terms of strength and reliability. However, among the metal counterparts there is a gradation that divides them into categories according to the degree of protection, according to the terms of impeccable service and aesthetic qualities. The steel entrance block is not an acquisition from the category of cheap purchases. Therefore, before you go to the store, you need to figure out how to choose an entrance metal door, what you need to pay extra for, and what you should not spend money on.

Reliability is a priority

We will not deceive ourselves and those around us, proving that we like the “iron” protection in terms of aesthetic indicators. Although the latest Italian, and domestic models can be called attractive without reservation. We decide to install a steel “barrier”, first of all, because of the ultra-high physical and mechanical characteristics of the material and because of the possibility to equip the structure with the maximum number of protective devices.

First of all, you need to pay attention to:

  • on the technical characteristics of the product specified in the manufacturer's documentation;
  • on the design features of the frame and leaf of the front door;
  • on the number of built-in devices that can maximally complicate the solution of the problem of unauthorized entry.

And for yourself, you need to determine in advance the necessary and sufficient limit of reliability, since the search in these indicators entails not only an increase in price. Often, super reliable metal doors create absolutely unnecessary problems for the owners. Too complex crab locks irrevocably break with jamming of the upper bolt, after which a new door has to be tritely installed. Too heavy canvas is difficult to open / close for children and elderly family members. In addition, the mechanisms wear out quickly, the frame is deformed, the canvas sags on worn hinges.

Necessary and sufficient specifications

Let's start with the quality and thickness of the metal, on which the weight of the structure and the price depend. In the production of iron entrance doors, "iron" is not used. It is generally not used anywhere in its pure form, only alloys. They make doors from sheet steel obtained in the process of hot or cold rolling. Since we are figuring out how to choose a metal door, we need to compare the properties of the material:

  • Hot-rolled metal is cheap and dark in color, but its blackness is not visible under the decorative coating. It is more susceptible to the appearance of foci of rust on its surface, and is quickly eaten away by corrosion. If the manufacturer used this particular type of material, the document will indicate GOST number 19903.
  • Cold-rolled alloy is more expensive than the previous version. Without processing pleases with the standard color of galvanized steel. Doors made from it will not suffer from direct contact with atmospheric troubles. GOST with the number 19904 will tell about its use in the manufacture of doors.

If the alloy is supersaturated with carbon, it loses its ductility. A high content of alloying elements is also useless. Medium-alloyed (up to 11%) and medium-carbon (up to 0.6%) steel alloys are considered optimal for the production of doors and their further operation.

Next, we evaluate the prospects and choose an iron door designed to protect our property along the thickness of a steel sheet. This indicator is also found in the technical documents. Its values ​​can vary from 0.8 mm to 4.0 mm, according to which:

  • doors made of sheet steel with a thickness of 0.8-1.0 mm do not belong to the clan of entrance structures. Suitable for arranging outbuildings designed to store low-value items, garden tools;
  • a canvas of two sheets with a metal thickness of 1.0-2.0 mm is a suitable solution for equipping an office space in a multi-storey business center with security;
  • 2.0-2.5 mm - the norm for the door leading from the apartment to the entrance;
  • 4.0 mm is the best option for a country mansion, especially if they do not live in it permanently.

The thicker the sheet steel, the heavier and more expensive the door. It will cost more, not only because of the cost of the material, but also due to the special installation scheme, additional powerful hinges and a reinforced frame. The optimal weight of an iron door for residential buildings is 70 kg. Bank doors and bulletproof options weigh 90-100 kg or more.

Design features of a steel door

The two main components of any door unit are the leaf and the frame, which is also a frame, which is more in line with a product made of steel billets. The most reliable is recognized as a monolithic frame bent from a profile pipe with one welded seam, a less reliable frame welded from four pieces of hot-rolled profile pipe. The most "flimsy" type is welded from four segments, each of which, in turn, is welded from two corners of equal length.

In short: the more welds, the worse, according to the engineers. In their opinion, welding changes the initial design geometry. The consequences of violation of the calculated geometric parameters may not appear immediately after installation, among them:

  • distortions and the accompanying need for effort;
  • directly opposite drafts and cracks, allowing you to cut off the internal hinges, open the door with a crowbar or mount;
  • jamming of the web, crossbars of the locking system.

