Tips for the selection of hardware for entrance doors

The door must be reliable and stably working - no one doubts this. Even the best canvas, if it is not complemented with suitable fittings, will not function correctly. Its selection should be given maximum attention, and be guided not only by price considerations.

Hinges are an indispensable element of this design. The most stringent requirements are imposed on the upper hinge, which helps to securely fix the canvas to the frame. When reading reviews and descriptions, with technical documentation, you should ask whether the rotation of the opening sash will be sufficient. Hinges for metal-plastic doors are most often made of an aluminum alloy with zinc and magnesium. It is recommended to clarify whether they will withstand the standard load from 80 to 130 kg.

Even an expensive profile and energy-saving characteristics declared by manufacturers do not always allow us to judge the real properties of products. For the metal-plastic structure to work normally, the seal is very important. It is necessary to check if the elastic is well pressed against the frame when the door is locked? It is on this element that the comfort and tranquility in the house depends. Errors in the selection of a seal often provoke clogging with dust, corrosion of metal parts due to contact with condensate.

Only a few materials are allowed to be used in sealing loops for entrance doors. Most often these are:

• classic rubber;
• silicone;
• thermoelastic polymer;
• PVC.

The door leaf necessarily has a perimeter fittings. The role of these elements is to transfer the force applied to the handle to the trunnions. It is they who will block the canvas in the closed position. If the door is placed on a balcony opening, "scissors" are added to the already mentioned fittings, without which it is impossible to use the ventilation mode. Usually, all components are selected during installation, and subsequent replacement (if necessary) is entrusted only to experienced performers.

In addition to the main parts, auxiliary elements can also be included in the balcony door fittings. Most often, devices that limit the opening are used. The comb-type system makes it possible to easily and quickly set the gap between the web and the frame, and change it. If the comb for some reason does not fit, you can use a cable lock. A key is additionally matched to it. Equipment for micro-ventilation is of great benefit.

It can improve the microclimate in the room, but also exclude the flow of excess masses of cold or hot air. Slit micro-ventilation is performed using a special handle. Depending on its position, a certain distance is set between the upper part of the web and the frame.

Hardware for aluminum doors also has its own characteristics. Preference should be given to European-made designs. Every detail must have a quality certificate.Good hinges for an aluminum door are infinitely adjustable in three planes. Unpainted products are also supplied in sets with hinges in standard RAL colors (they are chosen if the standard colors do not suit).

Other considerations to consider when selecting hardware for Chinese and foreign-made aluminum doors are:

• magnitude;
• transfer load;
• the way of transferring the effort;
• travel speed.

The best hinge designs provide loads of 200 kg or more. It is these details that are recommended for use for fire doors. As for the loops of Russian production, it is difficult to give an unambiguous assessment here. Yes, the products of domestic firms can hardly be considered a high-quality product, however, it allows significant savings.

Additionally, it is worth paying attention to the minimum number of openings that the structure will accurately transfer to corrosion resistance. The standard test assumes that the sample is exposed to salt spray for 240 hours.

For metal entrance doors, the anti-vandal characteristics of the hinges are very important. Saving on such protection is completely unacceptable, otherwise unscrewing or cutting off from the street will be very easy. Experts recommend paying attention to the interchangeability of fittings. Sooner or later, even the steel elements have to be replaced, and it’s very bad if you cannot find the right parts.

Brass hinges go well with doors based on aluminum profiles. The advantages of the material are:

• flexibility;
• the possibility of polishing;
• a wide range of available processing methods;
• optimal strength and durability;
• the possibility of staining;
• zero risk of corrosion.

In addition, black steel will rust rather quickly, and it will be impossible to smoothly open the door. Corrosion resistance inherent in stainless steel grades makes them safe to recommend to most people. Such products are especially relevant when it is necessary to withstand the load from a heavy sash. There are two drawbacks: difficulties in applying decorative coatings and high cost. Aluminum hinges are aesthetically pleasing but wear out easily and can only be used on doors lighter than 50 kg.

Handles for them should look harmonious against the background of the canvas. You can use both split and rail-mounted handles. It is definitely worth giving preference to products from more popular manufacturers. To increase the safety of your home, it is recommended to choose eyes with a 180-degree view. If for some reason products with such characteristics do not suit you, you need to put eyes with a smaller viewing angle (at least 120 degrees).

The glass system is the best way to let light through. When resistance to mechanical stress is in the first place, it is necessary to choose plastic - it does not scratch. It is possible to eliminate errors in the selection of the desired length if you prefer a threaded peephole. If you have funds, you can install a video peephole that transmits the picture to the monitor. It must be remembered that such a product is mounted and configured only by professionals.

It is also useful to put in a chain. This design will allow the door to open slightly, leaving only enough clearance for communication with unknown guests. It is best if the chain is made entirely of steel. Finally, you can give the following recommendations:

• it is advisable to use universal hinges;
• only screw hinges are installed on rebated doors;
• the thickness of the seal is selected in accordance with the gap to be overlapped;
• simple models can be mounted on plastic glazed doors;
• at least two different types of locks are placed on a full-fledged steel door.

In the following video, you will find a short overview of door hardware from SFS-Intec.