Choosing a metal entrance door to an apartment or house - 10 tips


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Hello, my name is Kirill. In this material, based on my wealth of experience, I will present the main criteria for selecting an apartment entrance door. I will analyze the most suitable options in terms of noise insulation, material, thermal insulation, etc. I will introduce the best manufacturers of these products.

Today there are many door models on sale, and therefore the question of how to choose the entrance door to an apartment does not lose its relevance.

Before purchasing this product, I recommend studying a lot of important nuances. Today, most manufacturers of entrance doors sacrifice certain parameters to develop competitiveness. As a result, the product becomes widely available in terms of price.

Advice

If you don’t need a compromise, and you are able to buy an option that meets your optimal parameters, then I advise you to place an order directly from the manufacturer. In this situation, discuss and reflect all the details in the contract.

Have questions ? Call!

Main structural elements of a metal entrance door

Today, when choosing entrance doors, strong preference is given to metal products. The strength and durability of the product is determined by the characteristics of all its components:

  1. Canvas. The main and most significant element of the structure. It includes: frame, internal and external cladding, insulation, and stiffening ribs.
  2. Box.
  3. Lock.
  4. Loops.
  5. The contour (or contours) of the seal.
  6. Peephole.
  7. Pen.
  8. Other accessories.

These components are reflected in the proposed diagram:

How to order a door correctly

Even if the store has already attracted a particular entrance door, the final decision will have to be made with the store manager. This is a necessary evil or vice versa if the consultant is competent and competent. In any case, you can and should ask him all your questions, tell him about any doubts about the quality of the door as a whole and its parts that arose during the process of choosing it, and ask him to pre-calculate the cost of installation.

What will the consultant tell you about?

By how a person answers all the questions asked, you can form an opinion not only about him, but also about the company as a whole. People are not born technically savvy - if a salesperson has truly extensive knowledge, answers questions competently and finds answers to objections, it means he has been working in his position for a long time and regularly undergoes training to improve his skills. This speaks of the company’s responsible approach to working with clients, and therefore, with a high degree of probability, to the production process of its products as a whole.

If everything is exactly the opposite - the consultant is in the store just “for show”, may not even know the names of the door components and is lost when asked basic questions about the cost and installation time, then at least the manufacturing company’s implementation is not so good.

Of course, it may be that you have to communicate with a beginner, but serious salespeople first of all teach “students” not to lie about the product, and if he still does not have enough knowledge, then invite a more competent specialist to talk with the client.

Door leaf (material)

The material of the blade is sheet steel. It differs in rolling methods:

  1. Hot. The color of the material is dark. It is not noticeable under decorative trim. Its price tag is quite low. And this option is not resistant to corrosion.
  2. Cold. The cost is higher. But the performance is better. This option is resistant to any atmospheric influences.

If you want to choose good quality doors, examine their frame. It also affects the overall strength of the product. I recommend taking the single-seam option from a profile pipe. This is the best solution in terms of reliability.

A less durable version of the door according to this criterion has four strips of profile pipes welded to each other. Moreover, these are products obtained by hot rolling.

For your information

The weakest option is the one in which all four strips are welded from two corners identical in length.

In general, the stronger the frame, the fewer seams it has.

Only a single, unwelded sheet should be used to make the outer side of the sheet. Otherwise, even a not very strong blow with a hammer will damage the solidity of the structure.

Best metal soundproof door

LEGANZA FORTE – the best metal soundproof doors

The design of LEGANZA FORTE ideally combines aesthetic appearance and high quality: sound insulation, insulation. Adjustable hinges prevent the door leaf from sagging. The product has reliable burglary protection, the external finish is powder coated.

Characteristics:

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

Pros:

  • anti-corrosion protection;
  • locks with recoding;
  • built-in protection against the most popular hacking methods;
  • high sound and heat insulation;
  • equipped with adjustable hinges that prevent the fabric from sagging;
  • convenient and practical design.

Cons of LEGANZA FORTE

Minuses:

  • large door;
  • low transportability.

Steel thickness

How to choose the entrance door to an apartment so that it lasts as long as possible? When answering this question for the drive, one key aspect is the density of the steel sheet. Here the indicators are in the range of 0.8 - 5 mm. The higher they are, the more solid the strength. True, this increases both the mass and the price tag of the product.

Steel doors with different densities are used in various fields:

  • I recommend 0.8 – 1 mm for domestic buildings where valuables are not stored,
  • 1-2 mm: office premises,
  • 2-3 mm – standard for apartments
  • 4 mm – private houses.

In some products, the steel sheet is only on the outside. The manufacturer claims that this is enough to obtain a structure with good strength. And the inner panel can be made of MDF.

For safety reasons, it is better to choose an option with a pair of steel sheets. If your budget allows, I recommend purchasing a version reinforced with one more sheet. But it is heavy and not suitable for all situations.

Advice

When examining the doors based on the thickness of the steel, carefully examine the area of ​​the locks. When hacking, a huge load falls on him. This area should be reinforced with another sheet. There is an alternative here - this is an armored plate.

Rating of quality metal doors

Ratibor Stained glass 3K

This option is suitable for most users. The external finish is made of 10 mm MDF, color – wenge. The interior panel is made of the same material as the exterior, the only difference is the color, here it is "Beige Larch".

The metal thickness is 1.5 mm, so it is better to install the door in a house where constant surveillance is carried out. Inside there is foam polystyrene insulation, and reliable rubber seals will prevent drafts from entering the house. Level and cylinder locks of the 3rd degree of protection are used for protection. 3 hinges, which are provided with an anti-removal mechanism.

Production - Russia. Weight – 76 kg.

The average cost is 20,000 rubles.

Ratibor Stained glass 3K

Advantages:

  • Reliability;
  • High-quality seal;
  • Price;
  • Execution;
  • Reliable hinges.

Flaws:

  • Metal thickness.

Galleon

An excellent option that will impress the user with its affordability (price 16,000 rubles) and technical characteristics. The thickness of the cold-rolled sheet is 1.5 mm, but that’s not all; to this you can also add reinforcement of the locking zone, which is 1.2 mm. Therefore, the apartment will be safe, regardless of the presence of the owner.

The stiffening ribs form a U-shaped structure, and the manufacturer also strengthened the loop zones. There is good protection from drafts and entrance odors. Therefore, if someone stews cabbage, the owner will not know about it. For greater safety, there are anti-removal bolts, and the door itself is placed on 3 hinges. Weight is 91 kg.