There should be no welds on the front side of the canvas. The outer part must be made of a monolithic sheet, otherwise it will not withstand a strong blow from a heavy sledgehammer.

Canvas as a guideline of choice

The canvas itself is a rectangular frame to which two metal sheets are attached. There may be one steel outer sheet and an inner panel of solid wood, MDF or chipboard, covered with laminated film, veneer, cheap vinyl leather. This feature differentiates the entrance blocks into those able to withstand atmospheric attacks and not able to resist the sun's rays and moisture.

If the owner decides which of the metal doors to choose for installation in an opening that communicates with the street, the answer is unequivocal - completely iron, since temperature changes and fluctuations in moisture levels will render wood and materials created from its fibers unusable. They equip apartments with blocks with a metal-MDF tandem or an additional entrance to a country house leading from a closed vestibule to housing.

Note. The condition for full protection against hacking by simple thieves' methods - a crowbar and a crowbar is steel cashing and vestibules. They will close all unreliable areas and prevent access to critical parts.

Recalculate stiffeners

Between the outer steel sheet and the inner panel, no matter what material it is made of, there are stiffening ribs. At a minimum, there should be two vertical and one horizontal. It is best if there are more edges than the specified limit, because their number increases reliability. But at the same time with reliability, they will increase the weight.

In order to reduce the weight, the ribs are made not from an ordinary angle or a rectangular steel pipe, but from long bars with a complex profile. It is almost impossible to bend complex-profile ribs, and they make the door slightly heavier.

Reliable door hinges

Those who want to know how to choose the right front door should also focus on the hinges. Steel door blocks are equipped with two varieties:

  • hidden loops, unconditionally eliminating the desire to cut;
  • ordinary external ones, which, in principle, can be cut off, but anti-seizure devices will not allow to remove the canvas - small steel pins “drowned” in special holes in the frame with the door closed.

For inexplicable reasons, the latter type is most commonly used. Apparently, because the degree of protection is provided by anti-removals.

The number of loops determines the weight of the canvas. For a standard of 70 kg, two hinges are sufficient if the door is not operated with increased intensity, closing 50 times a day. Those who are going to actively move back and forth, and those who decide to install a bulletproof door, will need 3-4 hinges. The hinges must have a support bearing, which will extend the life of the devices and facilitate operation.

About heat and how to save it

The metal door does not contribute to the preservation of heat, as the material is an excellent conductor of heat waves. Thermal insulation is placed between the outer and inner sheet of the canvas, for which mineral wool insulation or expanded polystyrene is most often used due to fire resistance and environmental priorities. Do not rely on the presence of insulation, cold bridges are still formed in the area of ​​​​the stiffeners and along the perimeter of the frame. But with insulation it is still warmer than without it at all.

A rubber seal will eliminate drafts and foreign odors. Most manufacturers equip canvases with two of its rows, but experts believe that one is enough.

The castle is a friend and faithful watchdog

"Incorruptible watchdogs", that is, unpickable locks do not exist. The difference between an unreliable and reliable lock is only in the length of time that an attacker will need to spend on opening. True, too complex locking systems sometimes fail the owners themselves, therefore neither manufacturers nor sellers of iron doors advise getting carried away with constructive delights.

The most effective locking option, both consumers and manufacturers, recognize the presence of two different types of locking systems. It is desirable that the main one be equipped with crossbars for locking in several directions for a long time, and the auxiliary one suits the owners, who often close the door for a short period.

It makes no sense to talk about which entrance doors are more beautiful and which ones are better to choose for arranging a house or apartment with an existing interior and exterior. Everyone has individual opinions, there is no need to bring them to a common denominator. We can only advise you to buy door blocks with an external anti-vandal coating that protects the appearance of the entrance group from those who like to spoil beautiful things. By the way, you can apply it yourself after installation. So, at the top of the search rock, we will strengthen the flag with the inscription “reliability”, measure the opening according to the rules, which can be found in the corresponding article, and rush to conquer sellers with awareness, not forgetting that we came to buy a super strong iron barrier.

