Which entrance door is better to install in a private house: advice on selection and installation

Main functions of an entrance door

The size and material of the product is not the only thing people pay attention to. And the design functions are not only the presence of locks, but also the absence of creaking when opening. In the case of an entrance door for a private home, you should not trust first impressions. It is necessary to study all the characteristics of the design.

Safety

This is the first thing people pay attention to, although no door provides 100% protection from the predatory actions of experienced burglars. High-quality products (not necessarily a world-famous brand) have a certain burglary resistance class specified in the certificate and instructions.

Burglar protection classes:

• Class 1 - weak protection, the door can be opened using simple tools;
• Class 2 - medium strength construction, able to withstand electric tools;
• Class 3 - high protection, opening will require skill, special tools and time.

Security is expressed in the following:

• the design must be double;
• location of loops on the inside;
• internal fabric reinforced with a reinforcing frame;
• complete set with anti-removal bolts in a box;
• the presence of metal platbands.

It is important to compare the cost of the door and its class indicated in the certificate.

Ergonomics

No less attention should be paid to the width of the front door. If there is an error in calculations of only 1 cm, the door frame will not fit in the opening. This will entail additional work to widen the passage. To avoid this, you need to correctly calculate the parameters: the thickness of the frames on both sides and the margin for the technological opening required during installation are added to the width of the door leaf.

The calculation formula is as follows (using a standard example):

• standard blade width - 984 mm;
• door frame thickness - 30 mm;
• technological gap - 15 mm.

Based on this, for a standard-sized door, the opening width should be within 1030 mm.

Heat

One of the important nuances when choosing is thermal insulation. A door with a high degree of security is always made of metal, and this fact is overlooked by many. Meanwhile, the metal structure causes a loss of up to 30% of heat, and in winter, at a temperature of - 15 0 C, it is characterized by freezing. To avoid having to additionally insulate it during operation, you should purchase a door with a thermal break.

Reliable thermal insulation must meet the following indicators:

• the minimum thickness of the thermal insulation material is at least 5 cm;
• the thickness of the frame and door leaf is at least 8 cm;
• the presence of thermal bridges and seals in the design.

Thanks to thermal break designs, there is no need to install additional protection with a thermal insulation function.

Silence

Sound insulation is another condition for a good choice. For those who have taken care of the thermal insulation qualities in advance, there is no need to worry about this. The insulation absorbs all sounds coming from outside, preventing them from entering the room. Or you need to choose a multilayer structure, with an inner layer of soundproofing materials.

Soundproofing options:

• Class 1 - suppresses sound waves up to 30 dB, characteristic of night noise;
• Class 2 - copes with loud sounds exceeding 40 dB.

The sound absorption of a standard metal door depends on the thickness of the door leaf.

Aesthetics

The aesthetic side is also of considerable importance. However, in a functional matter, this aspect fades into the background and is considered last. Moreover, there are no aesthetic conventions of choice; only an individual approach matters. The main thing is that it fits harmoniously into the overall landscape.

Doors with thermal break

A door with a thermal break is a metal sheet that is equipped with special heat-insulating inserts. These are special elements of the inside of the front door with a low degree of thermal conductivity.

The following are used as thermal breaks:

• PVC inserts. Allows you to reduce heat transfer between materials. The gaskets have chambers filled with air. They are what keep the heat in.

• Styrofoam. Most often used to protect the product from freezing.

• Mineral wool. Acts as an ideal sealant. To protect the cotton wool from getting wet and losing its properties, it is additionally covered with a special film.

• Glass wool. Used in cheap models. The disadvantage of the material is that when it burns, harmful fumes are released.

• Solid wood. Environmentally friendly material with high density. Its presence significantly increases the cost of the product.

Of course, in order to achieve maximum results, it is necessary to carry out high-quality installation of the door structure in compliance with all requirements:

• a seal is installed around the perimeter of the door frame;
• installation of special handles with thermal break;
• organization of supply and exhaust ventilation.

Considering such features, it is better to entrust the installation of the door frame to professionals.

On video: review of an insulated entrance door with a thermal break.

What to pay attention to

When choosing an outdoor door for a country house, many things are taken into account that are not paid attention to in the case of an interior door. Its main purpose is to protect the premises and personal space of its owners. Therefore, it must be strong, reliable, equipped with a good lock that cannot be drilled and has a handle that cannot be pulled out. A dacha or any other option, in addition to protection from attacks by burglars, must have high-quality coverage. It protects from the negative effects of sunlight, wind and precipitation. The door must be tight so as not to let warm air out into the street, and have thermal and sound insulation.

