What are the parameters for choosing an entrance metal door. Steel doors top best

An entrance metal door must have many qualities. It must be durable, reliable, and work without fail. Also, when purchasing an iron entrance structure, everyone assumes that it will last for many years, because such a product costs a lot. Professional advice will help you choose a metal entrance door that will beautifully complement the facade of the house and will become a 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 consider:

Place of installation. The front door in the house is in direct contact with the outside environment. Therefore, special requirements are imposed on the material of the product. When deciding which metal door to choose, pay attention that the external finish can withstand temperature extremes, frost, moisture, direct sunlight.
Protection level. Private ownership needs a secure 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 burglar resistance of the structure. Before choosing a steel door, consider what you want.
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 by the climatic 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, you will need mineral wool, polyurethane foam, insulation not only of the sash, but also of the box.
The number of gasket contours. When the sash adheres to the box, there are always gaps that can be eliminated by installing a seal. It is glued in one, two or even three circuits for maximum insulation.
Dimensions and weight. To choose the right iron front door, this must be taken into account. Often, the opening has non-standard dimensions, significant width. The larger the size of the door, the more layers of insulation in it, the more impressive its weight. To hold such a structure, special strong hinges will be required in sufficient quantity (three or four).
Appearance. The sash must be simultaneously combined with the building facade 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 entrance door for installation in a multi-storey building, thermal insulation properties are important, but not as important as for a private house. The climatic stability of the cladding does not matter, because the structure is located at the entrance.

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

Locks. Apartments are always under the scrutiny of thieves, so the safety of the structure should be taken care of. It is better if two locks with different mechanisms are mounted in the sash. Additionally, you can install a night valve on the canvas.
Metal thickness. When deciding which steel doors are best for an apartment, pay attention to this characteristic. The strength of the product, its resistance to cracking directly depends on it. The minimum thickness of a steel sheet is 1-1.5 m; in premium class products, metal with a thickness of 2 mm is used.
Decorative characteristics. The interior decoration 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 proposed options.
Peephole and viewing angle. This simple element will allow you to consider who came, find out the cause of the noise in the corridor. For a good inspection, the peephole should have a 180-degree field of view.
Isolation from noise. To make your stay in the apartment comfortable, the structure should not let in extraneous sounds. The presence of even a small layer of insulation together with the contour of the seal (one or more) will provide reliable sound insulation.

In addition, the complete set of the door is important. In addition to the frame and sash, there must be suitable platbands, as well as a sill, so that the opening can be made.

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 degrades more strongly under the influence of environmental factors. 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 an apartment.

Maximum safety

The main function of an entrance metal door, both in a private house and in an apartment, in an office or industrial premises, is to protect property. There is no such structure that could not be opened, but the degree of resistance to burglary varies greatly from model to model. Some can be opened in minutes. With more durable systems, crackers will have to tinker one or two hours. There are 4 reliability classes in total. It is better to choose a steel entrance door to a class 3 or 4 apartment, although it is more expensive.

What determines the reliability of the door:

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 blade can be opened like an ordinary tin can. It is right to choose a metal door to an apartment, in which there are two sheets of steel, and a heater is located between them.
Stiffening rib. They are longitudinal, transverse or combined. The more there are, the more reliable the structure is protected from twisting and deformation.
Locks. They are of the lever type and cylinder type. It is better to choose iron doors to the apartment, where one is a lever-type locking mechanism, the other is a cylinder one. 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 front doors to the apartment are equipped with locks from such well-known brands as Kale, Cisa, Iseo, Motulla.

A few words about comfort

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

To do this, it must have the following characteristics:

have a sash thickness of at least 80 mm;
be lined with panels, their thickness is about 12 mm;
one or two gasket contours are required;
have good insulating material inside.

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

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

If an entrance metal system is installed at the entrance or at the entrance to a non-residential premises, it should be equipped with a 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. The decorative finish is of great importance. It protects the metal from corrosion and makes the product look attractive. If quality materials have been used, the canvas is easy to care for.