Cost – 16,000 rubles

Galleon metal door

Advantages:

  • Price;
  • High-quality exterior finishing;
  • Convenient peephole;
  • 3 sealing circuits.

Flaws:

  • Weight.

Bastion-S (Classic series)

A durable steel door in the mid-price segment stands out from competitors due to its excellent sound and thermal insulation. This was achieved due to a double sealing contour with an internal rebate.

The door frame and stiffeners are made from strong factory angle, so the model can properly withstand force and impact loads. The thickness of the outer steel sheet is 3 mm, and in the lock area this parameter is 6 mm.

Door hinges are supplied with a bearing made by . The door kit also includes two anti-removal pins. The door cavity is filled with mineral basalt wool, and a seal is provided along the contour of the structure.

The strength of the “Bastion-S (Classic Series)” door corresponds to class M2, and the burglary resistance class corresponds to class 2. You can select the appropriate type of armor lining for a lever or cylinder lock. The range offers various types of door fittings in three colors:

  1. Brass.
  2. Chrome plated.
  3. Bronze.

The manufacturer also took into account the possibility of changing the door configuration at the buyer's request. There are various fittings and finishes to choose from:

  • smooth or milled overlay panels made from veneer or solid wood;
  • laminated panels;
  • Vinyl leather trim.

The average price is 52,800 rubles.

Advantages:

  • excellent sound and thermal insulation performance;
  • meet a high strength class;
  • resistant to burglary;
  • different configuration and finishing options;
  • the price corresponds to the quality.

Flaws:

  • not detected.

A premium entrance door that will simultaneously decorate and protect the apartment. According to the manufacturer, high safety is achieved if you do not skimp on the quality of steel. This model uses cold-rolled steel, which is distinguished by its characteristics and can last over 8 years without failures or corrosion. The interior finish is an MDF panel, the thickness of which is 6 mm.

Insulation – KNAUF Therm thermal insulation board, which is resistant to humidity. Weight – 67 kg.

The average cost is 21,560 rubles.

Т2-204 Antique Silver

Advantages:

  • Reliability;
  • Durability;
  • Light weight;
  • High quality finish;
  • Thermal insulation.

Flaws:

  • Not detected.

SIGMA COMFORT RD

An excellent model that will give the user a pleasant appearance and grandeur. The model has three sealing circuits. There are 2 steel sheets, the thickness of the outer one is 2 mm, and the inner one is 1.5 mm, which will provide a person with complete protection. The buyer can choose one option from 11 offered, there is a model with a mirror. The front side, which faces the entrance, resembles the door of a bank safe in appearance. Therefore, the burglar, even on a subconscious level, will not want to deal with her. In addition, the lower lock has class 4 burglary resistance, its upper friend has class 3, which will allow the owner to sleep soundly on a long-awaited vacation and not worry about the property.

Most buyers give an additional plus for the presence of a magnetic seal. There is also noise insulation (up to 45 dB). The only drawback of this design is its weight, which is 120 kg. The door is covered by a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. The interior is resistant to cat claws.

The average cost is 28,000 rubles.

SIGMA COMFORT RD metal door

Advantages:

  • Reliability;
  • Design;
  • Burglar resistance class;
  • Thickness;
  • Price;
  • Noise insulation.

Flaws:

  • Not found.

Fortis Optimal

This option is for people who are looking for unique style and high protection. This model has almost everything to keep a burglar at the door for over 24 hours. High degree of protection, 2,800,000 security combinations, series 25 transformable lock, everything is designed to make the apartment secure. There are two ways to open it - keys and explosives.

There is a door opening limiter, which will allow you to conduct dialogues with strangers as safely as possible. A big plus is the protection of the locking mechanism with hard alloy. 8 layers of material will provide the owner with good sound insulation, so the scolding of neighbors on the landing will not interfere with peace of mind. Steel thickness – 2 mm.

The average cost is 106,000 rubles.

Fortis Optimal door

Advantages:

  • External execution;
  • Steel thickness;
  • High degree of protection;
  • Noise insulation;
  • Corrosion resistance;
  • Durability;
  • Safety.

Flaws:

  • Not found.

Number of stiffeners

The sheet of material and the inner panel separates some space. It contains stiffening ribs. Thanks to them, the door withstands mechanical aggression and becomes much stronger.

Variations of their location: vertical, horizontal or diagonal.

One way or another, they must be concentrated evenly over the entire area of ​​the structure. This affects its resistance to hacking.

Which products are best to take based on these criteria? Firstly, at least two stiffening ribs are installed vertically and one horizontally in the door. Secondly, the greater their number, the better the strength of the door. Thirdly, their excess seriously increases the mass of the entire structure.

I recommend choosing versions 2-4 with vertical ribs and 1-3 with horizontal ones.

Their material should also be taken into account. Its versions are:

  1. Standard angle and rectangular pipe. This is classic and reliable, but also significant mass.
  2. Rolled products equipped with a complex profile. It is lighter in weight and has excellent strength at height. The reason is that this profile is very difficult to bend.

Both options can be represented schematically like this:

The best metal door made in Belarus

Beldoors Shokoladka - the best metal doors made in Belarus

Veldoors Chocolate design is available in two sizes. The door opens from both sides. Beautiful design and high-quality finishing using PVC. The simplicity of geometric shapes and dark chocolate color give the design elegance and special charm.

Characteristics:

  • dimensions – 860 by 2060 (960 by 2050) mm;
  • 2 sealing circuits;
  • filler – ISOVER mineral wool;
  • covering – structured MDF panel;
  • accessories (2 hinges with bearings, 2 locks, night bolt, anti-removal pins).

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • difficulty in care;
  • accumulation of dust.

Door frame

If you need a quality product, its box should have:

  • metal density: from 3 to 5 mm,
  • the presence of a closed circuit,
  • load-bearing component – ​​profile pipe,
  • one seam from welding,
  • 4 mounting points from the hinges and 2 from the lock,
  • 1-2 porches,
  • external platbands made of metal,
  • insulation in the profile.

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The best metal door for technical rooms

2DP-1S – the best metal doors for technical premises

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

The door is designed taking into account the latest technologies, equipped with reliable burglary protection and fire resistance. Two types of seals are used. Stylish design and beautiful powder coated finish.