What causes a door to freeze?

During the cold season, the air outside is frosty and dry, but in a closed building it is warmer: because there are people inside who breathe, cook food, wash and dry things, and take a shower.

In the area where these 2 “types” of air come into contact, condensation appears. More precisely, water from the warm air condenses - it settles in drops on the surface around the door leaf and on it itself.

Why is this happening:

1. High thermal conductivity of iron. A metal door (if there is no insulation, or if its layer is very thin) instantly cools down without “holding back” the cold air.
2. Lack of insulation or its small thickness.
3. There are gaps in the design. If the door has been used for a long time, it has been handled roughly, or the load on the opening has been distributed incorrectly, its parts become distorted, warped, and gaps appear. They allow not only cold to pass through, but also wind and precipitation.
4. There are cold bridges: a lock and a peephole.
5. Leaky joints. An elastic band stretched across the entire loot protects against heat loss. But over time, it dries out, cracks, and gaps appear.
6. In very cold climates only 1 door is installed. It does not always help avoid freezing (even if it is warm).

Types of doors for a private home

The material can be wood, metal, glass, plastic, differing in appearance and functional features. Each of these structures has individual technical and physical characteristics that depend on the material.

Steel

Many popular models are made of iron. Doors made of high-quality metal are the most durable among other types. They provide a high level of protection of the premises from intrusion by intruders. And their cost is considered optimal in terms of basic functions, but they also have some disadvantages.

Advantages:

• have thermal insulation features;
• do not require special maintenance;
• have a low level of fire hazard.

Flaws:

• If the coating is of poor quality, corrosion is possible;
• in the absence of thermal insulation, they are susceptible to freezing;
• unstable to mechanical stress.

Wooden

All classic models are made of wood and are considered elite. In terms of technical characteristics, wooden structures have more disadvantages than advantages.

Advantages:

• large selection of models, shapes and sizes;
• natural thermal insulation features.

Flaws:

• low level of protection and safety;
• poor resistance to high humidity;
• high level of fire hazard;
• high cost of products.

Metal-plastic

Entrance metal-plastic doors, thanks to their reinforced structure, present a striking contrast with balcony and interior doors. They are notable for their high degree of protection against entry into the premises by third parties and resistance to environmental influences.

Advantages:

• resistance to temperature changes;
• reinforced reinforced frame design;
• good noise absorption and thermal insulation characteristics;
• durability due to reinforced fittings;

Flaws:

• low strength indicators compared to metal structures;
• poor thermal insulation characteristics in some models.

Glass

Glass models are quite varied in composition. Among them are: swing, sliding, folding, telescopic, pendulum, double-leaf and radius structures.

Advantages:

• high light transmittance rates;
• large selection of decor options;
• strength, reliability and durability;
• undemanding in care and maintenance;
• durability in all weather conditions;
• low degree of fire hazard;
• wide technical capabilities in automation.

Flaws:

• the weight of the structure is too heavy, creating a high load;
• low resistance to mechanical stress.

Plastic

It may seem strange that plastic as a material is generally used to make street doors, but this is a fact. Two types of structures are used: cast or double glazed. They are lightweight, durable, undemanding to use, reinforced with PVC profile. They have good protective functions and are relatively inexpensive.

Advantages:

• ease of installation and use;
• resistance to bad weather conditions;
• good heat and noise insulation;
• resistance to corrosion and other destructive processes.

Flaws:

• high degree of fire hazard;
• possibility of deformation under the influence of direct sunlight.

Fiberglass

Being a typical insulation material, such structures do not require additional thermal insulation and are among the most energy-efficient products. In addition, the designs have many other advantages:

• huge variety in styles and forms of designs;
• high degree of security, in which they are not inferior to steel doors;
• long service life;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• are not subject to corrosion and other negative processes.

There are no disadvantages.

Doors with glass

Many people believe that entrance doors with glass inserts are less reliable than their conventional counterparts. But actually it is not. It all depends on the material used. Often, high-strength glass is used for insertion, and forged grilles are used as additional protection.

Doors with glass have some advantages:

• Availability of a natural light source. Light from the street will enter the dark corridor through the glass insert. This allows you to avoid artificial light sources.

• Safety. Through the insert you can see who is on the other side of the door. This option is especially suitable for protected objects.