For finishing metal doors use:

Powder paint. It includes metal powder and polymeric materials. Application is carried out in a special chamber. The paint is resistant to scratches, it does not fade in the sun, and allows you to create coatings of various colors.
Artificial leather. This is a budget option. It will not work if there are pets (dog, cat) in the house or apartment.
Natural wood. Quite expensive coverage. It is suitable for interior decoration of an 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 treatment.
Imitation wood. MDF panels or veneer are cheaper than natural wood and have an attractive appearance. Covering MDF panels with PVC foil is an optimal ratio of price and quality.

What affects the cost?

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

The cost depends on many factors:

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

It makes no sense to save on materials. Since when using thin metal, poor-quality gaskets and weak fittings, the product will quickly become unusable. All the savings will have to be spent on repairs or on a new door.

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

When buying a 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 premium products, then that's a good sign. You can also ask for advice on how to choose a metal front door from those who have already been involved in similar arrangement of their homes.

Among the 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 services for installation, warranty and post-warranty service. After all, the lock or other fittings may fail. It is not always possible to eliminate 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 for more than a decade, will reliably protect the property and the residents themselves.

For a house to become a real fortress, it is not enough for him to have strong walls. You 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. Let's 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 heading to the store, it's worth getting to know. The performance properties are determined by the characteristics of the constituent elements.

Design

The door frame, which is considered the frame of the system.
Cloth that covers and opens the opening. Fits into a box. It is a frame sheathed on both sides with internal stiffening ribs.
holding the product on the box.
Seal 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 made of 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 should also be solid, without seams. It is made from two types of materials.

Materials (edit)

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

Criteria for choosing a metal door

Thickness of steel

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 weight increase. Heavy weight suggests operational problems.

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

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

Sometimes the steel sheet is placed only on the outside. It is economical, but highly questionable in regards to it. It is good if there is metal on both sides of the frame. Models are produced 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 exposed to special effects. It is better to reinforce 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

Stiffening ribs give maximum strength and ability to resist mechanical stress of the canvas, they are located inside the structure. They can be placed horizontally, diagonally or vertically. Their number is different, but it 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 rectangular pipe. They are reliable but massive. Well-known manufacturers use rolled ribs with a complex profile. It is very strong but lightweight. This allows you to strengthen the product without weighing it down. The best metal entrance doors do not have to be heavy, 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. It can bear the weight of the panel well and is used for massive systems. Their price is noticeably lower than that of analogues. This is due to the simple manufacturing technology. There is no need to equip seats for open hinges, use a hollow profile for a hidden mechanism. The main disadvantage is availability. These hinges are visible and can be cut.

This disadvantage can be leveled in different ways. For example, choose a hinge group with pivoting 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 enter the grooves. In this position, it becomes impossible to remove the panel. The type of hinges determines the resistance of the structure to burglary. The hidden mechanism is more reliable, but at the same time 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 such loops. However, hidden items have disadvantages. First of all, this is the need for frequent adjustments due to their design. Such loops often creak and sag over time under the weight of the canvas. It is undesirable to choose them for very heavy products. But if it is nevertheless necessary, with a mass of over 200 kg, high-quality elements are selected. Otherwise, they will not last long.

Insulation of the door system

The entrance group should not only protect against unauthorized entry, but also be an obstacle to noise, cold, etc. All this will provide good insulation. Each product is a frame on which two steel plates are fixed. Stiffeners are located between them, everything else is voids. They must be filled with a suitable insulator.

Pressed cardboard or paper. The cheapest option, more often found in Chinese manufacturers. Keeps warm well. It burns, is very hygroscopic, absorbs moisture and loses its properties.
... Good noise and heat insulation characteristics. Non-toxic and non-flammable. Of the minuses: you need to be aware that over time, the material can sag. Insulating properties are lost if water gets in.
Styrofoam. Effectively retains heat and sounds, moisture resistant. Affordable price. The main disadvantage is that it is highly flammable, releases toxic substances during combustion.
Polyurethane foam. Good insulator. Durable, moisture resistant and not sensitive to temperature changes. May be flammable.

