What are the parameters to choose the front door. We choose the best entrance door: from design to manufacturer. Loops and their varieties

Entrance doors are an element of protection of the living space, and also complement the interior of the housing inside. There are many options for such designs, differing in the level of functionality, appearance and other parameters. Therefore, the selection and installation of entrance doors require knowledge of their features and characteristics.

Criteria for choosing entrance doors for an apartment

The quality of the front door determines the comfort of the living space, the level of protection from noise from the outside and the provision of thermal insulation of the apartment. Therefore, the choice of product is carried out taking into account several basic criteria. This allows you to choose a high-quality door that will last for decades and will not lose its performance characteristics.

Manufacturers produce many models of entrance doors with a variety of characteristics, so after spending some time, you can choose the product that you need

Since the door to the apartment performs a protective function, it must be made of high quality materials. If the cost of a door is suspiciously low compared to the average market price of products with the same characteristics, you should not choose it. Cheap models may be without insulation, with poor build quality, or with other shortcomings that will show up during operation.

The design of the entrance door assumes the presence of a solid frame, good heat and sound insulation, as well as the possibility precise installation quality fittings

The device of a high-quality front door assumes the presence of durable elements and a multilayer structure using heat and sound insulating materials. This design is characteristic of both wooden and metal products.

When choosing, consider criteria such as:

Types of doors and their features

Manufacturers produce a variety of door options for apartments, which differ in functionality, appearance, characteristics and cost. Do right choice it helps to know the features of the device of each type of entrance door, taking into account the required level of sound and heat insulation and protection against penetration.

Many manufacturers specialize in the manufacture of one type of entrance doors, for example, only from metal or wood. Therefore, it is better to first determine the acceptable web material, and then select a product with the desired characteristics and design.

metal entrance doors

Models of metal entrance doors are in demand for installation in an apartment. They have a multilayer structure, which includes an external metal sheet, stiffeners, a sound and heat insulator, inner lining. Lock, handle, hinges, anti-removable pins complete the design. The leaf with the box during installation is equipped with sealing tapes that run along the perimeter of the box and prevent the door from knocking during movement, as well as the penetration of cold air.

Metal doors must have a solid frame and an outer leaf with a thickness of at least 2 mm

A good door leaf should be made of metal with a thickness of at least 2-3 mm. In many models, the inner side of the leaf is made of a less durable material, since it does not provide much protection, because to open the door it is enough to cope with the outer sheet. The thickness is easy to check by pressing on the metal, which should not sag.

Stiffening ribs increase the stability of the structure against torsional forces. The longitudinal, transverse or combined arrangement of these elements prevents intruders from entering the premises.

Wooden doors for an apartment

Wooden doors can also be installed in apartments, which are also presented in a wide variety. They have inserts in the form of panels or glass. The latter option is rare, because glass elements reduce the thermal insulation ability of the fabric and its protective properties.

Wooden doors look solid and beautiful and provide a high degree of protection against intrusion.

For the manufacture of input structures use oak, pine or ash wood. The material is treated with an antiseptic, sanded and stained. Subject to manufacturing technology, strong, beautiful and durable canvases are obtained.

Soundproof doors

To achieve a high degree of sound insulation, the front door leaf is adjusted so that it fits especially tightly to the frame. Cloths have a multilayer structure, including soundproofing material, which is often used as foam. It is light weight and absorbs noise well.

Good soundproofing qualities of the door can be achieved by a tight fit of the leaf to the jamb, the presence of special materials in the leaf and the device of a vestibule in front of the entrance to the apartment

In metal doors, soundproofing material is placed between the stiffeners. Universal option is mineral wool absorbing noise and preventing heat loss. Sometimes a vibration filter and splen are used, which provide sufficient protection and are suitable for entrance doors.

Anti-vandal entrance doors

Anti-vandal doors have the maximum degree of protection against burglary, which especially makes sense to install in apartments located in the entrance without a combination lock. If the entrance to the building is equipped with a reliable locking device, then anti-vandal structures may not be used, since the entrance is well enough protected from intruders.

The main feature of this version of the canvases is that they have a reinforced lining, and the thickness of the steel sheets is more than 2.5 mm. The design is complemented by hidden hinges, a reinforced door frame, armor plates in the places where the lock and handle are located. The final protection component is anti-removable type canopies that prevent the door from breaking.

Doors with reinforced structure designed for installation in rooms located in poorly protected entrances

Externally, the anti-vandal door practically does not differ from the usual one, and on the outside there may be a coating of laminated plastic, high-strength film or powder paint. These options withstand mechanical stress and prevent scratches.

Entrance doors with MDF trim

Metal sheets on the outside must have a strong layer, and from the side of the room it is more important aesthetic finish doors. For this purpose, MDF panels are often used, which are sheets with a thickness of 8 mm or more, covered with a laminated film that imitates the structure of natural wood. Such panels are made from thin wood shavings mixed with adhesive and water-repellent components. As a result of hot pressing, plates are formed that are durable, affordable and practical.

In order to make the door aesthetic from the side of the room, you can pick up an MDF panel with any pattern.

Between the outer sheet of metal and the MDF panel there are layers of insulation and stiffeners. Thus, the panel performs not only a decorative function, but also provides additional sound insulation.