• Aesthetics. Glass inserts add grace and elegance to the door leaf. They can have different shapes and shades.

As for the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the relatively high cost due to the use of glass elements.

Leading manufacturers of steel entrance doors

Steel external entrance doors lead in the number of sales. But the market is overflowing with products from little-known manufacturers and low-quality products that do not meet standards. To protect yourself from scammers, you should buy products from well-known brands, checking their documentation and packaging.

Torex

This is the oldest Russian company, producing steel doors for a quarter of a century. The products of this company are distinguished by high safety indicators, have excellent technical characteristics and correspond to the declared quality. The warranty period is 10 years, but according to consumers, this figure is underestimated by at least half; brand products can last more than 20 years.

Door "Bullfinch"

External metal doors “Bullfinch” from the Torex company are presented in a series of 20 models. Interesting design, pleasant aesthetic appearance and excellent thermal insulation characteristics. This was achieved through a unique heat-saving system. Additionally, all options are finished with a 22 mm thick MDF panel, which does not allow freezing.

Bulldors

The domestic manufacturer Bulldors is only slightly inferior to Torex in production volumes. Although the Kazan plant began its work much later than its opponent, it is already known as a manufacturer of armored doors with a high degree of protection. This is achieved through an automated production process. Any inaccuracy in the design is excluded. It is also important that this approach allowed us to reduce the cost of the product and make it affordable.

Argus

The Argus company from the city of Yoshkar-Ola has been producing all types of doors for more than 15 years. She succeeded in the manufacture of durable steel structures with protection against burglary. Reinforcement of profile boxes adds to their reliability, and for thermal insulation, rubber contours and environmentally friendly KNAUF mineral boards are used, which do not allow cold air to pass through from outside. Thanks to other features, the estimated service life of the brand’s products is 100 years; in this regard, they have no analogues either in Russia or abroad.

Condor

The products of the St. Petersburg brand Condor are valued for the quality achieved through a non-standard approach to the manufacture of steel doors. Thanks to this, the brand made a breakthrough in 5 years and became a recognized leader among manufacturers of comfort-class doors.

Door Condor Thermo

The external steel door “Condor Thermo” is, without exaggeration, the best for installation in a private home. It has a three-circuit seal and 6 thermal insulation layers. They are made of: cork, extruded polystyrene, foil and non-foil polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam. The layers are also supplemented with a moisture-resistant MDF board, 10 mm thick. This makes it resistant to sudden temperature changes, hurricane winds, and protects against frost and freezing.

Doors

The Voronezh company Stull-Doors, which manufactures metal doors, closes the list of the best Russian manufacturers. This is the only manufacturer of fire protection structures. In this regard, the company has no competitors. Doors produces a number of models that differ in technical characteristics.

Types of designs

The following structures are used as the entrance door of a country cottage, cottage or private house:

• Swing. This involves reducing to a minimum the size and number of gaps between the canvas and the box. Thanks to this, the door allows less drafts and outside noise into the house. It can be with or without glass. Made of metal, wood or plastic.
• Sliding. It consists of sections that slide to the sides along a specially installed guide on rollers. Often the leaf of such doors is equipped with glass. Also available in metal, plastic and wood.
• Foldable. The design consists of sections that fold like an accordion. They are rarely used as entrance doors due to their low burglary resistance.

We advise you to study - Drywall or gypsum fiber: which is better - a detailed comparison of gypsum board and gypsum fiber board

Doors may differ in the number of leaves - leaves. The designs are:

• Single leaf. These are standard format products.
• One and a half solution. These have two doors, one of which is smaller than the other.
• Bivalve. They have two doors of the same size. Double doors are used in wide openings.

In appearance and shape, entrance doors are:

• Standard.
• Arched.
• With blind transoms.
• With decorative elements, including double-glazed windows.

In addition, there are fireproof and bulletproof designs.

Protection of the front door from freezing

A common reason for door freezing is the small thickness of the structure, which seems to be too weak a barrier to the entry of cold. This is a common occurrence in the case of metal products that lack additional thermal insulation. Freezing occurs in the following cases:

• sudden change in air temperature;
• temperature difference between inside and outside;
• the presence of one door with no additional insulation.