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 proved to be a little worse. The cavities in the profiles are also filled, otherwise the insulation performance will noticeably decrease. Professionals advise, when choosing an entrance metal door, to knock on it with a suitable metal object. A dull sound indicates good 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 circuits. You need to know that this is just a way to increase the price of products. If you believe the reviews, one properly fixed rubber seal contour is enough. Polyurethane and silicone are slightly worse.

Interior and exterior finishing

Metal plates are durable, but not aesthetically pleasing, therefore they need decor. If any material is suitable for the inside, then the outside is made out of a cladding resistant to adverse influences. Here are some options.

Powder dyes. Topping the top. Attractive durable coating that lasts a long time. Moreover, its price is low.
Solid wood. An expensive, eco-friendly and very beautiful way to decorate. Polishing, carving or painting can be used.
Lamination with pvc film. Imitation of a wide variety of materials is possible. The finish is fragile and short-lived.
Pvc panels. The performance characteristics are similar to those of the film. Wide range of designs and short service life.

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

What to consider when choosing a castle

In theory, any lock can be opened. The question is how much time will be spent on this. 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. There are two options to choose from.

Cylinder

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 out. Experienced burglars can easily knock out the cylinder lock. For this reason, it is recommended to additionally protect it with special balls that prevent drilling, or with an armor plate.

Suvaldny

The design contains metal suvald plates in an amount from one to ten. Sufficient safety 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 is impossible to knock him out. It is optimal if the mechanism has a manganese insert, which will protect it from drilling. It is recommended to complete the product with different types of locking mechanisms. You need to put at least two of them. More is welcome. Electronic locks are still quite rare. They are reliable and easy to use. However, they cannot be considered the safest. Crackers pick the code for such mechanisms.

Installation methods

The method and quality of installation affect both the burglary resistance of the system and its insulating properties. It is important in advance, even when measuring the opening, to discuss with the masters 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

With steel dowel anchors (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 if the following conditions are met: each box post should be fixed with at least four anchor-dowels; the box must be equipped in advance with welded external platbands, which reduce the load on the attachment points when slamming; the weight of the door leaf should not exceed 100 kg.
Reinforcement pins (diameter 12–16 mm, length up to 200 mm). This method is applicable for blocks of strength classes M1 and M2 in accordance with GOST 31173-2003. It is optimal for apartment buildings with thick (over 16 cm) inner walls made of lightweight (hollow, cellular) blocks. Each stand must be attached with four or five (in the case of a foam block) pins, which the master must then weld to the box, and the welding places must be cleaned and treated with an anti-corrosion compound.
Reinforcement pins or anchors with concreting. The box is made of an open profile, reminiscent of a channel, the shelves of which are directed to the wall. After fastening with pins, it is filled with a cement-sand mortar using a syringe or pump. This method is rarely used today due to the increased labor intensity, but it gives a significant gain in resistance to operational loads and burglary, as well as in sound insulation.
With the reinforcement of the opening. Such reinforcement is necessary when installing products with increased resistance to burglary (class II and higher according to GOST R 51113-97) into walls made of light blocks. The opening is reinforced with two U-shaped frames from a corner with shelves 40-50 mm wide. These frames are installed from inside and outside the room, and then connected to each other with 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 input metal is the best. Different models are designed for use in different conditions. Only the owner of the house can make the best choice, taking into account all the features of his home.

Prepared by: Inna Yasinovskaya

A high-quality and reliable front door is not a whim, but a necessary condition for comfort and safety. It is she who protects the peaceful sleep of the owners of the house, protects their lives and property, protects from cold and noise, and allows you to designate the zone of the family's personal space. Its strength, burglar resistance directly affects the level of security. At the same time, one cannot fail to note the importance of an attractive appearance, which testifies to the good taste and consistency of the owner. Let's try to figure out how to choose the front door to the apartment among the numerous proposals.

