Metal doors

In the Soviet years, the issue of security of individual living space was not acutely sounded. In all the houses there were ordinary wooden doors with one lock, the key to which was easily selected. Quite often, the spare apartment key was lying under the rug near the entrance door. But that all changed at the end of the last century, when people began to install metal doors.

Initially, the metal door was installed in addition to the wooden. It was an ordinary sheet of metal, manufactured in the former factories of the country. He was only fit to the size of the doorway. Such a door could only protect against apartment thieves, and even then, if there were good locks.

The second wooden door allowed to keep warm in the room, moreover, it partially did not let the noise through. But for this it had to be slightly modified.To do this, take leatherette and an old wadded blanket, and with the help of furniture nails, this heat and sound insulation material was stuffed on a wooden sheet.

Years passed, door designs changed, and door fittings changed. Today, a modern metal door not only protects against illegal entry, but is also an integral part of the interior. Today there is no second wooden door, because the latest models of steel doors have a special filling that prevents the penetration of cold and extraneous sounds.

The main disadvantage of such doors is the price. A good thing can not be cheap, but as they say, they do not save on health and safety. Having a minimum knowledge base in this area, you can pick up a copy at an affordable price, without overpaying for unnecessary functions and other parameters.

Metal doors are divided according to the following features:

• To destination. There are entrance, apartment, front and office. Additionally there are tambour, technical and special doors.
• By way of opening. This includes swing and sliding doors.Doors opening on themselves and from themselves - both on the left and on the right.
• By resistance to cracking. There may be four classes. For apartments, it is enough to install lever and cylinder locks. Level locks should be highly secretive, thanks to this the burglar will spend more time, which means there is a great chance that he will not bind to this door.
• By design features. This refers to the number of sheets of steel or aluminum used in the door leaf and accessories.
• By decorative finish. The materials used in the finishing of the room.

A simple metal door (popularly known as welded) is still worth a penny. It is best to install it inside the state or municipal premises. Somewhere in the back room or in the basement, where nothing valuable is stored. It is enough to equip the door with an internal or, on the contrary, a padlock.

It is appropriate to install a conventional metal door and in the garden area, due to the fact that the economy-class doors do not need additional fittings.

The apartments are very rarely assembled interior doors made of metal. Only if these are communal apartments, but it is worth remembering that a metal door box is desirable for their installation.

Specialists of specialized shops recommend external soundproofed entrance doors. Not only because such products are a bit more expensive, but also for a long service life. After all, a good door is rarely changed.

Options with thermal insulation should be considered to those customers who have a cold entrance. The seal plays the role of "protector", thanks to him, in the winter in the room will always be warm. Three-door doors - the last thing that is presented today. They include all the advantages described above and are suitable for any room, albeit suburban, albeit urban type.

If in city apartments a single-metal door is often installed, then in stores, as a rule, a double-door door is installed. Such swing options are suitable for the back door through which goods are unloaded. Because if necessary, you can open an additional sash.

A special design - an accordion (sliding doors) was developed for the stores at one time. It is an additional fence. The harmonica was also spread by the owners of country houses - it closes the woodpile.

Basically, it is the well-off people who order metal doors and individual options are developed for them. In this segment, indeed, there is room to grow. Some can afford only a metal gate with a window, while others install a video peephole and intercom. Someone will need armored doors, and someone enough and ready-made solutions.

It should be noted that there are still canvases with a ventilation grille, intended for technical rooms in which it is necessary to maintain temperature and humidity at a certain level. As well as sliding, working on the drive.They are installed in storage or refrigerated areas.

And, in general, all the doors in the premium or in the budget class can not be described. One thing is for sure: the elite and budget options must be equipped with reliable fittings to protect the room on warm and cold days.

Any door and metal including, consists of hinges, locks, latches, peepholes and handles. They are selected when ordering through a special catalog. This catalog is available at any specialty store. Consultants will be happy to help you make a choice.

As a rule, components are installed at the time of installation, focusing on the growth of the owners of the room:

• It is desirable to have three loops (preferably, if they are ball-shaped), the angle of opening of the door leaf depends on it - its maximum indicator is 180 degrees. It is necessary to equip the product and armored cover. The steel sheet must have a thickness above 2 mm, if it is about 0.5 mm, it means that such a door is easily wrinkled and opened. As they say, it can even be opened with a can opener.
• The bolts that lock the door must have a diameter of at least 18 mm.And the most vulnerable places for hacking need to be sealed with ribs.

• The door frame plays one of the most important roles. It protects the door from burglary, from removal, from noise and from cold. It is made of steel, is a frame (in rare cases, U-shaped design). It is on it that the hinges are located, and the locking holes cut into it.
• To prevent the hinges from being removed from the door, experts recommend building in the order of three to four special anti-pins. In addition, splashes are welded to the door frame.
• Platbands are not only a decorative solution, under which all the flaws are hidden, but also another element of protection against hacking. And the seal, in turn, additionally protects the room from smell, noise and insect infiltration.

In city apartments, in most cases, standard rectangular doors are installed. Such openings were originally laid in the project of the future home. It is unlikely that someone will ask for permission to demolish parts of the wall. Yes, and, as a rule, such walls are bearing, which means that they cannot be broken.