Characteristics of 2DP-1S

Characteristics:

  • dimensions – 1400 by 1000 (2350 by 1750) mm;
  • external finishing with powder-polymer coating;
  • two contours of rubber seal, thermally expanding seal;
  • design of the box (with or without a threshold, in the overhead or in the opening);
  • equipping with fire-fighting mechanisms;
  • fittings (crossbars, locks).

Pros of 2DP-1S

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • quite heavy design;
  • difficulties during transportation.

Loops

For metal doors today the following types are provided:

  1. Overhead non-insulated with anti-removable crossbars. When the doors are closed, the crossbars are placed in special holes located in the frame profiles. As a result, the canvas receives powerful fixation.

  1. Internal hidden. They cannot be cut from the outside and are more aesthetically pleasing. But they often jam, which makes it difficult for the owners to get home.

If the canvas weighs 70 kg, it must be equipped with two loops. With greater weight and intensity of use of the door, 3-4 hinges are needed.

For massive products, in addition to hinges, support bearings are used. They make opening the door much easier.

The best metal door for a private home

Wear-resistant Arma Standard-1 is a dense design with two sealing contours. To make the door, a bent metal profile with stiffeners is used. The product is equipped with a cylinder and lever lock, a peephole, and chrome-colored fittings.

Reliable protection against burglary is provided by anti-removal pins. The metal door is powder-painted and resists corrosion and mechanical damage. Although the design is heavy, it opens easily and without unnecessary sound effects.

Characteristics:

  • canvas dimensions – 880 x 2050 mm;
  • thickness – 80 mm;
  • filler – mineral cloth “URSA GEO”;
  • MDF finishing;
  • external powder copper coating;
  • fittings (sealing contours, hinges, pins, night bolt).

Pros:

  • large thickness of metal sheet;
  • high level of sound insulation;
  • high-quality filler, high-quality insulation;
  • reliable protection against burglary;
  • Possibility of opening on both sides;
  • beautiful appearance, stylish design;
  • convenient equipment.

Minuses:

  • heavy construction.

Sealant and filler

The seals in the door are located along its perimeter. They block drafts and odors, allowing the canvas to fit more tightly to the box. They also allow the door to close quietly. If a product has 2-3 sealing contours, then this is part of the marketing policy. In practice, one high-quality rubber seal, installed correctly, is enough.

For your information

The analogue made of polyurethane or silicone has slightly worse insulation performance. I don’t recommend the foam or plastic versions at all. This is both weak insulation and strength.

You can choose magnetic strips, but then opening doors will become a problem for children and the elderly.

Fillers. They fill the voids in the canvas. They ensure heat retention in the room and eliminate the “drum action”

The best apartment metal door

Akron 1 – the best apartment metal doors

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

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

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

Characteristics of Acron 1

Characteristics:

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

Pros Akron 1

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • difficult to transport.

Thermal insulation and sound insulation of a metal door

Since metal does not insulate frost and noise well, additional elements are installed in the door:

  1. Perimeter seals.
  2. Insulation materials.
  3. Decorative panels. Their traditional installation location is the inner area of ​​the door. They dampen sound impulses and are additional heat insulators.

For better thermal insulation, the door must be installed correctly. If the seam is large or poorly filled, then the desired effect will not be achieved.

How to choose an entrance door with suitable thermal insulation material? Firstly, it must fill the entire space separating the outer and inner sheets, and separate the frame and stiffeners. Secondly, you should know the basic materials for these tasks.

The most popular is mineral wool. It perfectly insulates sound, absorbs noise and retains heat, and is also resistant to fire and does not emit hazardous elements. But it often sags. Therefore, they make additional sheathing for it.

In many respects, Penoplex is an analogue of mineral wool, but is inferior to it in terms of fire resistance.

Polyurethane foam is also a fairly popular option. It perfectly insulates heat and sound, is durable, and resistant to temperature changes and humidity. However, it catches fire easily and has very high price tags.

For your information

If you need a door with good sound insulation at a modest price, I advise you to choose the version with foam. True, he is very susceptible to fire. And be sure to fill the gaps between it and the stiffeners with sealant.

Less popular and cheaper options are:

  • foam rubber and synthetic winterizer; to achieve the desired effect, I advise you to make a layer of at least 10 cm from such material,
  • pressed paper and cardboard; These are acceptable and cheap low mass insulators, but they are susceptible to moisture.

Which material should I choose the right version from? I recommend not skimping here and giving preference to mineral wool or penoplex. When purchasing a door, be sure to check whether the internal spaces of the metal profiles are filled. To do this, tap on the surface with any metal object. If the sound is dull, it means the door has high-quality insulation.

I also highlight the concept of thermal break. This is insulation with a low thermal conductivity. It separates two materials to reduce heat transfer between them.

Products with it are called frost-resistant. They are in good demand in cold regions.

Which thermal break door should you choose? Here I recommend basing it on the following criteria:

First: material of manufacture. The versions are:

  1. PVC inserts. The most budget option. But not suitable for use in conditions below -25 degrees.
  2. Fiberglass. It is highly effective, but releases toxins when heated.
  3. Foam plastic + basalt wool. The optimal combination to achieve the best efficiency. Plus, it has affordable price tags.
  4. Wood. Gives better insulation, but is quite expensive.

Second: country of origin. It is better to choose European or domestic products. Study the history of the company, its range and real reviews of its products

Have questions ? Call!

Locks and locking devices

The locks themselves, their structure and reliability can be studied for a long time. But it is worth remembering that there must be a reinforcement plate in the door structure in the area where the locks are installed. The thickness of the steel should be at least twice as thick as in other places. If the additional lining is made of super-strong steel (manganese), this is an additional plus for choosing this particular metal door.

Not only the lock is important, but also the presence of reinforcement

What kind of locks should I put?

For those who do not want to delve too deeply into the study of types of locks, you just need to know that for a sufficient level of reliability, it is advisable to have two locking devices of different systems. Most often they install cylinder and lever ones. On the door they should not stand next to each other, but at a distance from each other. The greater this distance, the better - this reduces the possibility of pressing the door, since the locks are spaced at a considerable distance. It is also advisable to have a latch on the inside. Its design is at your discretion. This is so that if someone is at home, the door cannot be opened from outside. A greater number of constipations brings more trouble to the owners than inconvenience to the burglars.

Choosing locks for a metal door is a serious matter.

One of the traditional locks can be replaced with an electronic lock. It does not have a keyhole; it is opened not with ordinary keys, but with a remote control, like on an anti-theft device for cars. A good option, but it costs a lot. Installing a “two in one” type lock with two systems is not entirely correct. After all, two locks are needed precisely so that the bolts are spaced as far apart as possible.