Entrance door with a mirror

From the side of the room, the door can be finished with panels, upholstery with soft materials or some other coatings, but a mirror made of durable glass looks especially impressive here. This door design is practical and looks original. The reflective surface can be small or the size of the entire door.

A small mirror on the front door allows you to abandon other mirror elements in the hallway

The mirror is placed in the middle with a distance of about 10 cm from the edges of the canvas. Such intervals allow you to install a lock and a handle without the risk of damaging the glass. It is worth considering that doors with a mirror are often made of metal, and a reflective insert is mounted in an MDF or wood panel.

Fireproof door models

Metal structures, in the manufacture of which were used fire resistant materials are called fire-fighting. Such products prevent the penetration of fire from the entrance, delaying the spread of flames. The door block does not deform when exposed high temperatures, and the web materials do not emit acrid smoke.

Fire doors are made of special materials that do not support combustion and do not emit harmful substances at high temperatures

The design of the door is tight and does not let the flame through for a period of 15 minutes to 6 hours. Similar products are convenient in old houses, during the construction of which a lot of wooden elements were used.

Table: pros and cons of different types of doors

Video: how to choose a front door

Dimensions of entrance doors for an apartment

An important role in the choice of products is played by the dimensions of the front door. There are models with standard parameters which provide convenient operation, safety and practicality of designs. GOST and SNiP regulate the performance of both doors and openings. For example, for panel house optimal height the opening is 1950–1980 mm, and the width is 740–760 mm. For a brick building, these parameters are within the following limits: width - from 880 to 930 mm, height - from 2050 to 2100 mm.

The main parameter of the door is the width, since the ease of use depends on it.

According to GOST 24698–81 standard height metal entrance doors should be at least 2–2.3 m, and the width can be from 800 to 1800 mm. If the opening has a width of more than 1.2 m, then it is necessary to install double-leaf structures consisting of two canvases, the width of which must obey certain rules:

opening in apartment building often has standard sizes. Any redevelopment or change in the geometry of the opening is coordinated with the relevant authorities. At the same time, doors can be made according to an individual project.

Features of installing the front door to the apartment

To mount the entrance structure, you need to align the opening, which must have the correct geometric shape and neat edges. This will ensure easy alignment of the box and proper fixation of the canvas.

• screwdriver;
• drill;
• building level;
• foam gun;
• roulette.

To align the box, you will need wedges and spacers 1.5 - 2 cm high, as well as self-tapping screws and anchor bolts that will allow you to fix the structure.

The front door leaf is hung on the box, which must be perfectly aligned in the doorway.

The installation of the entrance door must be carried out in accordance with the installation technology and taking into account the features of the type of construction. If the installation is carried out independently, then you need to perform the following steps.

1. A box is placed in the prepared opening, installing it from below on spacers, and fixing it with wedges on the sides and top. These elements help to align the structure. The quality of alignment in all planes is checked by the building level.
   

   Wedges and spacers help to fix the box exactly vertically and horizontally

2. The canvas is hung on loops, check the absence of tension and deformation. If there are such defects, then the door is removed from the hinges, and the position of the box is corrected. The box is fixed in the opening with the help of lugs or holes in its structure. Anchor bolts with a length of at least 12 cm are installed so that their heads are recessed inward.

   After leveling the door frame, it is fixed with anchor bolts so that their heads completely go into special hidden holes.

3. After that, the canvas is again hung on the loops, the evenness is checked and the position of the loops is corrected. The lock, handle and peephole are mounted in advance. A rubber seal is attached around the perimeter of the box to prevent slamming, and a closer is also installed. The gaps between the box and the wall are filled with mounting foam.

   The door must be hung so that it closes tightly and presses against the jamb, and the anti-burglary elements go entirely into the reciprocal sockets in the box

Video: installation of a metal front door

How to repair a door

The front door is exposed to temperature changes, humidity and dirt, frequent opening / closing. As a result, the canvas is damaged and various breakdowns occur, for the elimination of which you need to know the repair technology.

The set of tools for repairing breakdowns depends on the type of defect. Screwdriver, rubber seal, tape measure and level are the main elements. Mounting foam and a cylinder gun may be necessary to remove or adjust the door frame if necessary.

If distortions of the door frame appear, it must be released from the fasteners and leveled by installing linings in the right places

During the operation of the structure, the following breakdowns may occur that require repair:

• broken door knob or the lock needs to be replaced. To do this, you need to purchase new products with the same characteristics and dimensions as the old ones. Broken parts are removed, and new ones are fixed in their place;
• scratches on a wooden door can be eliminated with furniture wax, special corrective markers. With these means, the damaged area is treated, and the excess is removed with a napkin;
• if the hinges are damaged, they must be replaced. In the event that the door sags, tighten the hinge bolts, controlling the position of the leaf with a level;
• if it passes through the cracks cold air then the rubber seal needs to be replaced. A new tape is laid along the perimeter of the box in the area of ​​​​adherence of the canvas.

Types of finishing the door to the apartment

Wooden canvases do not require special finishing, but are always painted or covered with a layer of protective varnish. This prevents deformation of the product and protects it from contamination.

The wooden parts of the doors must be covered with a layer of varnish to protect the wood from damage and dirt.

The current version of the door trim is leatherette upholstery. This is acceptable for older designs that are strong but lost appearance. For finishing, you will need leatherette of the desired color, foam rubber sheets about 5 cm thick, special nails with a wide hat, a ruler and a knife. Upholstery should be done as follows.

