Types of doors-Based on Materials, Mechanism, Components
A Door may be defined as a framework of wood, steel, aluminum, glass or a combination of these materials secured in an opening left in a wall for the purposes of providing access to the users of the structures. Door basically consists of a frame and shutter. Following are the type of doors –
- Based on Materials
- Mechanism
- Construction and Components
Types of Doors Based on Materials
Timber Door
Used in interior or exterior applications
PROS
- Easy to install and maintain
- Soundproof provides insulation, strength and security
- Durable and lasts for years
- Can be sculptured into various designs
- Eco-friendly material
CONS
- Care should be taken by sealing to prevent from absorption of moisture
- May sag over time as per differential atmospheric conditions
- Affected by termites unless care is taken
Glazed Door
This door is used in residential, commercial-like shops and public buildings like hospitals, schools.
Glass panels are fixed indoor/shutter frame which enhances light and vision.
They can be fully glazed or partially glazed.
PROS
- Supplements the natural lighting
- Improves the vision of the adjacent room
- Adds beauty and luxury to design
CONS
- Expensive and heavy
- Tend to break easily unless handled with care
- Security matters
Metal Door
Used in interior or exterior applications
Made up of mild steel or aluminum etc.
PROS
- Economical, durable and strong
- Available in various forms like a fire-rated door.
- Withstand atmospheric conditions
CONS
- Prone to rusting depending on the type of metal used
- Not suitable for all design styles and lack aesthetics
PVC Door
PVC doors are made of polyvinyl chloride and mostly preferred as it is fire resistant
PROS:
- Economical and durable
- Light in weight and easy to install
- Resists damage by termites
- Weather and moisture resistant
CONS:
- As it is light in weight cannot hold heavy locks firmly and affects security
Fibreglass Doors
Mostly used for exteriors
Available in a variety of designs and styles
PROS
- Durable and resistant to extreme climate conditions
- Elegant and classy
- Energy efficient
CONS
- Expensive than standard wood
- Difficult to get custom size doors
Types of Doors Depending on Mechanism
Swing Door
Usually provided in public buildings like offices, banks etc.
The shutters are fixed with double action spring hinges which hold the shutter in the closed position when not in use.
PROS: Closes automatically without using energy
CONS: If the door opens inside and people present an accident might occur
Revolving Door
Revolving door has four or more leaves radiating from a central shaft which rotate about vertical axis forming sections or compartments
Useful at places like public places where frequent opening and closing is to be avoided
PROS: Forms a part of facade
CONS: Few are very narrow and difficult to push, confuse if two people enter at same time
Folding Door
Folding doors has even no. Of sections and folded in pairs
Mostly used as room divider and create visual extension as a single room.
Sliding Door
Door is provided with top and bottom guide rails where the shutters slide
In this type of door, shutter can slide sideways, upwards
Suitable for shop, sheds, godowns, garage, offices where wider openings are required
PROS: Provides clear space of movement
CONS: Rails accumulate dirt and dust
Collapsible Door
These doors are extensively used for shops, garages, public buildings, godowns etc.
Door is fabricated with mild steel sections of vertical sections and braces
PROS: Provides increased safety and privacy
CONS: Noisy, collects more dust and not for aesthetic purpose
Rolling Door
Commonly used for show windows, stores, shop fronts etc.
Shutter consists of thin steel slabs interlocked to each other and coiled upon pipe shaft-mounted top of opening
PROS: Provides increased safety and privacy, protection against wind and rain
CONS: Rust depending on type of material
Types of Doors Based on Construction and Components
Battened and Ledged Door
This door consists of vertical battens (75-100mm wide) or boards mostly tongued and grooved and fixed together with horizontal battens called ledges.
3 ledges -one on top, middle and bottom
Mostly recommended for toilet, WC’s etc.
Economical
Battened, Ledged and Brace Door
This door is an improved form of battened and ledged door
Two additional members called braces are placed inclined between the ledges
Battens 100-175mm wide and 20mm thick, ledges 175 to 225mm wide and 20-30mm thick, braces 125 to 175mm wide and 20-30mm thick
Can be used for wider openings where appearance is not important.
Battened, Ledged Braced and Framed Door
This is an improved form of battened, ledged and brace door.
An addition of framework is provided with two vertical members called stiles
Suitable for external use