Twenty-five years ago, the heads of families stuffed wooden slats on the outside of the metal door, and on the inside, cash was used. On the one hand, this set off the door among neighbors, on the other - it additionally protected the door leaf, including from rust.

Today, at the stage of installation, lining is used for decorating the inside. Often this lining, made of MDF and painted in the color of the door. Some people order MDF panels in interior color, as they say, this is a matter of taste.

Make steel doors according to the state standard (GOST). The law was adopted at the beginning of the century, and, despite the fact that progress does not stand still, this regulatory document is still not outdated.

The height of the door according to GOST should not exceed 2200 mm, and weight - 250 kg.The thickness of steel sheets is also regulated, it should not be less than 2 mm (if the doors are light). By the way, armored doors are considered, the sheet thickness of which is more than 8 mm.

These guidelines apply to single doors. But one and a half and bivalves, which are practically not installed in apartments, are based on other data.

Steel entrance doors for apartments and country cottages inside the canvas contain filling.

Often this is filled with polyurethane foam, but there are also options with foam and mineral wool:

• Styrofoamalthough it is rigid in its physical characteristics, it is easily flammable, which means that this material is not suitable for safety reasons. This door burns in a few minutes.
• Cell Filling (corrugated cardboard) also does not protect against fire, and, moreover, it is ineffective in protecting the room from low temperatures.
• Mineral wool although it retains heat, but over time it rolls down and settles. This leads to freezing of the door leaf. In general, this filler is not flammable and has soundproofing properties.
• Filler polyurethane foam in its original form exists as a liquid foam. With the help of a special device, this foam fills the inside of the door leaf. Filling occurs evenly, so the cold and in decades will not be able to penetrate the apartment.

For the design of metal doors can be used the following options:

• From the front side a metallic door looks aesthetic with forging. It stands out among the neighbors' doors, forging gives a final touch to the product. For the price of such doors a little more expensive than their counterparts with coating.
• Steel doors powder coated - These are doors covered with a substance consisting of metal and ceramics. After applying the mixture on the canvas, the doors are heat treated. Due to the fact that the technology is labor-intensive, such doors are not sold at affordable prices. But it is worth paying tribute, such doors do not have to be painted and they are not exposed to rust. Resistant to fire, and therefore, to burn them from the street or the entrance will not work.

• The most popular colors on the part of the room are, of course, whites. Doors, decorated with white panels, visually increase the already small corridor. On top of that, the white color is so versatile that it is suitable for both dark and light interior. But it is worth noting that the white color is very easily soiled. Any touch leaves traces that are sometimes very difficult to pull out.
• The second most popular is considered wenge color. It is not only combined with the dark design of the hallways, but also complements the door frame. It is almost always painted black or dark brown.

• In a small corridor, experts recommend a metal door. with mirror. In addition, again, a visual increase in the room, you can also save your time before going out. To correct a hairdress or to change a dress, not moving thus on the apartment. Such a decision will be most appreciated by representatives of the beautiful half of humanity.
• Finishing is, in principle, a creative process. If the financial situation allows, finishing can be done using natural materials - Wood panels are perfectly combined with laminate. Such panels bring comfort and warmth.

• Laminate and he can act as a finishing material. Laminate is sold at a low price, it does not need to be painted and processed and easy to care for. The color at the same time you can choose the appropriate interior.
• In recent years, the popularity of gaining plastic panels. Plastic film (PVC film) is applied on MDF panels, this gives the product a natural color and protection from the external environment, including fungi and pests.

As previously noted, in the Soviet years, the segment of metal doors practically did not develop. Russian manufacturers were forced to buy imported equipment and introduce foreign technologies.

Having passed this way, after several decades, we can safely say that today domestic doors are competitive in the market:

• Among russian manufacturers are distinguished by the doors of Torex, Guardian and Bars. In addition to ready-made solutions, manufacturers also carry out individual orders.
• Globally, leaders are certainly German manufacturers. German fittings are the most reliable in the world. All new items come from Germany.Engineering thought in this country has been the locomotive of their economy for more than one century.
• If earlier it was believed that all smuggling was done in Odessa, now it has taken its place China. No, of course, there is also branded production in the People’s Republic of China, but the shadow market is still widely developed. Chinese doors from impersonal manufacturers do not differ in reliability from breaking and, as a rule, the cheapest fittings are installed in them.

• Belarusian metal doors have gained wide popularity in the past five years, in particular, the manufacturer Metalur is very well known and in demand. Excellent value for money allowed this company to gain a foothold in the market and compete with others on equal terms.
• But if we talk about elite doors, then this, of course, italian the doors. Manufacturer Dierre manufactures its products in the premium segment. Its armored doors have hidden hinges, electronic locks. They have increased resistance to burglary. Classic doors are equipped with locks of different secrecy, the door leaf can open 180 degrees.

The choice of high-quality metal doors should be made, starting from the recommendations of friends and relatives. They just will not deceive. Will be useful and professional advice.

