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 types of doors –

• Based on Location
• Based on Materials
• Mechanism
• Construction and Components

Doorways have to

• Large enough to pass through easily.
• Furniture and other equipment can move through without any great effect.
• Provide watertight seals.
• Maintain appropriate thermal insulation value.

Based on Location

Exterior doors

As the name suggests, they are used externally mainly on the façade of a building. Exterior doors or front doors are given utmost importance due to safety and security reasons. They need to be weather resistant as they are exposed to various climatic conditions.

Interior doors

Interior doors separate different rooms and provide privacy. They are generally thinner than exterior doors and require no weather-resistant qualities.

Types of Doors Based on Materials

Based on the materials used for construction, they are classified into various types.

Timber Door

Wood or timber has been used since ancient times when construction techniques evolved.

Used in interior or exterior applications.

Pros:

• Easy to install and maintain
• Soundproof provides insulation,
• Strength and security
• Durable and lasts for years
• Various designs are possible to craft.
• 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
• Termites may affect the function.

Glazed Door

This door is functional in residential, commercial-like shops and public buildings like hospitals, and schools. Glass panels are fixed indoor/shutter frame that 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 the 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 lacks aesthetics

PVC Door

PVC doors are from polyvinyl chloride and are mostly useful 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 affects security

Fiberglass 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

Swinging Door

When pulled or pushed, the door normally turns on the hinges. It may also be pivoted from the head jamb. The shutters are fixed with double-action spring hinges which hold the shutter in the closed position when not in use.

Usually provided in public buildings like offices, banks, etc.

Pros :

• Easy to operate
• Closes automatically without using energy.
• Effective for thermal and acoustic insulation.
• Weather resistant

Cons :

• If the door opens inside and people are present an accident might occur.
• Requires space clearance around the doorway for the swing.

Revolving Door

The revolving door has four or more leaves radiating from a central shaft which rotate about the vertical axis forming sections or compartments.

Useful at places like public places where frequent opening and closing is necessary.

Pros: Forms a part of the façade.

Cons: Few are very narrow and difficult to push, and confusing if two people enter at the same time.

Folding Door

Folding doors have even no. of sections and folded in pairs. Hinged door panels fold against one another when opened.

Mostly used as a room divider and creates visual extension as a single room.

Sliding Door

The door is provided with top and bottom guide rails where the shutters slide. In this type of door, the shutter can slide sideways, or upwards.

Suitable for shops, sheds, godowns, garages, and offices where wider openings are required.

Three types of sliding doors –

1. Bypass sliding door.
2. Surface sliding door. (Surface – hung)
3. Pocket sliding door.

Pros :

• Provides clear space for movement as operation space reduces.
• Good visual screening.

Cons :

• Rails accumulate dirt and dust.
• Bypass sliding door offers access to only 50% of the doorway width.
• Difficult to seal against weather and sound.

Collapsible Door

• These doors are extensively used for shops, garages, public buildings, godowns, etc.
• The 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 purposes

Rolling Door

• Commonly used for show windows, stores, shop fronts, etc.
• The shutter consists of thin steel slabs interlocked to each other and coiled upon the pipe shaft-mounted top of the opening.

Pros: Provides increased safety and privacy, protection against wind and rain

Cons: Rust depending on the 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 toilets, 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- 225mm wide and 20-30mm thick, braces 125- 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 braced door.

An addition of framework is provided with two vertical members called stiles

Suitable for external use