When choosing a lock for a metal door, European or American brands are often preferred. Yes, they are more expensive, but more reliable. The Italian companies Cisa, Mottura have proven themselves well, the Turkish Kale, the Austrian EVVA, the German Saturn and Diamant are quite good. If the budget is limited, there are good Russian ones: St. Petersburg Kerberos (with a cut-off lever) and Barrier.

Additional locking devices

Some doors are equipped with additional devices to protect against mechanical burglary. These are pins and bolts that, when the lock is turned, move out of the door leaf, entering the holes made for them in the door frame. There are several types of these devices: thrusters, deviators and crabs.

If, when you turn the key, pins appear at the top and bottom of the door leaf, these are rods. If additional pins come out in a horizontal plane (usually at the top and bottom on the lock side, but can also be on the hinge side) these are deviators. The deviators can be of any shape - in the form of round pins or rotary hook-shaped ones. If the pins appear both from the bottom/top and from the loop side, this system is called a “crab”.

Schemes of additional crossbars to increase the burglary resistance of the door

All of them are good as additional measures against mechanical burglary: if they try to press the door leaf away from the door frame, they will greatly complicate the task. But if they open it with a master key or some other “intelligent” method, this will not help. In addition, please note that all bolts operate from the lock. So if you decide to choose a metal door with crossbars, the lock must have exits to connect to them. If they are not there, all additional constipation is useless.

External and internal finishing of a metal door

The interior is designed based on personal tastes and hallway design. The main requirements for the outer zone are:

  • resistance to humidity and mechanical stress;
  • resistance to ultraviolet radiation and precipitation,

These are the criteria for a door leading out to the street. If it leads to an entrance, there are no special criteria for its exterior decoration.

When determining the door covering, the choice may fall on the following options (their selection is a matter of taste and budget):

  1. Powder. Special paints are applied to the surface. Under powerful thermal influence, they form a very durable film that is resistant to mechanical damage, moisture and fire. This option has an abundance of shades and colors to suit every taste. The price tag is low.

  1. Solid wood. It is environmentally friendly, elegant and has a very high price. It can be coated with varnishes, extending its service life.

  1. MFD panels are 0.7 - 2 cm thick. They are painted, covered with a film with an image or veneer. They create huge space for door decoration. They insulate sound and heat well. Prices are high.

  1. Vinyl leather. The option has a wide selection of colors. It imitates natural leather well. It is distinguished by low prices, but also modest strength.

  1. Plastic panels. The most economical version of finishing. She has a wide range and is easy to care for. But she has weak strength.
  2. PVC film. The door is laminated with it, thereby receiving any image, imitating wood or leather. It's cheap, but not durable. And it looks simple.

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The best metal door with a thermal break

North - the best metal doors with thermal break

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

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

Characteristics of doors North

Characteristics:

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

Advantages of North doors

Pros:

  • the structure does not freeze, there is no ice;
  • reliable protection system against penetration;
  • multilayer insulation system;
  • functionality;
  • thermal resistance;
  • wear resistance and durability;
  • average weight, transportability;
  • high-quality fittings, reliable fastenings;
  • convenient installation and maintenance of the door.

Minuses:

  • high price.

Features of choosing a lock for a metal door

The level of your security depends on this aspect. And if you are at a loss in the dilemma of how to choose a metal entrance door, the advice of a professional will help you solve it.

The recommendations boil down to installing two variations of locks. This will allow the thief to spend more time breaking in.

Today the following types of locks are installed:

  1. Level ones. They are distinguished by high reliability, the level of which is determined by the number of levers: from 1 to 10. The most reliable mechanisms have at least 6 of them.

I also recommend paying attention to the crossbars and pins. The more there are, the more reliable the lock.

I think the safest option is this combination: lever mechanism + manganese insert. There is a special plate located between the outer door leaf and the lock body.

The second most powerful option is the crab version of the lever lock. Here the movement of the crossbars occurs on the sides.

  1. Cylinder. They are named after the shape of the internal mechanism, which is built at a specific height. It is difficult to open with a master key, but can be knocked out with a powerful blow. Therefore, I advise you to supplement such a mechanism with armored linings;

For better security, I recommend equipping an iron door with both points 1 and 2.

Their optimal distance from each other is 25-35 cm. Use only mortise locks of the 3rd and 4th security categories. If you doubt the level of security, you can also install an alarm system.

There are also deadbolt and electronic locks. It is better not to install the first ones on the entrance doors: they are too simple and fragile. The latter are poorly distributed in our country. They can be opened with a card, a special code or fingerprints. Without knowing the code and not having the necessary means, a thief can open such a mechanism only by brute force.

Security function of entrance doors

Of course, the main task of any front door is to be a reliable barrier on the threshold of housing. There are many different types of structures on the market, but you should not install doors that are too heavy in your apartment: the high weight of the door leaf has a negative impact on hinges and other fittings.

Doors in the salon

The wide supply of doors on the market makes potential buyers wonder what to look for when choosing a door design? First of all, you need to pay attention to the strength of the fabric and fittings, appearance, thermal and sound insulation. In order to choose the right model, you need to consider the most important indicators of front door security.

Features of the steel used

The steel used in the production of a door can be processed in two ways, each of which affects the characteristics of the resulting product. If you study the regulatory documents, you can find out that in accordance with GOST 199303, hot-rolled steel that is susceptible to negative environmental influences can be used. Such material may rust.

Steel sheets

GOST 19904 provides for the use of cold-rolled and more resistant steel sheets. Doors made from such steel are more expensive, but are of high quality.

Thickness of metal used

An important indicator for a steel door is the thickness of the metal used in its production. This determines the reliability class of the product, which directly affects its safety and burglary resistance.

Steel

The steel sheet used must be at least two millimeters thick. If thinner metal is used, then such a door cannot be installed as an entrance door, however, it can be used for technical, utility rooms in which valuable items will not be stored. However, you should not purchase doors with a metal thickness of more than four millimeters, since such a design will be heavy and not the most practical for use.

Door reliability classes

Entrance doors can be classified according to reliability classes. The criteria are described in GOST R 51072-97. The document describes thirteen classes of entrance door structures. Classes from first to fourth are used as apartment doors and doors for a private house, higher ones are used for special premises (for example, cash depositories or weapons warehouses).