There are several ways to combat this problem:

1. If a freezing door was purchased as an economical option, you can be sure that it does not contain insulation, or it is made of cheap and low-quality material. In this case, you will have to create thermal insulation separately; high-density foam plastic is better suited for this.
2. Another point is that a thin MFD plate, if the thickness is from 6 to 10 mm, is not capable of becoming a serious barrier against freezing, so replacement will be required. The new panel is selected no thinner than 22 mm.
3. Even replacing thermal insulation does not always protect against freezing, then the only way to avoid this in the future is to install an additional vestibule door. But it should be noted that this also partially solves the problem; it would not be a bad idea to think about replacing the entire structure, and approach the choice of a new one with great attention.

What is a “thermal break” in entrance doors?

Metal, according to its physical characteristics, conducts both heat and cold equally. In the case of metal structures like doors, a comparison process is constantly taking place - if it is cold outside, but the temperature inside is comfortable, warm, the metal will try to equalize the difference. At the same time, condensation accumulates in the cavity, the only way out in this situation will be to increase the temperature in the house by 80-90%. Naturally, such a development of events is unacceptable - a temperature reading of + 38-420 will be comfortable for few people. This will not be necessary if the front door is equipped with a thermal break - “cold” and “warm” halves that do not need temperature equalization.

No. 1. Design features of a metal door

The strength and reliability of a door depends to one degree or another on the characteristics of each of its constituent elements:

• the door leaf is the main and largest part of the structure, consisting of a frame, internal and external cladding, as well as stiffeners and insulation;
• door frame;
• lock;
• loops;
• seal in one or more circuits;
• peephole, handle and other accessories.

The door leaf is made of sheet steel , which is obtained as a result of hot or cold rolling, on which the properties of the door largely depend:

• Hot rolled steel has a dark color, but it is not visible under the decorative coating. This is a relatively cheap material that is more susceptible to corrosion;
• Cold-rolled steel will cost more, but in terms of performance it is the best option - the material is not afraid of any weather influences.

The strength is also greatly influenced by the frame. The most reliable door will be one in which the frame is made of a profile pipe with one seam . A less durable frame is made from four sections of hot-rolled profile pipe welded together. The most unreliable will be a frame in which each of the four segments is welded from two corners of equal length. Simply put, the fewer welds in the frame, the better , because each of them reduces the resistance to mechanical loads. The outer part of the door leaf must be made only from a monolithic non-welded sheet , otherwise a blow with a medium-force sledgehammer will damage the integrity of the structure.

Leading manufacturers of wooden doors for private homes

The production of wooden external doors belonging to the exclusive type is carried out in most cases to order. Mass production is becoming a thing of the past, more durable and cheaper materials have appeared, and wood is impractical and expensive. Nowadays these are increasingly the entrance doors to a cottage or mansion - as a sign of status.

The largest manufacturers of wooden structures:

• The Doors profile is the largest among Russian and global manufacturers, opening the ranking over the last decade;
• Barausse is the most famous and oldest surviving European manufacturer, holding a leading position in the market for 50 years;
• Onyx is the largest Russian manufacturer with experience, second only to Profile Doors in the ranking;
• Mario Rioli is an Italian manufacturer known far beyond Europe, supplying products to the markets of North America and Asia;
• The League of Doors is an unexpected participant in the rating, given that it began work 13 years ago, and production is concentrated in the village of Arkhangelskoye, Ulyanovsk region.

Guarantees

Wood is an unstable and short-lived material if used to make an external door, where, under the influence of direct sunlight, wind and precipitation, the structure cracks and collapses. In such a situation, no one will give a long warranty period, a maximum of 5 years.

Color and style

The main thing you need 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 front door in a classic mansion. Or in a Scandinavian interior, a baroque design.

Appearance is one of the most important criteria that guides us when choosing a particular model. The product must correspond to the chosen design direction, match the color of the exterior of the house, the decoration of walls, floors and ceilings, and be in harmony with window frames, baseboards, interior doors, and furniture.

Options with imitation wood patterns can be safely called universal, as they are appropriate in almost any style. The finish, made in light colors, is suitable for modern classics, minimalism, country, marine, Scandinavian, eco-style. Dark wood of noble shades will fit perfectly into the interiors of the Baroque or Rococo era. The effect of aged wood will emphasize the atmosphere of Provence.

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

In order for the doors to fit perfectly into the interior, it is enough that they match the color of the baseboards, trim or stairs. Platbands made in the same color as the furniture design will help to combine linens with cabinets of a different shade.

Leading manufacturers of metal-plastic doors

Metal-plastic doors are trusted by customers. This attitude towards them is explained simply - it is a reliable, durable and suitable material for the manufacture of such structures. Thanks to this, there is serious competition in the metal-plastic door market.