Front door requirements

The product must meet several basic requirements. In addition to the fact that it must be made of durable material that is resistant to mechanical stress, the door must be equipped with:

at least two reliable locking systems installed at intervals of 30 cm;
a peephole that guarantees a panoramic view;
additional longitudinal and transverse stiffeners;
a high degree of noise and heat insulation;
reliable fastening in the form of U-shaped grips or anchor fasteners.

The aesthetic component is no less important. It is ideal if the door finish is in harmony not only with the interior of the entrance, but also with the interior “colleagues”.

Entrance groups of private houses or country cottages must be equipped with additional burglar-proof systems.

Types of entrance doors

The following materials are used for production:

wood;
metal;
plastic;
glass.

Obviously, strong metal doors are best suited for country houses and apartments. They are installed by the overwhelming majority of owners, as they want to be sure of their own safety. The second highest rating is wooden doors. These products usually have additional protection in the form of a steel frame or steel plate installed as the center layer of the door pie. Products made of valuable species - solid oak or ash - most often decorate the homes of wealthy people.

Other types of canvases are not able to provide decent protection. They are installed in rooms where there is no need to create an insurmountable barrier or where security functions are assigned to the alarm system and special companies.

Metal

Metal doors can be classified into aluminum and steel. The first ones do not have sufficient strength and are more often used in outbuildings - sheds or garages.
Steel blades are reliable, strong and durable. They are equipped with noise and heat insulating layers, additional stiffeners. Steel doors can have different thicknesses and internal filling. The degree of protection of the room from burglary attempts, penetration of cold and extraneous sounds depends on this. The combination of different materials improves the technical qualities of the door and influences its appearance and durability.

The use of special technologies makes it possible to make metal doors bulletproof, fireproof, endow them with the ability to absorb vibrational vibrations during an explosion.

Wooden

Wooden doors have not lost their relevance due to their natural origin and environmental friendliness. Solid wood products are powerful and respectable, creating an atmosphere of prosperity and inviolability of traditions.

The quality of a wooden door should allow it to withstand the effects of atmospheric phenomena, block extraneous noise, and provide a high-quality thermal break.

The outer panel is made of wood coated with antibacterial and fireproof compounds. Protective varnishes and paints can be used as a finishing layer. Even if the door is not subject to increased requirements regarding its protective properties, it is better if it is reinforced, equipped with seals and a reliable locking device.

The density and weight of the finished web depends on the type of wood. The heaviest and at the same time representative, expensive and reliable doors are made of solid oak or beech. More affordable options, for example, pine, birch, are not as strong and require additional reinforcement. Such variations are suitable for installation in a bath or shed.

With mirror or glass insert

Canvases with decorative inserts made of glass or mirrors add lightness and elegance to the room. It may seem that transparent fragments are a "weak link" in the fundamental structure and the reliability of such doors is questionable. However, thanks to the use of special technologies, such options are in no way inferior in strength to their "deaf brothers".
The reliability of the glass insert depends on the characteristics of the material. The following types of glass are used in the production of entrance doors:

triplex - is a multilayer material;
hardened - has an increased level of shock resistance;
bulletproof - resistance to firearms is ensured by applying a special film.

Double-glazed door

Double-glazed entrance groups initially found their application in the construction of office buildings, shopping and entertainment centers, hospital and sports complexes, small shops and service enterprises. However, practical and functional doors with an attractive and varied design are gradually gaining ground in the private sector. The proven safety and durability of insulating glass entrance products makes them more and more in demand.

The door structure includes a plastic profile frame, a glass unit and plastic panels. Glazing can be made in full size of the canvas or occupy 2/3 of the total area. It can be solid or composed of fragments.

The door can be equipped with anti-burglary fittings, which increase resistance to the actions of intruders. Special hinges are designed to withstand heavy loads.