Door burglary resistance classes

Class 1-4 has the following characteristics:

  • 1 class. The door leaf and frame must withstand physical impact without the use of tools;
  • 2nd grade. The door can withstand the use of simple tools, such as a screwdriver;
  • 3rd grade. Resistant to the use of scrap;
  • 4th grade. The door can withstand the impact of a hammer, ax, or drill.

Of course, the above applies only to the door frame and its leaf. Locks have their own stability classification, which must be clarified separately. Information about this must be provided to customers in the store. If any information is missing, it is recommended that you refuse to purchase, since such products cannot guarantee reliable protection.

Stiffening rib

The number of stiffeners is an important indicator of the characteristics of iron doors. These metal elements are located inside the door structure and are designed to strengthen it. The best models are those that have two or more vertical stiffeners and one horizontal.

Stiffening rib

However, if a lot of reinforcement elements are installed, the weight of the door increases significantly. In modern door models, the problem is solved by installing specially shaped ribs, which reduce the overall weight while maintaining the reliability of the structure.

Door frame

There are several door frame options. So, the frame can be made:

  • From a single pipe bent in 4 places, welded together;
  • From four straight pipe sections welded together;
  • From welded corners. This solution is the least reliable.

Door frame

As is clear from the text above, the most reliable solution is a frame that has the smallest number of welds. Increasing their number can disrupt the geometry of the structure and reduce its stability.

Door leaf material

The door leaf is made from a sheet of steel; inside the structure there are stiffening ribs and a frame. The interior may be decorated.

Metal door design

An entirely metal door is more suitable for public or industrial buildings, or a private home. A canvas with decorative lining made of leather, wood or MDF will be the best solution for an apartment, since the finish will not deteriorate due to exposure to temperature changes.

Loops

You should also choose a door taking into account the fittings used, in particular, hinges. Among other things, they are an element that protects doors from burglary. Hidden and external loops are used.

Hidden ones eliminate the possibility of removing the canvas and breaking into the house. Outdoor hinges can be cut off quite easily. To counteract this, the door is equipped with anti-removal pins or tongues. You should pay attention to this when purchasing.

Hidden hinges

When installing a regular door weighing up to 70 kilograms, it will be enough to install two hinges. If you plan to use the canvas intensively or it has a non-standard weight, then it would be better to install three or four loops. An additional element will ensure long-term and uninterrupted operation of the structure.

Locks

What should you pay attention to when choosing doors, taking into account the locks equipped with them? A system with two locks of different designs is considered optimal. One of them is used to close the door for a short period of time, the second has a more complex structure and is used in case of prolonged absence of the owners of the house.

Door lock

According to the type of construction, locks are:

  • Cylinder ones, which have a pin mechanism, and knocking out the core is not particularly difficult;
  • Levers, reliability is directly dependent on the number of levers;
  • Electronic. This is the most modern, but also expensive subspecies.

Cylinder lock

Entrance doors are usually equipped with a cylinder lock and a lever lock, or two cylinder locks. An electronic locking device can also be installed additionally. When choosing, you should pay attention to:

  • How many bolts and pins are there in the lock? The bigger, the better;
  • For a lever lock, it is desirable to have a manganese insert, which is an additional element of protection;
  • If there are hidden locking bolts, then cutting them off is not possible;
  • The existing armor plate will not allow the lock key to be knocked out.

Heat and sound insulation

When choosing a door, it is a good idea to pay attention to the characteristics of thermal and sound insulation. Since the bare metal of the door is not able to effectively insulate the room from the cold, manufacturers install a layer of thermal insulation and rubber seals. During manufacturing, the insulation is placed inside the door. The seal is mounted along the inner perimeter of the frame and the door leaf at the places where they join.

Door insulation

Be sure to check when purchasing a door what kind of insulation is installed in it. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the seals: tape seals are considered worse than tubular ones.

Peephole

Eyelets are installed in most doors sold. This element should have a wide viewing angle and give a clear, clear picture of what is happening outside. Recently, there have been so-called video eyes that allow you to display an image on a special device, a computer or smartphone.

Peephole

Door security classes

There are 7 of them in total:

  1. First. These are doors with a material density of 1-1.5 mm. They have primitive locks. They are usually placed in basements and vestibules.
  2. Second. More complicated versions, but also easy to open. The scope of use is similar.
  3. Third. These are doors with thick steel sheets and high-quality locks. Some are used as apartment entrance doors.
  4. Fourth. Optimal version for private homes. They have very dense material, lock combinations and armored inserts.
  5. Fifth - seventh. Versions for banks, office premises where there is cash, important documentation, etc.

What classes are entrance doors divided into?

If you are purchasing an entrance door for an apartment, choose it from metal-plastic or metal. You can choose a combined option - using wood and metal.

Classification of entrance doors
Classification of entrance doors

Classification according to protective properties. There are designs of normal design, but you can also purchase reinforced ones. In other words, structures with protective properties are being developed:

  • weak;
  • moderate;
  • elevated.

Classification by door structure. Models available for purchase:

  • with a U-shaped additional threshold;
  • with a solid frame (closed).

Classification according to mechanical characteristics. There are 3 strength classes. They are called M1, M2, M3.

Classification by type of opening, by the number of insulating circuits and panels. There are doors that open outwards, others - inwards. There are single- and double-field designs. The canvas may be with an insert or blank.

Entrance metal door
Entrance metal door

Classification by finish. The canvases cover:

  • paint;
  • spraying;
  • laminate;
  • leatherette;
  • wood, etc.

Characteristics of models taking into account burglary resistance

There are 7 resistance classes.

Class No. 1. The product's resistance to burglary is low. It is enough to use a simple tool to open such a door. You don't even need to use physical force.

These models are rarely used to be installed at the entrance to the apartment. But they will fit:

  • for vestibules;
  • for entrances;
  • for basements;
  • for utility rooms.

Class No. 2. Such doors are more difficult to break into, but it is possible if you use special tools and physical force.

Class No. 3. They sell designated models with complex locking mechanisms. And the door frame is secured in a special way. Here, physical pressure and master keys are unlikely to help thieves. But attackers can use power tools (power of at least 450-500 W).

Class No. 4. The entrance to a mansion or apartment is blocked by a structure with high-quality protection. For domestic use, this option is considered optimal. Here the frame is reinforced, the door leaf is armored.

Classes 5, 6, 7. Such doors have increased security. They are installed in special buildings. premises or banks.

Decorative design

Buyers have different financial options; this factor is reflected in the decor of the chosen door.