The list of criteria for reliable designs is simple:

• Increased crack resistance. The metal door must be equipped with several locks of different types of opening. Save on this is not worth it, because the door will protect the only main entrance to the room.
• Fire resistance. And from this it follows that the door filler must be either polyurethane foam or mineral wool. Unfortunately, other fillers are flammable.
• Sound and heat insulation. The filler paired with a seal helps to prevent the ingress of extraneous noise into the room, and retain heat.

People who have already ordered the installation of metal doors, probably faced with the fact that the installers do only installation,and do not finish. Leaving everything as it is, of course, is possible, but it does not add presentability to the interior.

On the basis of a specialized store, a decorator is offered for a fee, but sometimes it can reach even a quarter of the amount of the door itself. Many believe that it is easier to do the finishing work. In addition, you still have to pay for building materials.

If the object is under protection (it does not matter if it is serviced by private security or by a private security company), you must submit a request for disconnection before installing the metal door. And it is recommended to connect the object before the start of all finishing works, because the wires from the sensor will be mounted in the slopes.

Finishing material can be:

• Natural stone. It is attached to a pre-plastered surface using an adhesive mixture.The adhesive mixture is made of putty and white glue. With the help of a drill or a perforator with a special nozzle, it is necessary to carefully place the mixture to obtain a homogeneous consistency.
• Plastic panels. Are a very democratic way to finish the doorway. Plastic panels are easily connected to each other, the resulting corner joints are decorated with a plastic corner. The corner is glued on liquid nails. And with a long and high-quality sizing holds more than one decade.

• Putty. In many rooms such finishing is enough. This is the cheapest option, but at the same time the most time consuming. In the future, this surface can be pasted wallpaper, which are used indoors.
• MDF panels. Very popular finishing material. Gives a finishing look to steel structures. A huge selection of colors and wood patterns, making it suitable for most rooms and interiors.

Let us dwell in more detail on the decoration of the slopes and the threshold of MDF panels:

• It is imperative that concrete walls be insulated before finishing work. For this purpose, either mineral wool or construction foam will fit perfectly.Additional insulation will allow to insulate the structure and protect wooden slopes.
• If in the future it is planned to replace the old plinth with a new plastic, then we first dismantle it. The wooden plinth is held on nails, so you need to use a nail puller, in hard-to-reach places, a plain flat screwdriver in tandem with a hammer can be useful. But you can leave the old plinth, then the threshold will be imposed on it.

• Under the trim and threshold should hide all communications, including telephone wires and cables of cable television. To fix the effect and install a plastic plinth, it masks the wiring, but it is easy to open, which allows you to get to the wires.
• Cutting panels produced on the outside and using a hacksaw. Otherwise, the probability of damage to the protective layer - PVC film.
• You can use a special tool for cutting at an angle of 45 degrees or, using the grinder and protractor, to perform this operation. It is very important to prepare a platform - it can be either a table, or two identical stools.

• It should not be forgotten that one panel is cut on the right side and the other on the left. The upper part is cut on both sides, but this platband is installed after the side.
• Side slopes attached to the wall with universal glue. It is very important to wait for one hundred percent gluing, for this you should read the instructions for glue. If ten minutes are allotted for this work, then that’s exactly what we’re holding. Similarly, glued top and threshold.
• Remember that you should check the evenness of your work with the help of a building level, preferably it should be at least a meter long.

• Platbands are attached to the slopes with a hammer and furniture nails. It is best to use nails of small diameter, they are less noticeable, especially on dark panels.
• The resulting joint at the bottom of the doorway between the two panels is easiest to disguise with a metal corner. The corner is fixed with a screwdriver and several screws. Holes for screws are made at the production stage, so the need to measure a step is not.

• It remains only to clean up the garbage, and sweep the room.Although this finish takes a few hours, but the vinyl panels look presentable in any hallways.
• On the street or on the driveway side, it is advisable to trim excess building foam. You can use a kitchen or office knife. Formed cavities to putty, whiten or paint if necessary.

For a country house should pay attention to the double doors. They are not only reliable protection against thieves, but also hide the door frame from the inside. By the way, the door frame for double doors is used reinforced, otherwise the door leafs simply break it.

The door, decorated with white panels, great for a bright interior. Its installation is also appropriate in small corridors, since the white door and the mirror visually increase the space.

In a private house should install the door without a threshold. In this case, the risk of injury risk is reduced, especially this option is suitable for families with small children.

Arched steel doors, as a rule, are higher than the height of their rectangular representatives. Due to this fact, it is easier to bring large-sized furniture and household appliances into the premises with an arched opening.

For lightening the weight of the door leaf, swing and bastard varieties should be considered. In such structures, only part of the door opens.

Steel doors can be opened clockwise. Such a variety is worth several times more expensive, since domestic production is not widely established. Therefore, to date, these doors are almost not popular. When using hidden hardware, you can disguise the front door to match the color of the walls.

In conclusion, I would like to note the fact that metal doors have made a major breakthrough in recent years. In addition to constantly evolving technologies, specialists began to pay special attention to decor. So today, iron doors are an integral part of the interior.

How to install a metal door, see the following video.