Types of Armored Exterior Doors
Armored steel doors come in different styles. Each type has features to provide security, energy efficiency, and toughness.
Steel Armored Doors
These are one of the strongest options for securing homes and businesses. The steel body provides excellent resistance to impacts and forced entry.
- Durability: Steel armored doors are highly resistant to wear, making them ideal for areas requiring high security.
- Security: These doors often feature reinforced frames, deadbolt locks, and steel plates to enhance security further.
- Fire Resistance: Many steel armored doors are fire-rated, offering protection against fire hazards.
- Maintenance: They require minimal upkeep, with steel surfaces easily cleaned and maintained.
Bulletproof Armored Door
A bulletproof armored door is specially made to protect against gunfire. These doors are crucial in areas where security against ballistic threats is a top concern.
- Layered Materials: A bulletproof armored door has inner and outer layers of steel. Some have fiberglass or Kevlar in between to absorb and distribute the force of a bullet.
- Ballistic Ratings: Many are tested and rated to withstand specific calibers of bullets, giving users confidence in their protective capabilities.
- Security Features: They often come with reinforced locks and frames for added protection against break-ins.
Thermal Armored Door
This door protects against extreme temperatures. People use them in places with severe weather or where fire safety is a concern.
- Insulation: Thermal armored doors have insulating materials between the steel layers. These materials keep heat or cold from moving inside or outside.
- Energy Savings: Their insulation reduces energy costs by limiting heating and cooling loss.
- Fire Protection: Thermal doors are made with materials that slow or stop fires from spreading.
Stainless Steel Armored Door
People use stainless steel armored doors in places where steel might rust. The stainless steel provides security with resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel does not rust. This makes it ideal for wet or coastal areas where regular steel would corrode.
- Security: Like other armored doors, stainless steel variants offer reinforced security features to protect against break-ins.
- Low Maintenance: Stainless steel is easy to clean. it requires less maintenance compared to other materials.
How to Choose Armored Exterior Doors
Choosing the right armored door for a client involves several key considerations. Here are important factors to take into account.
Consider Security Needs
Consider the level of security the client needs when selecting an armored door. Clients in high-crime areas or those protecting valuable assets will benefit from doors with reinforced features.
Assess Durability
Armored exterior doors are valued for their durability. Consider the wear and tear the door will face in its environment.
- For clients near the coast or in industrial settings, a stainless steel or galvanized steel armored door may be the best choice.
Weather Resistance
If clients live in areas with harsh weather, choose a weather-resistant door. Think about how the door will protect against rain, snow, or extreme heat.
- These environments need doors with proper weather sealing and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel or thermally insulated armored doors work well in these environments.
Aesthetic Appeal
Armored exterior doors can also add a pleasing look to a building. Clients often want a door that matches their home's style or the architecture of their business.
- There are many styles, colors, and finishes for armored doors. These can help the door blend in rather than stand out in an unwanted way.
Cost Considerations
Armored doors can vary in price. Sometimes, more costly doors offer better security features or materials that will last longer.
- It's key to balance cost with the value of enhanced security. Always consider what the client needs in the long run, as this may offset higher initial costs.
Installation
Proper installation is essential for an armored door to work at its best. Some of these doors are heavy and complex. For this reason, it is key to have a skilled installer.
- Ask about the installer’s experience with armored doors. Also, make sure they follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation.
What Makes an Armored Door Durable
People want armored steel door frames to last. Steel makes these doors last many years and requires little to no repairs.
Steel Material
Manufacturers make most armored doors from steel. Steel protects against impact and force. The material also withstands the weather and does not decay like wood. This makes it suitable for use for many years.
Extra Layers
Armored doors have layers of steel added to them. These layers boost security and toughen the door against threats.
- The extra layers fortify weak points like the lock area or door edges. This makes it very hard for anyone to break in.
Stronger Frame
The frame of an armored door is tougher than standard ones. It better protects the door overall.
- Reinforced frames provide more support and security. They help keep the door mounted correctly, even after years of heavy use.
Hard Plates
Some armored doors have hard plates added to them. These plates are often made of steel or carbide.
- Hard plates shield the lock and other key parts from drilling or cutting tools.
Impact Resistance
- Manufacturers make armored doors to resist hits, kicks, and other forms of force.
- They do this by reinforcing inside the door with sturdy materials or extra layers.
Tested Strength
Armored doors undergo testing to check their strength and durability. Common tests include hitting the door with a hammer or using tools like crowbars.
- These assessments measure how well the door handles break-in attempts or heavy impacts.
Long Lifespan
Armored doors are built to last. People prefer doors with less wear over time.
- Since they stand up to daily activities with ease, armored doors need fewer replacements.
What Should Buyers Keep in Mind When Buying an Armored Exterior Door
- Buyers should look into the different kinds of doors that suit their customers' needs.
- When it comes to the material of the door, steel doors give security. These kinds of doors also give protection from impact. Buyers should consider selling doors with extra material layers. They shield against break-ins and cuts.
- They also need to sell doors that have reinforced frames. Such doors help secure the entire entry area.
- Urban buyers should consider thermal doors. These doors reduce energy expenses. They also stop temperature from affecting the home. Buyers should also get doors that fire safety features.
- Hard plates prevent drilling or cutting break-ins. Buyers can opt for doors with certified hard plates.
- When buying, business owners should choose vendors with various armored door styles and finishes. This will give customers more choices.
- Buyers should avoid getting custom doors. Such doors take too long to arrive and are often costly. Instead, they should get standard size doors. They have fast delivery times and do not cost a lot of money.
- Buyers should invest in armored doors that have been tested. The tests should check how well the door performs under pressure.
- Buyers should choose doors that are not hard to take care of. Since these doors are tough, they do not need frequent maintenance.
- Buyers should place orders with trusted brands. This way, they can ensure they get quality products.
- Buyers should buy doors that have a warranty. This gives customers a sense of security if something goes wrong with the door.
- More importantly, buyers should get reasonable prices. Since armored doors have increased demand, they should avoid costly price deals.
FAQ
Q1: What is an armored door?
An armored door has extra layers to make it more secure. These layers protect the home from break-ins, fire, or severe weather. They are very tough and last long. Many people put them in homes or businesses that need more safety.
Q2: Are armored exterior doors worth it?
Yes, these doors are beneficial because they deter would-be burglars with their tough build. They improve home safety, decrease insurance costs, and add value. They also give energy savings and come with a variety of styles.
Q3: How long do armored doors last?
Most armored doors can last up to 25 years with normal wear. This is because of tough materials and smooth hardware.
Q4: What do armored exterior doors do?
Armored doors protect homes or businesses from crime, bad weather, or fire. They secure entry points better than common doors. They do this by using sturdy materials like steel.
