Choosing a steel door – remember

A huge number of steel doors, both domestic and imported, are presented on the Russian market. They differ, first of all, in price – imported, as a rule, are two to three times more expensive than domestic ones. But, according to experts, it is not worth saving. The fact is that the doors supplied from abroad are made using modern equipment and the latest technology. Our doors are assembled in an overwhelming majority by handicraft. It is obvious that the quality, alas, is not “in our favor.” However, most often imported models are “tied” to standard sizes (and each company has its own). Only a few companies can accept an order for the manufacture of a “non-standard” door, but such a door will cost much more, and it will have to wait from two months to one and a half years. But a domestic door can be made on an individual order relatively inexpensively and in a short time..

General device

The structure of domestic and imported steel doors is not much different from each other. These doors are based on a rectangular frame with an internal stiffener, welded from a steel profile. Steel sheets are welded onto the frame (on one or both sides). The door is hung on hinges in a steel frame, which is reinforced in the doorway. Outside, the door is upholstered with leatherette or a decorative panel (the most expensive finish is natural wood). The inside of the door can be hollow, or it can contain sound-proof and heat-insulating material. The difference in the “anatomy” of imported and domestic steel doors can only lie in the thickness of the steel sheets. For imported doors, sheets are not thicker than 1.5 mm, while in Russia they use steel sheets with a thickness of 2 – 3 mm. As a result, our doors are more massive, heavier. But this does not mean at all that they are more reliable (excess weight “tests” the loops for strength).

It is desirable that the kit includes platbands and porches. These details significantly increase the reliability of the structure, excluding the possibility of breaking the door with a crowbar or crowbar.

On steel imported doors, porches and platbands are required, but domestic ones may not have them. An important element of a steel door is the hinge. They, again, can be both foreign and domestic production. It is necessary to find out from the seller how much weight they can freely support (the hinges on the support bearing are considered the most reliable). The number of hinges is calculated individually for each specific door. Particular attention should be paid to locks. Many experts believe that the most reliable locks are lever locks, they are most often crab locks (when the “tongues” -rigels go out in 2-4 directions from different sides of the door leaf). The more complex the lock, the more expensive it is. It is better to install two locks on one door, one is crab, the other is simpler. Moreover, it is desirable that one lock be a lever lock, the other a cylinder one. The larva of the cylinder lock must be protected with an armor plate so that it cannot be knocked out. It is good when the crossbars of the locks are hidden in metal tubes that can rotate – then the crossbars are almost impossible to saw through.

Locks

Experts advise buying doors equipped with imported locks. It is believed that they are more reliable: they fail less often, the number of key combinations reaches from 500,000 to 4 billion. The choice of accessories should also be taken seriously. A peephole and an internal latch must be installed on the steel door. Eyes with a viewing radius of 200 degrees are very convenient. Imported doors are not produced without a peephole, but on domestic ones – a peephole is mounted on request. If you wish, you can order a peephole installed at such a distance from the floor that a child can look into it. It is better to purchase a latch with a screw, and not a sliding one, the latter, when the door is slammed, can accidentally close.

Price

Now about the price. It consists of various components: the size of the door, the type and number of locking devices, external decoration, and the availability of accessories are taken into account. In addition – the price for delivery, installation, measurement, consultation, dismantling of the old door. You may also have to pay for increasing the opening, laying the opening with bricks, installing the platband, delivering the door to the floor (if the house does not have an elevator), etc..

Important

In conclusion, I would like to note that it is important to choose not only the door itself, but also a company that sells and installs steel doors. The end result is 50% 25 dependent on the quality of the door itself, the remaining 50% 25 – on the quality of its installation and maintenance.

When choosing a company, you should pay attention to such points as the company’s popularity, work experience in the market for at least 5 years, the presence of a chain of stores or demonstration points, a solid stand design, the friendliness of employees at all stages of communication with a client.