The multi-point lock secures the frame on three sides and makes the structure more airtight. The plastic profile is reinforced around the perimeter, which increases its reliability.
By installing armored anti-vandal glass, you protect yourself from the actions of hooligans and burglars. Multilayer canvases made using the triplex technology can become an alternative to an armored product. They are able to resist being hit by a stone or a bottle, and even when broken, they will not scatter, but will simply be covered with cracks.

A door structure with a double-glazed window can be made special by lamination, complicating the layout, tinting, applying a mirror or matte finish.

What to look for when choosing a metal door

When choosing a door, you should make sure that it is resistant to forceful and intellectual burglary. The design must ensure reliable protection of property and human life.

Another aspect that should also be assessed is the ability of the sheet to sound and heat insulation. The door should block the flow of street noise, dust, drafts and foreign odors.

No less important are the strength and quality of execution of all mechanisms of the structure - hinges, handles, locking system. Make sure that all elements are working correctly in order to avoid unexpected jamming of locks and twisting of the door.

Aesthetic appeal and compliance with the style and color scheme of the interior is no less weighty argument when arranging the entrance group.

Security class

There are 13 levels of burglary resistance of doors. The security class for household products usually varies within the first four positions. Higher protection categories are required for the equipment of banking establishments and vaults.

Let's analyze the properties of the doors corresponding to the first four levels.

First class - physical strength and ordinary hand tools are enough to open the door.
The second class - you need a special power tool for hacking.
The third class - such an obstacle can only be overcome by electrical devices with a power exceeding 500 watts.
The fourth class is bulletproof doors that are resistant to previous burglary methods.

Thickness of steel

The reliability of the structure directly depends on the thickness of the steel from which the canvas is made. Most often, metal is used with a thickness of 1-2 mm. In higher quality and more expensive doors, the thickness of the steel plates can be up to 6 mm.

It is not recommended to use steel thinner than 1 mm, since it is not resistant to accidental mechanical damage and vandal attacks. Steel plates with a thickness of 1.5 mm are considered the optimal material for the manufacture of cloth for an entrance group in an apartment or a private house. They do not overload the door and at the same time guarantee it a high level of protection. For even greater reliability, manufacturers reinforce the blade with an additional sheet of steel.

Number of stiffeners

The design of the metal entrance door is a multi-layer cake. The outer layers are steel plates, which are reinforced from the inside with stiffeners. High-quality doors should have at least three similar elements - one horizontal and a couple of vertical ones. But the more stiffening ribs in the design, the more durable, heavy and reliable the door leaf will be.

Heat and sound insulation

The filling of the door "pie" consists of heat-insulating and sound-insulating materials and differs depending on the price category of the product. Cheap samples are filled with corrugated cardboard or mineral wool in the form of pressed plates. More expensive models are insulated with polyurethane foam, which blocks noise and prevents the room from freezing.

The thermal insulation characteristics of this material are very significant. No wonder he is so popular. Judge for yourself - a sheet of polyurethane foam with a thickness of 10 mm has the same ability to heat insulation as a brickwork with a thickness of 30 cm.

Number and types of loops

Since hinges are the weak point of any, even the most reliable door, it is better to keep them hidden. Such fittings will not leave a chance even for the most sophisticated intruder.

Manufacturers are constantly working to improve the stability and quality of these devices and offer unique patented hidden hinge designs.

The most reliable designs are obtained if, instead of hinges, the door is equipped with special anti-removable pins. Thick steel rods are installed on the end side of the canvas in the place where the hinges are usually located. When the door is closed, the pins drive into the holes formed in the door frame. The rods are blocked, so that the possibility of removing the blade is completely excluded. There can be at least 2 such parts, however, for greater reliability and stability of the structure, it is recommended to install at least 5 pieces.