Metal doors are used to equip apartments, houses. Such products have high strength, wear resistance, are not susceptible to moisture and retain heat well.

When choosing models, pay attention to the security system and technical reliability.

How to choose a metal door

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

Aluminum sheets are lightweight, so they are easy to install. This material allows you to realize many options for finishing.

  • Pay attention to the way the door opens. It is better to choose designs that open on both the left and right sides. External or internal doors to choose - depends on taste preferences.
  • Consider the technical characteristics of the model, because it will be constantly under mechanical and thermal influence. To keep the look longer, opt for powder coating or oak paneling.
  • The level of noise and heat insulation are important criteria. As a rule, a metal door is insulated with mineral wool, polystyrene foam, corrugated cardboard.

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

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

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

  • Pay attention to the quality of accessories. It includes door hinges, handles, chains, eyes, and other decorating elements. The aesthetics and beauty of these details also testify to the reliability of accessories.

  • Notice the door hinges. Do not buy products that are equipped with less than three hinges. Consider the opening angle of the structure: 90, 120, 180 degrees. The higher this figure, the better.
  • It is better if the model is made from a single-curved profile.
  • When choosing a door, specify the thickness of the door leaf. The minimum figure is 40 mm, but the structure will not be protected.

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

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

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

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

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

With the help of polymer coloring, the structure acquires a new color and protective characteristics. Lacquering is a type of coating with a high level of resistance. Wood trim is the most environmentally friendly and effective way to decorate.

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

The best metal door with a thermal break

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

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

Characteristics:

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

Pros:

  • the design does not freeze, no ice;
  • reliable protection system against penetration;
  • multilayer insulation system;
  • functionality;
  • thermal stability;
  • wear resistance and durability;
  • average weight, transportability;
  • high-quality accessories, reliable fastenings;
  • easy installation and maintenance of the door.

Minuses:

  • high price.

The best metal door with a thick canvas

canvas Trio Metal, insulated with mineral wool, thickness - 80 mm. The model is sealed with three contours in places that wear out quickly. Loops on bearings provide opening of a door on 180 degrees, the peephole is responsible for a wide review.

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

Characteristics:

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

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • heavy and bulky item.

The best Belarusian metal door

Design Veldoors Chocolate available in two sizes. The door opens from two sides. Beautiful design and quality finish with PVC. The simplicity of geometric shapes and dark chocolate color give the design elegance and a special charm.

Characteristics:

  • dimensions - 860 by 2060 (960 by 2050) mm;
  • 2 sealing circuits;
  • filler - ISOVER mineral wool;
  • cover - structured MDF panel;
  • fittings (2 hinges with bearings, 2 locks, night latch, anti-removable pins).

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • difficulty in care;
  • accumulation of dust.

The best metal soundproof door

Design LEGANZA FORTE ideally combines aesthetic appearance and high quality: sound insulation, insulation. Adjustable hinges prevent the door leaf from sagging. Anti-burglary product, powder-coated exterior.

Characteristics:

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

Pros:

  • anti-corrosion protection;
  • locks with recoding;
  • built-in protection against the most popular hacking methods;
  • high sound and heat insulation;
  • equipped with adjustable loops that prevent sagging of the canvas;
  • comfortable and practical design.

Minuses:

  • large door;
  • low portability.

The best apartment metal door

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

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

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

Characteristics:

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

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • hard to transport.

The best metal door with MDF finish

Design Professional door-MD10 weighty and large in size, suitable for decorating the entrance and front doors of the apartment. Thanks to the built-in stiffening ribs, the elastic metal sheet acquires reliability and durability.

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

Characteristics:

  • dimensions - 200 by 80 cm;
  • weight - 70 kg;
  • 2 pyramidal stiffeners;
  • MDF finish;
  • reinforcement with a profile pipe;
  • noise insulation of the door porch;
  • fittings (two locks, peephole).

Pros:

  • the design is protected from foreign penetration;
  • high-quality insulation of the model;
  • high sound insulation;
  • stiffening ribs provide wear resistance and reliability of the structure;
  • MDF finish brings the model closer to natural design.

Minuses:

  • hefty construction.

