Doors for Different Applications

Doors are how we get in and out of buildings. What more applications can it have? Well, doors can also protect you from fire hazards. They can make a room quieter and cooler. And some doors connect the interior of your home with the outside without compromising security.

Any homeowner or building manager needs to understand the application of various types of doors. This article will help them compare the options and make the best decision. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

The Top 7 Doors For Various Applications

Doors can do more than guard the entrance to a room or home. The need for various functions and applications has given rise to a wide range of doors. Such as garage, bi-folding, sliding, fire-rated, acoustic, and glass doors.

Garage Doors

The Garage doors are the perfect access to your garage. They can be manual or motor-assisted. The main application of these doors is protecting your vehicle from various factors, such as theft and environmental stress.

Garage doors also increase the curb appeal of your home. If you have an attractive garage door, it will contribute much to your home value. Moreover, a well-designed garage door can provide insulation and reduce energy costs in your household.

Material options for these doors include steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. These doors usually have several moving parts. For instance, cables, tracks, rollers, etc. Some are also equipped with sensors. These parts require regular maintenance for optimal function.

 

	Hot Sale Size(ft')
Width	Height	Size
4	21	4x21
7	16	7x16
8	7, 8, 16	8x7, 8x8, 8x16
9	7, 8, 9	9x7, 9x8, 9x9
10	7, 9, 10, 12	10x7, 10x9, 10x10, 10x12
12	7	12x7
16	7, 8	16x7, 16x8
18	18	18x18
6ft	*	*
9ft	*	*
16ft	*	*

 

	Hot Sale Size(in")
Width	Height	Size
48	252	48x252
84	192	84x192
96	84, 96, 192	96x84, 96x96, 96x192
108	84, 96,108	108x84, 108x96, 108x108
120	84, 108, 120, 144	120x84, 120x108, 120x120,120x144
144	84	144x84
192	84, 96	192x84, 192x96
216	216	216x216

Bi-folding Doors

Bi-folding doors do not swing open. Instead, they fold following a track and stack to a side. These doors usually have two or more panels. The design allows an easy transition between the home and the outdoors. Therefore, these doors are ideal for open floor plans.

A bi-folding door can add more space to your living area. They also permit more natural light into the home. Due to its design, you enjoy an unobstructed view of the landscape. High-quality bi-folding doors have noise-cancellation properties and prevent heat loss.

Since they have tracks and rollers, you will need a routine for cleaning and lubrication. Material options include Aluminum, Wood, and uPVC.

Sliding doors

Like Bi-folding doors, Sliding doors also run on a track. But instead of folding along it, these doors slide. They make great patio doors.

These doors are an excellent option if you want to connect the outdoors to your home. Plus, they give your home a modern minimalistic look.

You may have a hard time choosing between bi-folding and sliding doors. In that case, consider that sliding doors don’t need space to fold onto the track. They can simply slide and stack up. In other words, they are more space-saving than bi-folding doors.

However, sliding doors usually have thinner frames. This can cause security and insulation issues. Also, some of the door panels are always on the track. Therefore, the total opening is narrower compared to bi-folding doors.

	Standard Size(in")
Width	Height	Size
96	80, 84, 96	96x80, 96x84, 96x96
120	80, 96	120x80, 120x96
144	96	144x96
96	*	*
108	*	*
120	*	*

 

	Standard Size(ft')
Width	Height	Size
8	6 1/2, 7, 8	8x6 1/2, 8x7, 8x8
10	8, 9	10x8, 10x9
12	8	12x8
9	*	*
10	*	*

 

 

Fire-rated doors

Fire-rated doors prevent the spread of fire and smoke during an incident. They are designed to hold off the fire for 30 minutes to several hours.

The doors have intumescent seals. The material automatically expands and seals the door shut during fire incidents.

The various fire-rated door materials have different fire ratings. For instance, metal and glass fire-rated doors can hold off fire and smoke for around three hours. Meanwhile, wood and composite doors can prevent the spread of fire for one hour to 90 minutes.

Fire doors should display an easily understandable notice that tells people to keep them shut at all times. Also, you need to have them professionally inspected regularly.

Acoustic doors

If sound resistance is the top priority, you need acoustic doors. These doors' special materials and designs prevent sound waves from passing through them. Such Insulating materials include wood, composite, and metal.

These doors also have acoustic seals in the gaps between the edges and the door frame to ensure complete sound resistance.

Acoustic doors are mandatory in recording studios. Many educational institutes implement them in classrooms to help students focus better on the lectures. Quality healthcare facilities use these doors to create noise and stress-free environments for patients.

Flush doors

Flush doors are your best option if you want a smooth, lightweight door that fits any place. Unlike typical doors, flush doors don't have casings and blend with the wall. They require less space and are most easy to maintain.

Flush doors are made by compressing multiple plywood or laminate sheets. This makes the doors strong while keeping them light. The solidness of these doors also makes them excellent at preventing sound waves. They can serve as concealed doors to hidden passageways.

Glass doors

Nothing speaks of modern style more than glass doors. These doors have glass panels with wooden or metal frames. They are ideal as both external and internal doors.

The obvious benefit of these doors is that they maximize natural light. The transparent view also connects you more to the outdoors. This changes the overall mood and atmosphere of the building.

Glass doors can be stained, tinted, or patterned to improve style and function. Energy-efficient glass doors can control heat loss from the building or home. Remember to install fly screens with your glass door.  

Things To Consider When Choosing A Door

Doors are not something you install every day. Therefore, it's best that you get it right the first time. Instead of getting frustrated over an installed door, consider these factors before the job.

Space: If you are trying to save space, a sliding or bi-folding door is your best option. On the other hand, if you install a traditional swinging door, be prepared to sacrifice some furniture space.

Maintenance: All doors require some level of maintenance. Sliding and bi-folding doors need cleaning and lubrication from time to time. Meanwhile, fire doors require a professional inspection.

Materials: There are pros and cons to all door materials. For instance, steel doors don't get bug infestations. However, they are susceptible to rust. Similarly, wooden doors don't rust, but they can get termites.

Energy Efficiency: When buying a door, check for Energy Star labels and good fenestration ratings. Such an energy-efficient door can save you a fortune in electricity bills.

Conclusion

A good door is a worthy investment. It instantly makes a positive impression on the potential buyer's mind when you are trying to sell your home. And in the case of buildings, proper implementation of the different doors makes them more secure and healthier.