Economy class doors. The door blocks used are not very expensive; it can be a U-shaped design. The consumers of this option are citizens with average incomes.

Economy class steel door
Economy class steel door

The production technology of these systems does not provide for reliable protective properties. Cheap finishing materials are also used - leatherette, paint.

Metal versions of doors of this class are protected by thin metal plates (up to 1.5 mm thick). Corrugated cardboard helps provide sound insulation and heat retention.

In terms of burglary resistance, such doors are usually classified as class 1.

Prestige class doors. Standard technologies are used: metal profiles are used to create stiffeners. As a result, the doors are classified as class 2 in terms of reliability.

Prestige class door

Finishing is done by using:

  • powder coating (any shade can be used);
  • laminate;
  • PVC panels.

1.5 mm metal is used.

Elite class doors. Installed:

  • closed profiles;
  • additional stiffeners;
  • high security locks.

Such doors are decorated with veneered MDF panels or natural wood.

Elite door
Elite door

You can even purchase a forged door. Her canvases are decorated with:

  • forged script;
  • stained glass.

Typically, such models are classified as class 3 in terms of reliability.

Prices for entrance steel doors

Dimensions of metal entrance door

This product is produced personally according to the opening. And reputable companies offer customers comprehensive services from measurements to installation. Their specialists take into account the parameters and specifics of the opening.

I advise you to contact such companies.

How to choose the door size? Its width should exceed 90 cm. Otherwise, it will be extremely problematic to bring large furniture and household appliances into the apartment.

The height is in the spectrum of 207 - 237 cm. The exact value is determined by the total height of the ceiling, the width of the canvas and the presence of a threshold.

If the width of the opening is significant, then I recommend installing a structure of 1-2 panels.

The door opening direction has the following versions: right, left, outer or inner.

Advice

I recommend installing doors with external opening. Although this contradicts fire safety criteria, it seriously complicates thieves’ access to the apartment. Otherwise, they simply squeeze out the canvas using a jack (5 ton version).

Door insulation

High-quality insulation protects the room from extraneous sounds, odors and heat loss. In addition, the comprehensive installation of insulating materials improves the appearance of the door, as it provides for the finishing of the external leaf and high-quality execution of the slopes.

The first stage of insulation is filling the technical voids inside the door between the stiffeners.

Most often, mineral wool is used for this, which has a complex effect - it works as a heat and sound insulator, does not burn and is environmentally friendly.

Mineral wool insulation

Some manufacturers use polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam as filler. The advantages of these materials include the fact that they are not able to accumulate moisture. However, if you are choosing a door to an apartment, then this will not be so important for you. The disadvantage of these insulation materials is their fire hazard. The advantage of using these materials to fill door voids is that they are quite dense materials and the door in which they are installed does not have a drum effect when knocked on.

Polyurethane foam insulation

The second point related to insulation is the presence of a high-quality seal around the entire perimeter of the door. Rubber or silicone seals - they not only increase sound insulation, but also prevent odors from the corridor from entering the apartment, which is especially important if there are smoking neighbors. When choosing doors, you may come across offers with one, two or even three sealing contours.

The latter option, as assured by the sellers, necessarily guarantees complete protection from everything you can think of, but if you listen to practitioners, they unanimously claim that one circuit will do the job perfectly well if it is made of good material, and The door leaf itself fits well. Even two recommend betting solely for insurance – more “just in case” than for serious necessity.

Door seal

Slope finishing. No matter how wonderful the door is in itself, if after its installation there are still cracks in the wall, then smells and sounds will freely pass through them into the apartment.

A well-made door and insulation dampen most external sounds, but when installing it in an apartment you should not expect complete sound insulation, since there are so-called structural sounds transmitted in solid matter, in particular walls. Therefore, you should not expect the door to completely muffle the noise of the elevator or cope with external sounds with “bare” walls. But if before that you had a wooden door, then by installing a high-quality metal one you will immediately feel comfort in terms of isolation from the outside world.

Choosing a door by cost

Which entrance door should I choose for my apartment? A lot depends on your goals, preferences and finances. I note that in many stores products are presented in the following categories:

  • budget,
  • average,
  • prestigious

Each has its own variations, from which you can choose the appropriate modification.

The store also matters. It can:

  • discounts be active,
  • delivery and installation are offered,
  • manufacturer's and installation warranty.

I recommend choosing products from reliable companies with powerful protection, insulation, and sound insulation. And the choice of design is a matter of personal taste.

Door locks

It is impossible to fully consider all the nuances of installing locks due to the large number of their varieties. Each model has its own individual characteristics, which affects its installation and further operation, but there are basic rules recommended for compliance:

The lock must match the door

A fragile door leaf or lock (even two), made of unknown materials, will equally be a weak link in the protective properties of the entire structure, a tasty treat for a burglar.

Type of lock and need for a latch

An apartment door requires a mortise lock, the mechanism of which is placed inside the door leaf. Mounted or overhead analogues are not reliable and their use should be abandoned immediately. The latch greatly simplifies the operation of a modern door, and in particular its locking. If there is no latch, then in order to turn the lock, the door leaf will have to be pulled or pushed.

Number of locks

Two issues are taken into account here - safety and prudence. In the first case, we take into account the fact that two locks mean double work for a burglar - two sets of different tools, twice the time required to open them, and, accordingly, increased chances of getting caught in the red. The second reason is a banal reinsurance - if one of the locks breaks, then it can be slowly repaired or replaced, using the other one at the same time.

Two castles

Lock type

If you install two locking mechanisms, then there is no point in purchasing the same types of them - if a thief knows how to open locks of a certain design, then the loss of time will be insignificant for him. For this reason, it is recommended to install mechanisms of different designs - cylinder and lever.

The cylindrical one is considered more difficult to open intelligently - its secret part consists of many so-called pins. In order for the lock to turn, they must be placed in a certain order. The disadvantage of a cylinder lock is its relative fragility and location - the secret mechanism “looks out” beyond the door leaf, which is why you can simply try to knock it out.

Cylinder lock

The lever lock consists of thick plates called levers - hence its name. It is easier to open such a lock, but it is much more difficult to break into it, since its mechanism is completely hidden in the thickness of the door.

Level castle

Of course, everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Lock manufacturers are constantly improving their devices, making them more and more reliable, but the rule that everything closed by one person can be opened by another is still in force. As a result, when deciding which entrance door is best to install in an apartment, it is strongly recommended to choose a model with two locks of different designs. This does not provide a 100% guarantee of a professional’s skills, but it will definitely scare away petty crooks, who are in fact the majority.

