Exterior steel doors: what are their characteristics and which model to choose?
Steel doors have many advantages: they are durable and resistant to mechanical damage, stand up well to changes in weather conditions and provide a sense of security. Thoughtful design, modern manufacturing solutions and aesthetic design make them an excellent choice for years.
Entrance doors: first of all, safe!
Exterior doors perform several functions. One of them – hugely important from the point of view of psychological comfort and freedom of daily functioning of household members – is the sense of security they provide. The front door leaf should be solid and sturdy to effectively deter a possible uninvited guest. When choosing a model for your home, pay attention to the material it is made of, the quality of workmanship and the anti-burglary parameters. This will allow you to sleep soundly later and leave your home unattended for a shorter or longer period of time without fear.
How are steel exterior doors made?
Steel exterior doors have a skin made of galvanized sheet metal. Twisted or corner-welded frames can be made of steel or wood. The frame can include sections of steel, filled with thermal insulation, aluminum profiles or wooden frames clad with aluminum or steel sheet. In order for metal doors to fulfill their purpose and meet the legal guidelines, it is necessary to place a thermal insulating material inside the leaf. It should also be filled with it in the frame and sill, as well as insulating spacers in the frame profiles. In the case of external steel doors with glass, manufacturers use so-called warm composite.
Why choose steel doors? Key advantages
Steel doors are a good alternative to wooden doors. Although each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, it is definitely worth considering a good quality metal door when deciding on a leaf. Learn about their most important advantages.
Durability for years
Steel exterior doors are characterized by great durability. Importantly – they are very resistant to various weather conditions (frost, snow, intense sun and high temperatures) and mechanical damage. They can perfectly cope with intensive use, so if you expect that, due to the intensive lifestyle of the household members, they will be in constant motion – the steel leaf will meet your expectations and will serve well for many years.
Effective thermal insulation
Steel entrance doors can offer a high level of thermal insulation, with the level of effective protection in this regard depending on the specific model and the solutions used by the manufacturer. When choosing a door leaf, pay attention to its design and type of infill, as well as the type of frame, threshold and gaskets. As of January 2021, the legally required heat transfer coefficient is 1.3 W/(m²-K). The models available from Erkado offer external doors with a coefficient as low as 0.6 W/(m²-K). The lower the value, the lower the heat loss and the lower the bills.
High acoustic insulation
Steel doors are capable of effectively eliminating excessive noise, but exactly what their ability to do so is depends on the design and materials used. When looking through catalogues or websites, the Rw parameter will give you a clue. The higher it is, the greater the protection against outside noise. Importantly, it also works the other way round: the better the Rw rating, the more privacy your acoustic steel doors offer you. The better the Rw rating, the more discreetly a steel acoustic door makes the occupants feel, ensuring that conversations and other noises coming from the house cannot be heard by outsiders.
Protection against burglary
If you need to install an exterior leaf that gives you the greatest comfort – a steel door is the perfect solution. The anti-burglary properties of steel, such as its robustness and resistance to damage, make it difficult to force through. This effectively deters possible thieves and means that you and the rest of the household can feel completely safe in your home.
If you want extra security, check out steel burglar-proof doors.
What should you consider when choosing a steel entrance door?
The question of the appearance of the leaf is important, but before you focus on this aspect, verify the construction of the door and its technical parameters. Check the U-value and the Rw-value – thermal and acoustic comfort depends on these two parameters. Make sure that the model in question is carefully manufactured from high-quality materials. Look not only at the leaf itself, but also at the other components of the construction: frame, threshold and seals.
And what model of steel entrance door do you choose?
Regardless of what performance and design style you are looking for, take a look at our range of steel entrance doors – you are sure to find your ideal door. If you are looking for a door with a minimalist and slightly loft-like atmosphere, take a look at the Lutter 1 model in anthracite with discreet horizontal decorations. Lovers of the modern combination of wood and elegant black will be satisfied with the options. We particularly recommend your attention to the Biene 4 wing, in which black transverse inserts add lightness to the whole structure, and Trebur 7 with a small glazing and decorations creating geometric forms. Wiener 1 has a slightly lighter wood shade and the vertical symmetrical glazing in the central part of the door creates a pleasing harmonious effect. In the Murter 2 door, the wood grain is tastefully combined with the wide black frame surrounding the small glass panes.
The term “steel door” may sometimes bring to mind rather cumbersome constructions or door leaves from technical rooms. Modern steel models, however, combine all the advantages of steel with an appealing design – modern, elegant and with character. When choosing a door, pay attention to performance and design, and then enjoy it for decades.