The best metal door for a private house

Wear resistant Arma Standard-1 tight design with two sealing circuits. For the manufacture of the door, a bent metal profile with stiffeners is used. The product is equipped with a cylinder and lever lock, a peephole, chrome-colored fittings.

Reliable protection against breaking is provided by anti-removable pins. The metal door is powder coated, resists corrosion and mechanical damage. Although the design is heavy, it opens easily and without excessive sound effects.


Characteristics:

  • canvas dimensions - 880 x 2050 mm;
  • thickness - 80 mm;
  • filler - mineral cloth "URSA GEO";
  • MDF finish;
  • external powder copper coating;
  • fittings (sealing contours, hinges, pins, night valve).


Pros:

  • large thickness of the metal sheet;
  • high level of sound insulation;
  • high-quality filler, high-quality insulation;
  • reliable protection against hacking;
  • possibility of opening from both sides;
  • beautiful appearance, stylish design;
  • convenient set.

Minuses:

  • heavy construction.

The best metal door for technical rooms

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

The door is designed with the latest technology, equipped with reliable protection against burglary and fire resistance. There are two types of seals used. Stylish design and beautiful powder coated finish.

Characteristics:

  • dimensions - 1400 by 1000 (2350 by 1750) mm;
  • exterior finish with powder-polymer coating;
  • two contours of a rubber sealant, a thermoexpanding sealant;
  • execution of the box (with and without a threshold, in an overlay or in an opening);
  • equipping with fire-fighting mechanisms;
  • accessories (crossbars, locks).

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • rather heavy construction;
  • difficulties in transportation.

best bi-fold metal door

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

The construction is strong, wear-resistant and durable. Among the fittings are two locks, a peephole with a 180-degree view.

Characteristics:

  • type - ceremonial double-leaf;
  • dimensions - 2000 by 800 mm;
  • finishing (powder coating);
  • equipped with top and bottom lock;
  • number of loops (2);
  • insulated with mineral wool;
  • Equipped with a 180 degree eye.

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • suitable only for large openings.

The best metal door with internal opening

DS-7 Designed for installation in offices and residential areas. The design is made of a one-piece bent door leaf (two metal sheets, 4 stiffeners). The product is equipped with locks of 3 and 4 classes of burglar resistance.

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

Characteristics:

  • 4 stiffeners;
  • dimensions - 2000 by 880 (2100-980) mm;
  • two contour seals;
  • the structure is insulated with mineral wool;
  • fittings (hinges, peephole, lining, handle).

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • there are no anti-removable fasteners.

Which metal door is better to buy

Let's compare the main technical characteristics of the models to find out which ones are best suited for equipping an apartment or house.

  • The thickness of the metal sheet must be at least 2-3 mm; the designs presented in this rating correspond to the indicator.
  • Let's pay attention to the thickness of the web, there are models with high (80-90 mm) and medium (60-70 mm) parameters. Sealing contours and stiffening ribs are used to support the shape of the metal sheet.

Among the best doors are Sever, Trio Metal.

  • An important criterion is the level of heat and sound insulation, which depends on the thickness of the door leaf and the insulation used. All structures from the rating are insulated with environmentally friendly mineral wool.

The anti-corrosion model LEGANZA FORTE has excellent sound insulation.

  • We pay attention to the quality of the fittings: locks, hinges, door handles. Buy models Akron 1, Arma Standard-1, they are equipped with the necessary accessories.
  • It depends on the security system how the design is protected from hacking. Products with high-quality protection - LEGANZA FORTE, North, Professional door-MD10.
  • The finishes of the products are varied, powder-coated (LEGANZA FORTE) and MDF (Trio Metal) models are presented.

All models have a stylish design, the most original is Veldoors Chocolate.

So, among the best models are Sever, Trio Metal, Veldoors Chocolate, LEGANZA FORTE. These are products with high wear resistance of the metal sheet, good sealing and insulation, reliable protection system and good external finish.


Today, there are a large number of doors on sale, but not all of them are suitable for installation inside the entrance, where many people walk, make noise and can be smoky. It is important that it be warm and protected from intellectual hacking, and for this it is worth paying attention to the design features and locking mechanisms. Knowing the characteristics of insulating materials and surface coating options will help you understand which front door is better to put in an apartment. You can choose a good and inexpensive design by examining the rating of manufacturers.