Rating of entrance door manufacturers

Such products must be of the highest quality. Therefore, it is important to purchase products from reliable brands. Their rating is quite conditional. And the positions of firms in it may vary. Its formation is influenced by real customer reviews.

I list the following top 10 most reliable companies:

  1. "Elbor" (Russia). Founded in 1993. Today it is the largest manufacturer of entrance doors in the country. He has a wide dealer network. Each point provides high-quality warranty service. Product prices vary. Door safety class: 3 and 4. The manufacturer also supplies its own decorative panels and fittings in a wide range.
  2. Professional master (Russia). The company was founded in 1998. Priority in work is given to the manufacture of products according to personal orders. The company's craftsmen create any door according to the client's preferences.
  3. "The Guardian" (Russia). This is a powerful holding company founded in 1994. It has branches throughout Russia and the CIS countries. Manufactures products of template and non-standard sizes. Its design is varied, its weight ranges from 50 to 140 kg. Protection category: 3 and 4. The doors are equipped with locking mechanisms and fittings of our own production.
  4. "Doors-granite" (Russia). The company has a small assortment, but all products have powerful burglary protection. The company provides a 10-year warranty for its products.
  5. "Torex" (Russia). Offers a huge selection of doors with different price tags, levels of protection and design. The warranty period depends on the specific model.
  6. "Bastion" (Russia). It has been operating since 1997. It produces products that are affordable. The assortment includes products of different parameters and densities. The locks and fittings in them are from European (Russia). This is the first manufacturer of bimetallic doors. Here the main sheets are separated by additional sheets. Insulation: mineral wool and polyurethane foam. The price list includes more than 100 door modifications. The locks in them are from leading manufacturers. The product is very reliable, but expensive.
  7. "Dierry" (Italy). Has innovative developments for door security. Announces its readiness to release “smart doors.”
  8. "Gardessa" (Italy). The company has several branches in Russia. The products are characterized by the highest quality and corresponding prices. It uses locks from the best companies from Italy.
  9. "Novak" (Poland). The company has high-quality products at affordable prices. Although their Russian counterparts are not inferior to them in quality.

Exterior finishing

The door trim is significantly different from what was used 20-30 years ago. You can choose either a fairly massive finish or an elegant and light one, while the door will remain just as practical to use. The outer part is usually painted, but the inner part can be decorated:

  • Skin;
  • Skin substitute;
  • Laminate;
  • Veneer;
  • MDF.

A large number of finishing materials allows everyone to choose something to suit their taste. The use of a door for purely utilitarian purposes is rare and not for residential premises. In a home, a door can become a stylish design element, because the perception of the design of a room begins from the very entrance.

Door trim

If you intend to install it in a multi-storey building, then it would be better to choose the color of the exterior decoration like the other doors in the entrance so as not to attract unnecessary attention. In addition, it is worth applying anti-vandal spraying to the door, which will allow you to preserve the flawless appearance of the door for a long time.

Imported doors are the highest quality and most reliable, but their price is considerable: a door made in Germany, Italy, or Poland will cost at least 30 thousand rubles, but the upper price limit is virtually unlimited.

Rating of entrance door manufacturers

At the beginning of the rating, door models with the best price/quality ratio are shown. Large domestic manufacturers are not inferior to foreign ones in terms of design, have decent quality and are inexpensive.

Bars, a manufacturing company, occupies a leading position in the Russian market and is distinguished by good quality and low prices. The range of products allows us to satisfy the taste of even the most demanding customers. In addition, there is a line of premium products.

Doors Bars

Torex. The company from Saratov has been producing doors for more than 25 years, using its own patented developments. The production line has modern imported equipment purchased from Japan, Italy and Switzerland. The products are highly reliable and have decent thermal and sound insulation performance.

Torex

The Guardian company is a large enterprise that produces steel doors, as well as fittings and locks. All products are manufactured on automated equipment and have all quality certificates. Door structures are burglar-resistant and have good heat and sound insulation characteristics. Fireproof doors are also available with thermal break.

Doors Guardian

Elbor has been producing burglar-resistant doors since 2007. The company is increasing its turnover every year and is currently a diversified holding. Door structures have several levels of security thanks to the use of armor and special protective plates for the lock.

Choosing a quality door that will serve you faithfully for years is not an easy task. You need to study the available information and assortment of the nearest stores. However, the scrupulous approach is compensated by an easy-to-use door that will protect your home from unwanted guests.

The best double leaf metal door

DZ-98 – the best double-leaf metal doors

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

The design is strong, wear-resistant and durable. The fittings include two locks and a peephole with a 180-degree view.

Characteristics of DZ-98

Characteristics:

  • type – front double doors;
  • dimensions – 2000 by 800 mm;
  • finishing (powder coating);
  • equipped with top and bottom lock;
  • number of loops (2);
  • insulated with mineral wool;
  • equipped with a peephole with a 180 degree view.

Pros of DZ-98

Pros:

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

Minuses:

  • Only suitable for large openings.

What to consider when choosing

Metal

The quality of the front door depends not least on the type of sheet steel.

  • Hot rolled. It will not be possible to identify it by its shade (this metal is darker), since the sample has a decorative design. But your passport will tell you a lot. If it states that the material complies with GOST No. 19903, then it is hot-rolled steel. It costs less, but a number of significant disadvantages do not always justify the savings. When considering the question of how to choose a metal door, experts warn: this alloy is more susceptible to corrosion. Even if such a model is suitable for an apartment, it is better not to purchase it for installation at the entrance to a private house. The design, taking into account the influence of atmospheric factors, most likely will not last the period stated by the manufacturer.
  • Cold rolled steel. This material meets the requirements of GOST No. 19904. This alloy is more expensive, but has an undoubted advantage - resistance to moisture. For a private home, this is the best option for an entrance door.

When studying the features of a metal, you need to pay attention to its characteristics regarding the percentage of alloy components. It is optimal if it contains no more than 0.6% carbon, and up to 11 alloying additives. Such a door is sufficiently strong, without increased ductility. Consequently, it is completely resistant to mechanical stress.

Box

It can be made of bent sheet iron, angle or profiled pipe. The latter option is preferable, since such structures are less susceptible to bending or torsion deformation (item 1).