Video: leatherette door trim

Table: rating of entrance door manufacturers

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

Reliability is a priority

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

First of all, you need to pay attention to:

• on specifications products specified in the manufacturer's documentation;
• on design features frames and canvases of the front door;
• on the number of built-in devices that can maximally complicate the solution of the problem of unauthorized entry.

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

Necessary and sufficient specifications

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

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

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

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

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

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

Design features of a steel door

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

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

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

On front side canvases should not have welded seams. The outer part must be made of a monolithic sheet, otherwise it will not withstand a strong blow from a heavy sledgehammer.

Canvas as a guideline of choice

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

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

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

Recalculate stiffeners

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

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

Reliable door hinges

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

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

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

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

About heat and how to save it

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

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

The castle is a friend and faithful watchdog

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

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

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

The content of the article:

Choosing a front door is a responsible matter

The front door is not a purchase that is made often. But sooner or later the decision to replace it with a new one will be made. The purchase must be taken seriously, everything must be thought out and foreseen. That is why the knowledge of how to choose the right front door will be useful to you right now.

Such important detail home improvement has a number of functions:

• heat retention;
• protection against thieves;
• soundproofing;
• beautiful appearance.

When we choose an entrance door to an apartment or a house, we are primarily concerned about the reliability of the product. Now there are many companies that offer the selection and installation of doors. They are literally at every turn, so it doesn’t cost anything to fall for the bait of marketers, succumb to the deception of a smiling consultant and purchase a low-quality front door.

How to choose a metal front door

Modern doors have four security classes.

• 1 class. Doors that cannot be broken open with force and elementary devices like crowbar.
• 2 class. You can open the door only with the use of special professional power tools.
• 3 class. It is impossible to break the door in any way, including with a power tool with a power of up to 500 watts.
• 4th grade. Bulletproof doors.

For good resistance to external influences, you will have to pay from $ 150. But how to choose the front door and what class of protection is in the interests of you and your loved ones.

Rules for choosing steel entrance doors

For those who are wondering how to choose the front door, a number of difficulties open up. They need to be solved step by step.

1. Manufacturer.

First of all, choose a proven company that has been operating for many years. Do not blindly believe everything that consultants say about their products. Demand factual evidence. Good company always works with a production certificate. This means that all products manufactured by the company have passed quality control. You can trust those companies that have international certificates and ISO.

The steel door must be manufactured in accordance with GOST 31173-2003. We choose the entrance door to the apartment only after carefully reviewing the availability of such documentation from the company. This is a voluntary procedure for the seller, but it gives a guarantee that the door you bought is made in accordance with certain quality standards. Which front door to choose - made in accordance with GOST or not - is up to you.

1. Material and its characteristics

When we consider the question of how to choose a front door, we think about what functions it will perform. Resistance to different kinds impact, impermeability of moisture, air guarantees a good insulation. It can be polystyrene, corrugated cardboard, mineral wool or a plate. Most often, polyurethane foam is used, as it is environmentally friendly and functional.

Usually we choose the front door to an apartment made of steel. In this case, the sheet should be no more than two millimeters. This is enough to protect against opening and at the same time inexpensive. Choose insulation with a double circuit, one of which is magnetic, so that it tightly connects the door to the opening.

1. Locks

A door that will protect you and your family must have a good locking system with different types protection. Armored plates on them will increase the degree of protection of the house from uninvited guests. When deciding how to choose the right front door, it is important to pay attention to the guarantee of the door locking system, it should be from two years. Typically, a manufacturer can vouch for the quality of its products if it provides such a warranty period.

1. How it looks from the side

Remember that you will see this detail of the apartment arrangement every day, so before choosing a metal front door, think about what you like best. The coating can be plastic, polymer, natural. We recommend purchasing a door with a powder polymer coating, as it has a variety of shades and textures. Although the disadvantage is the relative fragility of such a coating.

1. Purchase and installation

You will not go wrong if you choose a well-known company that has proven itself in the market. Usually, after everything that you were advised on how to choose a front door, they offer delivery and installation. We advise you to take advantage of this offer, because the installers of the company work constantly with the doors of this company and have a large practical experience. Check the warranty period good company always gives for their products.

Choose the right front door

So, modern doors should have good performance. How to choose a metal front door? It is necessary to study the materials written on this issue and, if possible, consult with professionals. Being theoretically savvy, you can't go wrong. The problem of which entrance door to choose will cease to worry you for many years if you use our advice.

For those who want to protect their apartment or house, the question inevitably arises: “How to choose a metal front door?”. It's really not easy. The painting itself doesn't do much. It is important to responsibly approach the purchase of all constituent parts. In addition, it is worth thinking about not only security.

When choosing a metal door, you should consider many nuances. The reliability and durability of the structure depends on the responsibility of the approach. In order to end up with a product that will not disappoint, you need to pay attention to the following details.

Purpose

Much depends on where the structure will be installed: in the apartment, country house or at the cottage. In the first case, attention should be paid to locks and isolation from noise and odors from the entrance. When it comes to private buildings, the overall reliability of the structure and its resistance to weather conditions are important.