The largest manufacturers of metal-plastic structures:

• Forpost is a Russian company that leads among all global manufacturers in terms of product sales volumes and degree of protection;
• Guardian is a manufacturer noted in the rating of metal-plastic doors with the best fire safety indicators;
• Granite is the best Russian company producing metal-plastic structures with the highest burglary resistance;
• Novak is the most famous Polish manufacturer of metal-plastic entrance doors, distinguished by high quality indicators.

Guarantees

Considering the long list of advantages and the complete absence of disadvantages, metal-plastic is not unreasonably considered the best material of our time. Products made from it, including doors, are resistant to the vagaries of nature and are durable. Therefore, the warranty period, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from 10 to 20 years.

Care and maintenance

Every front door needs proper maintenance and care, even if minimal. In the case of structures made of glass and metal-plastic, the only thing you should take care of is keeping them clean. Products made of wood and metal, experiencing the negative influence of weather conditions, require much more attention. Their durability, appearance, technical characteristics and service life directly depend on this:

1. Metal doors, due to the strength of the material, do not require close attention. Its main enemy is moisture, which provokes corrosion. To protect the structure from direct contact with snow and rain, it would be a good idea to install a canopy. This relates more to preventive measures, but thereby reduces subsequent maintenance to a minimum. When cleaning from pollutants, use special products without aggressive substances that can harm the surface. Do not use hard scrapers.
2. Wooden doors are especially in need of care - the material is short-lived and susceptible to the harmful influence of negative climatic conditions, especially in regions close to Siberia and Scandinavia. The main condition in this is not to violate the integrity of the varnish coating that protects the tree, if it is not massive, but made of timber. In case of mechanical damage, polishes are used to fill the smallest cracks and protect against moisture penetration into the structure. Treatment is carried out at least 2 times a year. When cleaning, use products for varnished products.

Attention should be paid to the composition of detergents. It is important that it does not contain acidic or alkaline components that can damage both the coating and the wood.

When choosing an entrance door, you need to pay attention to all characteristics. You should not respond to tempting offers from intruding sellers - promotions, discounts, sales. All this is a clever marketing ploy, the purpose of which is to sell low-quality products, made from cheap materials, with violations and flaws in the design that were not visible from the beginning. By purchasing certified products, you can be sure that they will last for many decades, maintaining the same characteristics.

Criterias of choice

Of course, the functionality does not end with effective protection against robbers. Its tasks also include limiting unnecessary noise and reducing heat loss. Sometimes they are even able to protect the premises from fire.

There are several main factors to consider when choosing:

• Where will it stand? There is a difference whether the model is installed in front of the entrance to an apartment or a private home. In the first case, it is protected from weather conditions and is not exposed to direct sunlight or precipitation. The material with which the canvas can be sheathed and the level of necessary thermal insulation also depend on this.
• Level of protection. This criterion is often chosen by owners to suit their needs. The design of the frame, thick or thin metal, the number of locks, stiffeners, and hinges can strengthen or weaken the parameter. Even the “peephole” is recommended to be taken into account.
• How many seals? It largely depends on the location where it will be installed. There can be from 0 to 3. If there are fire hazardous objects nearby, then the filling of the door will be different.
• What was used to insulate it? This changes the level of thermal insulation. There may be polystyrene foam, mineral wool, and sometimes cardboard. In cheap varieties there may be emptiness inside. This model is easily deformable.
• Weight. A high-quality canvas should be heavy. No matter what new development the manufacturer boasts, the metal cannot become too light. Only metal structures with normal sheet thickness have reliable rigidity and impact resistance.
• View. Not everyone needs unique designer projects, but the owner must like the appearance of the item. After all, he has to go into it every day.
• Anti-vandal coating. It makes sense not only in entrances without a combination lock and private houses without a serious fence. This innovation will help protect against accidental scratches and chips. Therefore, it will be relevant where pets live or there are small children.
• Wear resistance. Another important parameter, because no one buys an entrance door for a month or a year. This is usually a purchase for several years or decades. Therefore, it must be practical and withstand accidental or intentional damage.
• Thermal insulation. It is especially important in regions with cold, long winters. The purpose of the design here is not only to prevent cold from entering the living rooms, but also to prevent leakage from the living rooms. Nobody likes to live with drafts and walk through the hallway, from which a noticeable coolness blows.

In addition, the item must have quality certificates. A high-quality product is produced taking into account the standards; all its characteristics and properties are indicated in the passport.