Which front door is better to install in an apartment

A good entrance door installed inside the entrance should be able to protect the apartment from various negative factors and at the same time resist external influences on its own surface in order to maintain a beautiful view. Possible negative effects include:

  • smoky air;
  • accidental touching of the surface of the canvas with bags or carrying large items;
  • noise from the trampling of passers-by and their conversations;
  • drafts;
  • forceful or vandal hacking attempts.

To resist all these phenomena, doors must have certain characteristics. For example, a thickness of steel on the box and frame of the canvas from 1.2 mm will help protect the structure from breaking out. The most optimal would be 1.5-2 mm. Although at the entrance it is less likely that intruders will make noise with a tool, but, due to the inaction of neighbors, robbers may have a margin of time and such an opportunity. It is better to put an entrance door into the apartment created by bending solid sheets of steel, since such a box and sash will be stronger to resist deformations, such as pulling the edge of the canvas.

To prevent bending of a part of the web, it is important to have at least two stiffening ribs located vertically across the entire cavity. Even more appreciated is the combined arrangement, where one rib is welded across the cavity, and two in a vertical position. So that cutting the hinges does not lead to the door falling out of the opening, it is better to buy a product with anti-removable pins. These are bars with a diameter of 14 mm located inside the structure between the canvas and the box. In the closed position, they connect the frame post and the sash profile.

To resist accidental scratches from bags, skis, strollers and other carried items, the surface of the canvas must have a durable coating. The best entrance metal doors to the apartment are powder-coated for this or supplied with an MDF board covered with PVC film. Both options have a dense structure and retain a beautiful appearance for a long time despite mechanical stress or moisture. They are suitable for installation on the ground floor, even with strong evaporation from the basement.

Many buyers, judging by the reviews, like the door with a wooden lining on the inside. This serves as additional insulation and decorates the hallway, giving it a more homely look. As finishing materials for this use:

  • laminate strips;
  • MDF lining;
  • pressed boards finished with veneer;
  • natural array.

The wooden surface can be milled or have a mirror, which is very practical. These overlays have a wide choice of colors, as well as the structure of the pattern.

What kind of insulation and locks should be on the doors to the apartment

To understand which entrance door is better to install in an apartment for security reasons, it is worth considering that intruders overcome such obstacles most often by intellectual opening. To resist these attempts, it is important to choose products with locks of the 3rd and 4th classes of burglary resistance. This will delay the robber for 40-50 minutes. No one will mess around at the door in the entrance for so long. Even greater protection is provided by the combination of lever and cylindrical locks, since they have different mechanisms and the principle of operation. To prevent the insides of the locking devices from being drilled, an armor plate is provided.

If common doors are closed at the entrance and there are good windows, and it is also heated, then a sash with foam plastic and two sealing circuits is sufficient. To protect the apartment from the cold in entrances without windows or located on the first floors, it is worth buying a product with a filler in the form of mineral wool or polyurethane foam. This gives high insulation against noise and heat transfer. If the neighbors smoke a lot on the landing, then the best entrance door to the apartment with four sealant contours around the perimeter can protect against the penetration of tobacco smoke.

The best metal door manufacturers

Often, when choosing front doors, buyers are looking for information about which company is better, which helps to narrow down the search. Here are the TOP of the most popular metal door factories with good characteristics:

  • "Yoshkar Ola";
  • "Citadel";
  • "Door Continent";
  • "Doors South";
  • Zetta;
  • "Bulldors";
  • "Lex".

The listed best entrance door manufacturers have modern equipment for the production of boxes and door frames by bending solid sheets of steel with a thickness of 1.2 to 4 mm. All firms use semi-automatic welding and contact equipment to make neat and durable seams on the structure. They have at their disposal milling machines with a variety of patterns to create beautiful designs on wood panels. The price of products varies from economy to premium class.

The company "Reliable doors" is the official dealer of the above and other manufacturers of metal doors. Here you can choose and buy a door to an apartment with high-class burglary-resistant locks, insulation made of mineral wool or polyurethane foam, powder-coated and having decorative panels.

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