Material

For the manufacture of metal doors, steel, aluminum and various alloys are used. The choice depends on the desired strength and price. Hot-rolled metal is cheaper, but quickly rusts. Hot-rolled does not give in to corrosion and looks attractive even without processing. Materials without excess carbon and alloying elements serve the longest.

Specifications

Here the thickness of the canvas matters, the presence various parts and their features. It is important to check whether the products comply with the parameters specified in the documentation.

Protection level

Depending on the needs, the strength of metal elements, the complexity of locks and hinges are chosen. High-tech parts are much more expensive, and they do not always make sense.

Decorative qualities

A metal door is an expensive pleasure. When installing it, you should understand that it will not work to change the product often. Therefore, it is important to choose a design that will be combined with the interior of the hallway or the outer frame of the house. It should be a pleasure to look at for many years.

Preparation method

Custom-made products meet individual needs, but are much more expensive. In addition, it will take time to produce them. Finished goods no need to wait, their prices are more democratic, and a variety of shapes and designs will help you choose the most suitable product. True, maximum protection in this case is not to be expected.

Salesman

The seller must ensure the installation as soon as possible and provide a guarantee for materials and work performed for a period of at least six months. Before choosing a company, it is useful to study customer reviews. An important role is played by the technical savvy of the consultant and the willingness to draw up a preliminary estimate. Also, a professional will advise how to choose an entrance metal door.

The main characteristics of a metal door

Each element of the door has a value. Together they provide long life, protection and insulation.

metal frame elements

Aluminum is often used to make metal doors. It is lightweight, so it is easy to transport and install. Its plasticity is used in design. Aluminum products are inexpensive, but their strength and reliability are low.

Steel is the preferred material. It is more expensive, but more durable. This metal provides reliable protection well insulates from cold and noise.

The frame can be made of a U-shaped profile, a rectangular pipe or corners. The pipe is the strongest. A metal sheet is applied to the canvas. Its thickness must be at least 2 mm, otherwise the layer is easy to cut. By individual order, a protective layer up to 5 mm thick is made. This makes the structure much heavier, makes it noisy when closing and requires the installation of expensive moving elements.

Sometimes the sheet is placed with inside. Because of this, the structure becomes stronger, but the same effect can be achieved by installing a thick outer plate. Thus, the load on the loops will decrease, and the quality will not suffer.

Strength is also added by stiffeners. They are placed between the outer sheet and the inner panel. There must be at least 2 vertical and 1 horizontal parts, but the more, the more reliable. True, the weight of the door because of this can increase significantly. To avoid this, take ribs with a complex profile. In addition, they are more difficult to bend. If these elements are located in only one direction, an inner sheet will be needed to provide rigidity.

It is important to remember that it is not advisable to install doors that are too heavy in apartments where children and the elderly live. In addition, there is a risk of abrasion of the hinges and deformation of the frame.

The box must have a secure cavity for the tabs of the locking device. Otherwise, the robber will cope with the castle by breaking part of the wall.

Door hinges

There are inner and outer loops. The first are hidden, they are almost impossible to cut. They move smoothly and look more aesthetically pleasing, but they cost an order of magnitude more expensive.

External loops hinged. Robbers easily knock them down with a crowbar. To increase reliability, take parts with steel pins. They are welded to the canvas and when the door is closed, they are tightly fixed in the box. This provides a locking function and does not allow the door to be removed after breaking.

Movable joints must be made of thick metal. It is good if they have the ability to adjust to prevent warping of the structure.

For a standard product of 70 kg, 2 loops are enough. If the product is very heavy or bulletproof, 3-4 parts will be needed. Also, more connections are made if the doors are opened and closed more than 50 times a day.

Door locks

Details suitable for apartments have 4 classes of burglary resistance. But we must remember that one hundred percent reliable locks do not exist. An experienced burglar will open any device, the only question is how long it will take. The longer the attacker will mess around, the more likely he is to be caught. Therefore, the main goal is to delay it as long as possible or scare it away with the complexity of the design.

The best option is to install two types of locks. Their unauthorized opening will require more skills from the robber. Suvaldnye are equipped with three or more crossbars. The more of them, the more reliable. There are "crab" models. With the turn of the key, the valves enter the connectors from four sides of the box at once. But they have a significant drawback. If the top bolt jams, you will most likely have to install a new door. You can choose a model that provides for recoding in case the key is lost.

English, or cylinder, locks are used for locking for a short time. They are not resistant to strong impacts, but the presence of larvae complicates the opening. If such devices break down, it is enough to change only the inner cylinder.

To prevent the locking mechanism from being drilled and knocked out, a special pad is installed. It is placed between the locking device and the door leaf. It is important that the parts have frontal and end fastening.

All locks must be easy to use. Often there is a situation in which two devices are mounted, and in the end they use only one, because the second one is complex or of poor quality.

Imported models are considered the most reliable. They really provide good protection but are not cheap. And they make no sense if the steel layer is flimsy. It is easy to cut, and even a very expensive lock will not help. In turn, thieves open a too simple device even when installing a solid frame.

Seals

You can’t do without a sealant, because its functionality is wide. It protects against extraneous noise and smells, allows you to softly and tightly close the doors. Thanks to the device, drafts, moisture and dust do not enter the apartment. Warm air does not fade. In case of fire, an obstacle is created for the spread of fire.