External and internal finishing

Products represent various variations of blind canvases. They can be made with a decorative design in the form of imitation of a paneled door, have fragmentary glazing. The outer side is usually decorated in dark, restrained colors. It can be plain or imitate the texture of natural wood or stone. From the side of the living space, the product is decorated with MDF sheets, trimmed with natural veneer, laminated or plastic lamellas.

Features of the choice of the castle

The degree of reliability of the door depends not only on the thickness of the steel and the hidden hanging hardware. A cheap, simple lock can nullify the virtues of any quality design. A specialist will open such a lock in a couple of seconds. It is advisable to equip the product with not one, but several different types of devices. There should be at least two of them. The main lock ensures that the door can be locked in several directions using crossbars. Additional fixation devices can be simpler. The main thing is that they are not cheap - such locks often jam, break, and are easy to open.

In order to increase reliability, special armor plates can be installed on the lock.
The most reliable is the "brainchild" of innovative technologies - a biometric lock. For authentication, such a device only needs to read information from the pads of the fingers or the iris of the eye. Such devices are capable of storing up to 99 different fingerprints. They are successfully used in “smart home” systems and nullify the efforts of the masters of intelligent hacking. The owner of the house can manage it at will - to open or restrict access to others. In case of an emergency, such a shutter can be opened using a special cylindrical key.

Additional protection systems

Devices that impede access to the locking mechanism provide additional protection for the door. Among them are:

Armor Plates - Protect the pocket area for mounting the lock. They do not allow drilling at the fastening points of the lock case and shank. The armor plate is made of steel with a thickness of 3 mm and is welded into the door at the manufacturing stage. In total, the thickness of the outer steel sheet of the door leaf, the mounting pocket and the protective strip is as much as 7 mm, which allows us to speak of a high degree of security of the locking mechanism.

Armor plates - protect cylinder locks. There are various options for such overlays:

invoices consist of two elements and are installed on both sides of the door leaf, after which they are connected with pins;
mortise - installed on the cylinder by cutting through the metal casing and mounting pocket;
magnetic - among them sliding and rotary ones can be distinguished. Sliding shutters over the keyhole. They can be removed only by attaching a special magnetic key. Swivel - almost the same principle, only the protective casing does not move, but rotates;
coded - a metal shutter blocks access to the locking mechanism. During the first stage, access to the introduction of the key into the lock is opened, the next step is to open the locking mechanism.

Peephole

Good hardware is essential for quality protection. And this is not only hinges, a lock and a variety of overlays. A modern door should be equipped with a panoramic peephole with a wide viewing angle. The device can be periscopic. In such a product, the eyepiece and lens are located at different levels. There are bulletproof eyes that will protect you from an armed robber attack. The most convenient are electronic systems that, like a video intercom, have a display and have the ability to record sound and images.

To install a reliable door leaf, a strong burglar-resistant box is required. This is a special design that is not nearly as simple as it seems. Manufacturers are constantly developing new options for boxes, which makes the entrance to the home more and more impregnable. There are double adjustable designs that allow the door in the closed state to practically "merge" with the wall, to be in the same position with it. This technology requires the use of special "invisible" loops. Hidden mechanisms have a built-in lock that limits the opening angle. This device works automatically. The mechanism of the vestibule is also regulated. He independently determines the desired degree of pressing the door to the box. This ensures optimal adhesion and effective blocking of noise, dust, odors, cold, and drafts.

The dimensions of the door depend on the dimensions of the opening, door frame, number of leaves and established state standards.

The dimensions of the structures differ depending on the number of leaves. There are single-leaf, double-leaf options, as well as supplemented with a transom.

A single-leaf door is a single door, mounted in a box. It is not recommended to install doors with a width of more than 110 cm. The original design and correction of the opening within the framework of GOST will help to make the unassuming option stylish and modern.

A two-leaf composition is a popular option for a door in a private house. The opening for it should be twice the standard dimensions. The height remains standard. It looks very respectable, but it requires a lot more space. As a compromise, you can choose one-and-a-half doors with different-sized sashes. The narrow part remains motionless most of the time and opens only when necessary.