If we evaluate the strength of the block, then the frame with one weld comes first. When choosing a metal entrance door, professionals advise paying attention to this. If there are 4 connection points (at the corners of the frame), then such a product has average characteristics in terms of strength. Among cheap models, there are often samples whose blocks have 6 or 8 welded sections.

Typically, their side posts are made from separate parts. These doors are considered less reliable and are only suitable for an apartment in the entrance of a high-rise building. Moreover, the safety of the home is guaranteed if another (internal, wooden, durable) structure is installed at the entrance. Only in this case can the savings be justified.

Advice:

  • An important role in ensuring safety is given to platbands and vestibules. For a high-quality door, they are necessarily metal, therefore, they make access to the hinges and other critical areas of the structure as difficult as possible.
  • It is better not to install cheap “U” shaped boxes at the entrance. The absence of a metal threshold is evidence of the insufficient reliability of the model.

Canvas

  • Steel thickness. This characteristic (in mm) is also reflected in the product passport. It varies between 0.8 - 4. When deciding how to choose a metal entrance door, you need to know that the acceptable sheet thickness for an apartment is 2 - 2.5. If it is less, then such structures are suitable for ancillary buildings or office buildings. More so for country houses, where increased strength of the canvas is one of the main selection criteria.
  • Stiffening rib. On the one hand, the more there are, the stronger the structure. But at the same time, her weight also increases. This not only complicates installation, but also leads to a reduction in the service life of the product. Professionals note that the minimum number of ribs to ensure the reliability of the front door is as follows: vertical - 2, horizontal - 1. For an apartment this is considered sufficient.

There are different designs of ribs. The best option is long products with a complex configuration. In terms of strength, it is no worse than a profiled pipe or corner, but it weighs much less and does not weigh down the front door.

  • Number of metal sheets. First of all, this applies to their fastening on the outside and inside of the frame. In some models, the latter may be absent, and the back of such a door is the material with which the inside of the door is filled. Options - solid wood (boards), chipboard, MDF. This design feature does not greatly influence the correct choice of the entrance door to the apartment, but if we are talking about installing it in a private house, you should pay attention.

The absence of metal on the back side of the canvas leads to a decrease in its ability to withstand the influence of atmospheric factors. It is also important here how the filling material is finished. Lamination is more reliable, but a film or a layer of paint is unlikely to ensure long-term preservation of wood or a product based on it. Samples combining metal (outside) + slabs (back) are only suitable for apartments with a vestibule at the entrance.

An entrance door whose front side is a solid metal sheet is considered to be of high quality. If it is made up of individual fragments of metal held together by welding, the reliability of the web is sharply reduced.

  • Internal filling. It largely solves the problem with sound insulation, and also regulates the level of heat loss. Expanded polystyrene or mineral wool is used in apartment doors. But in any case, seals are required. They eliminate possible drafts in the area of ​​the opening and provide additional insulation of the apartment. The best version of rubber goods is in the form of a tube; profiled tape wears out faster.

It’s easy to check the quality of the insulation: just lightly tap the material. If it is high, the sound will be dull. Otherwise, either there is no insulation, or it is of unknown origin. This is typical for models “made in China”.

Hinge type

  • Hidden. It is impossible to cut them. And those who try to break into the apartment know this. And therefore the very desire to do this inevitably disappears.

  • Mounted. This is a traditional loop performance. Replacing them (if necessary) is easier, and they are cheaper than hidden analogues. But if we are talking about a door at the entrance, then such canopies provide reliable protection of the opening if the design of the model has anti-removable bolts. Without them, such loops are ineffective in terms of security.

Number of loops

Two pieces are enough for a sheet of standard weight (70 kg). If the door weighs more, then at least three. Moreover, it is desirable that the hinge design have support bearings. This significantly increases the service life of the canopies.

Locks

One on the front door is clearly not enough; optimally two. But there are a number of nuances that are worth considering.

  • Any lock can be picked; it's only a matter of time. But if the door for an apartment is selected on the basis that the locking devices are of different types, then this will make the job of an attacker much more difficult. One master key will not open all the locks.

  • A too original configuration of the working part of the key is a guarantee that more time will be needed to select the appropriate device. But not everyone takes into account the other side of this issue; If it is lost by one of the family members, it is extremely difficult to make a duplicate even from an existing sample. Not every master will undertake this, and it will be expensive. Most likely, the lock on the front door will have to be changed.

  • At least one of the locking devices must be equipped with bolts. Moreover, with fixation of the canvas at several points and in different directions, and not just at the place where the lock adjoins the block.

Knowing the basic criteria for choosing a door at the entrance to your house or apartment will help you avoid making a mistake with your purchase. All that remains is to add that it is necessary to pay attention to the type of outer coating of the canvas. Unfortunately, in our entrances there are still people who like to leave their autographs or “wishes for humanity” on anything, including on doors. It is optimal if the sash and frame are made in a vandal-proof version. Then you won’t have to constantly think about how to disguise scratches or small dents that appear.

A few words about comfort

How to choose a metal entrance door - advice from a professional

Staying in a house or apartment will be enjoyable only if you choose the right metal entrance door and install it correctly. It should not make creaking or noise during operation. In addition to preventing penetration, the entrance system is a barrier to noise, unpleasant odors, and 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;
  • it is necessary to have one or two sealing circuits;
  • have good insulation material inside.

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

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

If a metal entrance 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 door and the door will not slam.

What should the entrance doors to the apartment be like?

The choice of a metal door as an entrance door is not accidental: even products made from solid wood or other materials are not able to provide high reliability and protection, so in this case the choice is small.

But as a rule, when choosing, the first thing the buyer pays attention to is the appearance, which is determined by the finish of the door.

First of all, we should proceed from the fact that a modern entrance door is a multi-layered and rather complex structure, consisting of the following mandatory elements:

  • boxes;
  • metal sheet;
  • frame;
  • stiffeners;
  • decorative finishing;
  • thermal insulation layer;
  • seals;
  • loops;
  • anti-removal pins and some other elements (depending on the product class and design).

Also a mandatory attribute of the front door is a peephole, the choice of which should be taken as responsibly as possible, giving preference to models with the greatest viewing angle and, naturally, handles and locks.

The latter, ideally, should be at least 2 units, and it is advisable to choose designs of different systems.

We should not forget that the door is the weak link in the thermal insulation of a house, therefore, when installing an entrance structure made of metal, a material with high thermal conductivity, you should also pay attention to how effective its insulation is.

How to choose a metal entrance door? Video:

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