Rubber is usually used to seal metal doors. It performs the necessary functions and is cheaper. Silicone is also used. It is environmentally friendly, does not emit harmful impurities and is suitable for apartments where children and allergy sufferers live. Polyurethane is easy to install. Foam rubber and plastic are not suitable. They are inexpensive and have a number of advantages, but due to the weight and rigidity of metal doors, they quickly deteriorate.

Perimeter insulation is installed. Some manufacturers offer two- and three-circuit profiles. But it doesn't make sense when correct installation parts and their quality.

According to the type of fastening, magnetic, self-adhesive and with an additional clamping mechanism are distinguished. Magnets are most often used, but it is important to choose a quality product. A strong attraction will make it difficult for children and the elderly to open the door, and a weak one will not provide a normal seal.

The reliability of the material is checked by pressing. It should immediately restore its shape after pressing. It is important that there is no excessive rigidity. This will make it difficult to close the door. A seal that is too soft will wear out quickly.

Manufacturers offer a wide range of colors of products, which allows you to choose the most suitable product for the door and the surrounding interior. But it is important to remember that staining negatively affects strength. The best option is a regular black seal.

The quality of sound insulation can be checked only after the installation of furniture in the apartment. IN empty walls very good acoustics, so at the stage of repair, driveway noises will still be heard.

Heaters

The metal does not retain heat well, because of this, the installation of heaters between the outer and inner sheets of the canvas will not interfere. Standard doors usually go without them, so you have to buy the material separately. Thermal insulation is also pumped into the box.

For these purposes, polyurethane foam or mineral wool is usually used. They have low thermal conductivity and do not allow moisture to pass through. Such materials are non-combustible. Styrofoam is a cheap substitute. But it is important to remember that it is easily amenable to fire.

The joints between the heaters are sealed with mounting foam, which contributes to better insulation. Cold bridges are still preserved along the perimeter of the door and at the stiffeners, therefore, seals are additionally installed.

Exterior and interior decoration

Previously, leather substitutes were commonly used to finish doors. Now this material has receded into the background. It does not differ in a variety of colors and textures, is easily damaged and wears out quickly. In addition, leatherette does not provide additional strength and insulation.

The most popular are plastic panels. They are inexpensive and look stylish and aesthetically pleasing. Modern materials wear-resistant and impact-resistant. Panels from a finely dispersed fraction are environmentally friendly. Their thickness reaches 20 mm, which provides additional soundproofing and strength. If damaged, such a coating is much easier to replace than the entire door.

Polymer paint is an inexpensive option. The coating does not scratch and lasts a long time. In addition, you can choose the color and design to your liking. There are different degrees of roughness. Unlike this design method, lacquer painting does not last long, but it is easy to restore it yourself.

Solid wood or plywood are environmentally friendly types of coating. They are expensive, but they look the most impressive. In addition, their thickness contributes to better impermeability. The possibility of varnishing, tinting and protective film extends the service life of these materials.

peephole

An additional security feature that helps to control the situation outside the door and avoid inviting uninvited guests into the house. The size of the device depends on the thickness of the web.

The main requirement is to provide a viewing angle of 180-200 degrees. You can choose between a plastic or glass peephole. The latter is more expensive, but more durable.

A special damper is also required. It helps to discreetly observe what is happening in the entrance and does not let light in from the apartment. The part should tightly close the eyepiece, while opening easily and silently. It is important that it does not come into contact with interior decoration otherwise it will be difficult to avoid damage.

Choice specific model depends on taste preferences and safety requirements. There are standard eyes, hidden and bulletproof. Details with increased aperture allow you to stand at a distance from the device and at the same time maintain a viewing angle.

Features of fire doors

The essence of fireproof metal doors is that they serve as a barrier to the spread of fire and prevent the penetration of smoke into the apartment. The time during which the structure holds the fire is regulated by SanPiN and is prescribed in the technical documentation. It ranges from 15 minutes to several hours.

The design of such products has its own characteristics. For their manufacture, two metal sheets are used, between which a non-combustible material is laid that protects against carbon monoxide. It also helps the surface stay relatively cool. Minimal gaps are left between the canvas and the box.

Such a product can withstand extremely high temperatures and is not deformed by fire. The filler remains intact. The door after a fire does not require repair and in case of re-ignition copes with its protective functions.

The fittings of such structures are designed for extreme situation. It is important that a person in a state of panic can open the door with one press of the handle or a special button. For automatic closing, the installation of door closers is mandatory.

It is generally accepted that fire doors are an order of magnitude more expensive than conventional ones. But actually it is not. If the manufacturer uses modern technology, his production costs do not increase much. Therefore, the final price does not change significantly.

Metal doors help protect the apartment from burglary and fire. Such structures are durable and long term services. If you correctly approach the selection and installation of parts, all costs will more than pay off.

The choice of the entrance door to the apartment turns into a real one headache for the buyer - the market is oversaturated with products that take into account any requests: price, design, reliability, sound and heat insulation. How, under these conditions, to balance the consumer properties of the door so that it is beautiful, affordable for the family budget and, at the same time, reliably protects the home from "uninvited guests" and is easy to use? Only experts know this.

Let's fill the gap in the knowledge of the average consumer and consider which front door is better to install in an apartment.

The main structural elements of the front door

The question of what material the front door to the apartment is needed from: wood or metal is not discussed. A priori, this is a metal door. It consists of many structural elements that many consumers do not know about. And they play important role in protecting the home from thieves and robbers.