A door with a transom will come in handy if the opening height is increased. This technique allows you to use canvases of standard height, and close the upper part with a special insert.
GOST defines the standard dimensions of doors, regardless of their design features.

The main parameters indicated by GOST:

The height of a standard doorway can range from 2070 -2370 mm. The exact value of this indicator depends on the ratio of height to distance from floor to ceiling, and the width of the door.
The minimum door opening width for the entrance group is 900-910 mm. The maximum value for single-leaf doors can be 1010 mm. The same indicator for a one-and-a-half door is set in three sizes - 1310, 1510 and 1550 mm. The recommended width of double-leaf structures is 1910 or 1950 mm.

There are no specific guidelines for the thickness of door products. It depends on the materials of manufacture, design features of the door, and its internal filling. In addition, the thickness of the walls and the depth of the box are taken into account.

Standard solutions are good in typical apartments. Today, designers are constantly inventing previously unknown stylish solutions. In private construction, GOST recommendations are not always relevant. That is why the front door in a country house can be of any, the most incredible size. The dimensions of the future canvas are determined on the spot by measurements. However, over-expanding the parameters is not practical or advisable. Therefore, doors with a width of more than two meters and a height of more than 2400 mm are not recommended to be installed in a private dwelling.

An exception can be made for a building that is used as a public institution or is significantly larger than standard buildings.

Color and style

The main thing to consider when going for a new door is the style of your interior and the architectural features of the building. It is difficult to imagine a high-tech entrance door in a classic mansion. Or in a Scandinavian interior, a baroque design.

Appearance is one of the most important criteria that we are guided by when choosing this or that model. The product must correspond to the chosen direction of design, match in color with the exterior of the house, decoration of walls, floor and ceiling, in harmony with window frames, skirting boards, interior doors, furniture.

Variants with imitation of a wood pattern can be safely called universal, since they are appropriate in almost any style. Finishes in light colors are suitable for modern classics, minimalism, country, nautical, Scandinavian, eco-style. The dark wood of noble shades will perfectly fit into the interiors of the Baroque or Rococo era. The effect of aged wood will accentuate the atmosphere of Provence.

Wood textures will not fit except in high-tech. Painted products with glass and chrome inserts will be appropriate here. High-tech doors can be white, black, blue, red, glossy or with a metallic sheen.

In order for the doors to perfectly match the interior, it is enough that they match the color of the skirting boards, platbands or stairs. Platbands made in the same color with the furniture structure will help to combine canvases with cabinets of a different shade.

Where should the front door open?

In Russia, doors are more likely to open outward, as this helps to free up space inside the vestibule and use it more productively. But this is not essential and the canvas may well swing open into the interior of the room, depending on the instructions of SNiP. The way the door is opened should not make it difficult to evacuate people from the building to the street in an emergency, therefore:
an open door does not block entrances to rooms and neighboring apartments;
the passage with the sash fully open should not be narrower than 1 m;
doors located opposite each other in a narrow corridor should open inward so as not to interfere with each other's functioning at the same time.

If these rules are observed, the way of opening is not essential and its change does not require official approval. But if earlier the door opened in the other direction, it is worth warning neighbors and utilities about the changes.

About manufacturers of entrance doors - advantages and disadvantages

Previously, there was no particular choice - wealthy citizens preferred products of European manufacturers, mainly Italian or German, and more thrifty ones put affordable Chinese options. Today this niche is tightly occupied by Russian companies. The lion's share of steel doors on the domestic market is produced in Russia - 90% of the entire offered range. The latest European components and technologies are used in the production. Among the domestic representatives of this area, such large enterprises as ESTA, Guardian, Bastion, Torex, STAL, Bars are leading. In addition, there are many small businesses offering decent quality products. True, their collections are not so diverse.

10% of the market is shared by large Chinese manufacturers, as well as companies from Italy, England, Poland, Israel and Germany.