To warn hosts possible errors when installing doors to an apartment, we will consider in detail, with the most accessible language, each element door structure, terms denoting them and their role in the design of the door.

1. External cladding. The door should not only perform protective functions, but also have an aesthetic appearance. For this, several methods of external decoration are used:

• painting with powder paint, as a result of which several tasks are solved at once: an anti-corrosion coating is applied, the doors are given a pleasant appearance, the door leaf is protected from mechanical damage;
• the door is upholstered with leather or its substitutes;
• pasted over with a laminated film;
• sheathed with MDF sheets, precious wood veneer, etc.

For reference: the door leaf is a movable part of the door block, blocking the doorway with its size. Consists of inner and outer metal sheets, inner frame, stiffeners and filler (insulation).

2. loops- allow you to open and close the door.

3. Peephole (door)- provides an opportunity to inspect the space directly behind the door.

4. Handle (door)- allows you to control the lock and the door when it is opened.

5. Armored overlay for the lever lock- protects the lock cylinder from breaking, drilling, knocking out.

6. Outer metal sheet- closes access to the apartment through the door leaf, protects the lock mechanisms from breaking.

7. Internal frame. One of the most important elements of the door structure. The geometry of the inner part of the door block and the protection of locks from crowbars when trying to press the crossbars from the door frame depend on its strength.

For reference: to stiffen the door leaf, it is welded inside the door frame metallic profile. In the language of specialists - stiffeners.

8. Filler- protects the room from the penetration of cold and various noises from the outside. In everyday practice, experts say that this is a heater.

9. Anti-removable pins. Are established only at external loops. are holding back door leaf in the box when trying to cut the hinges and remove the door.

10. Door lock)– a mechanical device for blocking the door in the closed position.

11. Rigel(from German Riegel, which means bolt, latch) - an element of the lock mechanism in the form of a metal rod that directly locks the door.

12. vertical ledger at locks of "crab" execution.

13. Deviator. Additional horizontal bolts placed outside the lock area - if the criminal manages to squeeze the lock bolts, the door will not open. It will be held by a deviator, the location of which is hidden from the burglar.

14. Inner metal sheet. Enhances the security features of the door. There are no doors in a number of models - an MDF panel is installed.

15. Internal lining. It is made of MDF, fine wood veneer, etc.

16. door frame- the fixed part of the door block. It is a frame structure carrying a door on hinges. Fastened with anchor bolts to the wall.

17. Metal casing, is part of the box.

18. – installed on the box indoors.

19. Mounting pins- fasten the box to the wall.

20. sealant- installed in the porch contour.

For reference: the door porch is a small protrusion on the canvas for a tighter connection with door frame(see photo).

21. Eccentric- regulates the force of pressing the leaf to the door frame.

22. Night watchman- blocks the door from the inside without the possibility of opening it from the outside. Only a hack.

23. – allows you to close and open the lock from the inside without a key.

24. - closes part of the wall inside the room, performing the function of a slope.

25. End bolt. Opens the second leaf of a double door.

What to look for when choosing

Of the above elements, the most attention should be paid to the door leaf and frame, locks, hinges, sealant, filler and peephole - they are the ones that ensure safety and comfort in the house.

Consider the features of each of the above elements so that the consumer, when choosing the front door to the apartment, consciously comes to a compromise on the parameters of the product when buying it or takes into account all the nuances in the contract when ordering.

Door leaf

The front door has many functions, but the choice is always made according to two criteria - security and reliability. Only then are other consumer properties considered. Therefore, first of all, the buyer (customer) is interested in:

• thickness of the skin (metal sheet) outside and inside;
• the presence of stiffeners;
• dimensions door leaf(more precisely, its thickness).

At first glance, everything is clear. The thicker the sheathing sheets and the canvas itself, the better. But do not rush to buy such doors - the large weight of the canvas will very quickly require replacement of the hinges.

How to choose the right door according to the thickness of the elements? More on that below.

Door leaf thickness. Immediately, we note that the thickness of the door leaf has practically no effect on the security of the apartment. The level of protection against noise and cold depends on the indicator. Therefore, in apartments with heated entrances, 7 cm is enough - the filler successfully solves its problems.

For reference: in private houses, doors 9-10 cm thick are mainly installed - a thicker layer of insulation is needed, and in garages, workshops and others utility rooms 5 cm is enough.

steel thickness. Door manufacturers weld iron sheets with a thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm onto their products. In principle, in the apartment you can install a door leaf with a sheathing of any thickness. But what is the end result?

A metal sheet up to 1.5 mm thick can be easily opened with a simple can opener. From 1.5 to 2 mm can also be cut, but with metal scissors. Sheathing with a thickness of more than 3 mm sharply makes the door heavier, as a result of which the hinges wear out quickly.

Therefore, in practice, one sheet 2-3 mm thick on each side is placed on the door leaf. Such a decision is debatable. Here are a few points:

• At the entrance, no one will cut the door leaf with a grinder. Is not a private house, where sometimes no one is at home at night, and vigilant neighbors are far away or behind a high fence. Therefore, a thickness of 2.0-2.5 mm is sufficient.
• If the first barrier is impenetrable, why install a second metal sheet, increasing the load on the hinges and increasing the cost of the door itself.
• The second metal sheet conducts noise and heat well. Installing instead of it a removable panel made of another material increases the level of heat and sound insulation.

Conclusion: the front door will successfully protect the apartment from burglary with one sheet metal 2.5 mm thick, welded on the outside.

Stiffening rib. Any metal under the influence of mechanical force is deformed. This is what burglars use, squeezing the door leaf from the box in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe locks. The use of thicker sheathing sheets or the frame of the door leaf practically does not solve the problem - the robbers use a longer lever.

In such a situation, stiffening ribs are saved - pieces of an ordinary corner or rolled metal with a complex profile welded inside the door leaf. Minimum allowable quantity: two plates vertically and one horizontally. Increasing the number of horizontal ribs reduces the probability of door wringing to zero. But you shouldn’t get carried away either - increasing the weight of the canvas negatively affects the loops.

Frame. The degree of resistance to burglary of doors also depends on the frame of the leaf - a solid profile pipe, with one weld in the corner near the hinges. Making a frame from 4 segments sharply reduces its strength - welding bursts under strong bending loads. The quality of the frame can be seen during a visual inspection of the door leaf - it is difficult to hide welding under a layer of paint.

door frame

A quality door frame should have:

• metal thickness 3-5 mm;
• closed loop - U-shaped profile does not provide reliability;
• profile pipe as load-bearing element- a box of two bent sheets less resistant to deformation: bending and twisting;
• one weld;
• at least 6 mounting points: 4 on the hinge side and 2 on the lock side;
• one, and preferably 2 vestibules;
• thermal break - insulation inside the profile.

Locks

The door should protect the apartment not only from brute force (crowbar or sledgehammer), but also from intellectuals, called “bear cubs” in the criminal environment, capable of opening any lock. All attempts by manufacturers of locking devices to complicate their design sooner or later become available to burglars. Therefore, relying only on locks, no matter how complex they are, is not worth it.

But it is possible and necessary to complicate the task of a thief. To do this, professionals recommend installing two locks in the door leaf different design or one, but electronic, which is much more expensive. This will require a higher qualification from the thief and more time to open the doors. The time factor in most cases becomes decisive - fearing to catch someone's eye, the attacker often abandons his idea halfway: after giving a lot of time to picking the master keys for one lock, he leaves.

For metal doors, you need to use lever and cylinder locks.

At lever locks the secret part is made in the form of a set of plates (levers), which either block the bolt or move it when the key is turned to the “open” / “closed” position. It has its advantages and disadvantages:

• a massive key allows you to use a "crab" design for locking doors with vertical crossbars and deviators - it turns the mechanism without deformation;
• a strong shell protects the locking device from impacts (knocking out);
• no protruding parts (mortise locks), resulting in access to the internal mechanism only through the keyhole;
• the through hole serves not only as a bridge for the penetration of noise and cold, but also for various kinds of master keys;
• if the keys are lost, the lock must be changed;
• they are easily opened with master keys, although in the latest models this process is difficult - levers with false grooves, electronic key recognition systems, force break-in blockers, etc. are installed.

At cylinder lock(it is also called "English") the working part is made in the form of a cylinder, which is fixed in a certain position by a secret mechanism. The inserted native key removes the blockade, after which the locking mechanism can be moved: close or open the door.

This castle also has its strengths and weaknesses:

• The simple design allows many improvements to be made to improve burglary resistance. Therefore, there is a choice of cores on sale from simple to very complex, with several technical solutions;
• the standard size of the cylinder, allowing you to easily replace it if the keys are lost;
• low resistance against mechanical force - it is not very difficult to knock out or drill out the core, after which access to the crossbars appears. Armored pads, plates or balls made of special steel that do not allow drilling, manganese pins, etc. solve the problem.

Electronic locks have not yet found themselves on the territory of Russia, unlike Western countries. Opening them is much more difficult - you need special electronic equipment that reads the signal from the magnetic key card.

loops

An analysis of crimes related to unauthorized entry into a home through a door showed that most often this is done through locks. In second place is the door leaf, and in the third place are the hinges. Having cut them off, the attacker simply takes the door out of the box. This statistics is also available to door manufacturers. They took into account the negative experience and took action.

Today in the entrance metal doors you can find:

• familiar to everyone outdoor loops. They are easily cut off, but the designers took this moment into account and began to install special anti-removable pins. They are included in the box and firmly hold the door in the closed position even with the hinges removed;
• internal installed inside the box and canvas. It is impossible to cut them for two reasons: they are not visible; you need a grinder, but if you use it, it’s easier to cut the outer sheet of the canvas in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe locks.

Hidden loops have several disadvantages that must be considered:

• the cost of fittings and its installation is much higher;
• special grooves in which hinges are hidden, reduce the doorway;
• the opening angle is limited - max 160 o ;
• there is a risk of deforming the door leaf with a sharp opening.

Another point that you need to pay attention to is the presence of a support bearing on the outer hinges. With it, the doors open easily and without extraneous noise.

peephole

A peephole in the door is a must. Thanks to him, the owners can always make a choice: to let guests into the room or not. In addition, it is possible to control the situation on the landing - in case of incomprehensible noises, look and, if necessary, call the police.

To make it easier to navigate in security issues, let's summarize. All doors, depending on the combination of the listed elements of the door structure, are divided into 7 security classes. For an apartment, the best option is 3 class, country house – 4.