How to order a door in a store correctly

When ordering a door, you need to be guided by the size of the entrance opening. The box should fit into it without any problems. It is better if there is a little space left, which will allow you to set the structure in a strictly vertical position and fix it with polyurethane foam.

Warranty service

Make sure you have a warranty. It makes it possible to claim free of charge elimination of defects found during unpacking, acceptance and installation of the product.

The duration of the guarantee for the door leaf, lock and fittings may vary. Find out this moment in advance so that there are no surprises.

Warranty obligations remain valid if you followed the rules of operation:

hinges were lubricated at least once every six months with a special compound - you can use grease;
insert the key into the hole to the end and carefully turn it;
the key was removed from the lock mechanism only after a full 360-degree rotation;
corrosive and abrasive substances were not used for washing;
provided protection of the door block from moisture and direct sunlight;
did not repair the door on their own and did not make changes to its design that would affect the characteristics of the product;

Conclusion

Front doors have always been the face of the house. They ensured the protection of its owners, made it possible to create comfortable living conditions. Today, the main functions remain the same, but the use of modern technologies allows you to endow the entrance structures with new capabilities.

The choice of the front door is a rather crucial moment, since the safety of all the property of the house or apartment, and sometimes the life of the owners, will depend on its design. Today, the range of specialized stores is formed by many manufacturers presenting their products, which have a wide range of prices - from the most modest to very high. Therefore, you can always choose a door that will fully meet the capabilities of homeowners.

The purpose of the front door is not only to protect the home from intruders, as it must prevent the penetration of external noise and cold air masses. In addition, there are models that can create a reliable barrier even to an intense flame during a fire. How to choose an entrance metal door professional advice - they are necessarily given depending on where it will be installed: at the entrance to an apartment or a private house, as well as taking into account many criteria that directly affect the performance of this design.

Front door selection criteria

To clarify all the nuances, we turned to the Moscow manufacturer of entrance doors "ProfMaster" company, where more than 80% of orders are individual production "to order", because this is the only way to find a door without compromising on quality.

There is a list of the main points that you need to pay special attention to when purchasing an entrance door:

Place of installation. The door can be installed on the street in a private house or at the entrance to an apartment, that is, in an entrance room protected from direct external influence. The choice of insulation material and external cladding will depend on this.
Protection level. Several aspects can be attributed to this criterion at once:

- the thickness of the metal used to make the door;

- frame design;

- the number of metal layers in the door leaf;

- the number of stiffeners inside the canvas frame;

- the number and design of locks and hinges;

- the presence of an overview element.

Insulation material. To prevent the door from letting in cold masses and extraneous noises, it is insulated with mineral wool, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam or cardboard. In some cheap models, insulation may be absent altogether.
Number of seals. They can be installed on a door leaf or frame, in one, two or even three rows. For fire-resistant structures, sealing circuits made of special materials are used.
Door weight. A high-quality product should be heavy, as it has reliable stiffeners and is made of high-quality, sufficiently thick metal sheet.
A design solution that will harmoniously fit the door into the overall design of the facade, if the door is to be installed in a private house.
Fireproof qualities of materials, if you plan to purchase a door that has protection against the spread of flame.
Vandal-proof coating - especially necessary if there are animals in the house that can scratch the door lining, or in an apartment where there is no combination lock at the entrance to the entrance.
The door must have a quality certificate or a product passport, which will indicate all of its characteristics.

Assessment of the main characteristics of the doors

The price of such products is quite high, but you can be sure of the security that they will fully provide. Therefore, in recent years, more and more apartment residents and home owners prefer this particular door option.

So, the design of the entrance doors must fully meet all the criteria for safety and comfort when opening and closing it, as well as satisfy the homeowners in terms of its design. Therefore, when making a choice, you need to compile a list of the requirements for the door structure in advance, and if the model meets them, then this option is ideal for a specific entrance to a building or apartment.