We figured out how to choose the front door to the apartment in order to protect it as much as possible from breaking. Now let's find out how to ensure comfort.

Sealant and filler

The apartment is comfortable when it is quiet and warm. The door, along with windows, is the weakest point in this regard. Noises and cold come through it. To combat them, various methods of insulation and sound insulation are used:

• fill the space between the door leaf sheathing with various heaters and noise absorbers;
• they make one-, two- and three-circuit porch, which is pasted over with a sealant.

Appearance

Professional builders, when prioritizing, in the process of choosing entrance doors, push their design into the background. For buyers, if not the main one, then definitely not the last one on the list.

The door leaf, on the one hand, must be practical and resistant to mechanical damage, on the other hand, have a presentable appearance from the outside and fit into the interior of the apartment inside.

Outside, these requirements are best met by powder paints, which, under the influence of high temperatures, form a beautiful and, at the same time, very durable polymer film.

From the inside, the door leaf can be trimmed:

• MDF panels;
• skin or its substitutes;
• tree;
• PVC panels;
• laminated film.

Of these materials, the most expensive finishing method is MDF panels. The simplest and cheapest is laminated film. In the absence of funds, you can just paint the door acrylic enamel and varnish on top.

Rating of manufacturers of entrance doors

No one will deny that the door in the apartment must be of high quality. But each consumer has a different concept of quality and depends mainly on financial capabilities. In this regard, we will give a rating of manufacturers in different price segments, which will help you make the right choice.

"Elbor". Domestic company with over 25 years of experience. It produces doors from economy class to the luxury series. According to customer reviews, the company's products:

• high quality;
• interesting the lineup;
• the level of protection against hacking in each segment is the highest;
• very good heat and sound insulation.

The impression is slightly spoiled by the high cost of products (prices are leading in each product class) and the level of service (service lags behind production).

"Forpost". One of many Russian manufacturers construction products, which began to be counterfeited. There is an explanation for this. At the door affordable price, a wide range of products, beautiful decoration outside and inside, high reliability. Among the shortcomings, low sound insulation and difficulties in replacing hinges and locks should be noted.

The company can inexpensively pick up doors for various utility rooms, apartments, country houses. In order not to run into a Chinese fake, you need to look at some elements of the doors. So, the original has an armor plate for cylinder ringing and a magnetic seal. The fake does not. And vice versa - the Chinese door is equipped with an electric lock, while the Russian one does not have it.

Torex. If the consumer hesitates and does not know which entrance door to choose for the apartment, the specialists simple recommendation: take a closer look at the doors of the Torex company. She has the widest range in terms of cost, level of protection against hacking and design. And noise protection is the best on Russian market, surpasses competitors by 15-20%. There is only one drawback - it is difficult to replace fittings.

"Guardian". In fact, Guardian is the name of the holding. The doors are produced by the Portal plant. They have been working in this direction since 1994. During this time, the network of dealers covered not only Russian regions, but also neighboring countries.

The price for the holding's products is one of the highest, but at the same time, it corresponds to the quality: a certificate has been received fire safety; handles, locks and hinges of the best European manufacturers. Therefore, our advice is: if financial opportunities allow, opt for Guardian premium products.

"Condor". Another local firm. She has the perfect combination of price and quality. Products are aimed at a buyer with an average income. There are no frills, but no shortcomings have been identified - a good thing for standard residential complexes.

Among the imported entrance doors, it is worth paying attention to the products of the Belarusian enterprises Steel Line, Metalux and Polish ones - Galant and Novak. They have good consumer characteristics, as well as a wide range of models, original design, affordable prices.

Editor's Choice StroyGuru

In the question of how to choose the right doors for your apartment, an interesting situation has developed: employees have them from different manufacturers, including little-known ones, for example, Barlock Doors. Nobody has any complaints. Therefore, the editors decided to make their choice based on feedback on the forums.

The best door in the economy segment. Dual power has developed in the budget segment of metal entrance doors:

• professionals believe that these are products of the Stal plant;
• consumers - the door "Neman".

At the doors of "Stal" there is an interesting finish, well-established service, a wide range and, of course, an affordable price for people with low incomes. Neman has the best combination of price and quality in Russia with a large selection of models.

The highest quality door in the expensive segment. According to consumer feedback, best door premium class - the Monolith model (Guardian DS-4) of the Guardian holding. She has a great design, confirmed by excellent technical performance. But a normal (meaning not super-rich) person will not buy it. The Monolith costs like a wing from an airplane - several thousand dollars.

Important: All ratings and lists are based on consumer feedback. The sequence is drawn up in an arbitrary form. If some brands are not on the list, this does not mean that their products are worse in any way.

Conclusion

When arranging housing, it is very important to know how to choose a steel front door to an apartment. According to the editors, the front door should have:

• the thickness of the outer sheet of the door leaf is 2.5 mm;
• the inner sheet does not have to be metal;
• box frame made of a profile pipe with a closed perimeter;
• external hinges with support bearings with anti-burglary pins;
• two locks: lever and cylinder, with armor protection on the latter;
• thermal break (insulation inside the box profile);
• external metal platbands;
• at least one porch contour with a sealant;
• peephole;
• stiffening ribs, with at least 3 horizontally;
• external painting with powder paint (creates protective film), although "the taste and color, there is no comrade."

The specific choice is up to the consumer.