Plastic entrance door - advantages and disadvantages

PVC entrance groups for a private home are an excellent replacement for expensive materials, although they are no worse than their metal or wooden counterparts, and are only gaining popularity every year. And all because PVC is a high-quality material, resistant to temperature changes, has a decent appearance, and the financial side is only pleasing to the eye and wallet. Using this material you can make an original and beautiful entrance that will amaze the guests of your home.

Advantages of plastic entrance doors

Metal-plastic or, in other words, plastic doors have the following advantages over metal ones:

1. Aesthetics. Possibility to order windows and doors in the same style. The house looks harmonious and beautiful. The design of a plastic door can be chosen based on the exterior and interior decoration of the house.
2. More light. People want their homes to feel lighter and airier, creating more space inside. With metal doors, the eye rests on the wall, visually “eating up” the area of ​​the room.
3. Varied design. Plastic doors can be made in various designs:

By color:

• White - from the main material;
• Laminated for various types of wood;
• Painted in various RAL colors.

Photo: laminated plastic entrance door to match the color of the windows of the house, © oknamedia

According to the material:

• Entirely made of plastic with metal inside;
• Plastic with aluminum lining on the outside;
• Plastic and wood.

In all cases, there is powerful steel reinforcement inside.

By lock type:

• With mechanical single-point lock;
• With mechanical multi-point lock;
• With a high-security lock;
• With automatic lock.

By filling option:

• With transparent filling - double glazing with anti-vandal triplex. Mirror glass is often used in doors to protect against prying eyes. During the day, this protection works, and in the evening, after turning on the lights in the room, roller blinds and blinds come to the rescue.

Photo: plastic entrance door with double-glazed windows without imposts, insert, © oknamedia

• With opaque filling - sandwich or special insert and overlay design panels;

Photo: plastic entrance door with an overlay design panel, © adeco

• Inside the door leaf, partitions (imposts) and false posts of various shapes and quantities can be used to create an original design.

Photo: plastic entrance door with inserted decorative panel, © oknamedia According to the shape of the structure:

• Rectangular;
• Oblique;
• Arched.

4. Ease of ordering. It is convenient to order plastic doors and windows from one window company. This way you can save time on ordering and installation. For complex orders you can get an additional discount.

5. No freezing. Modern plastic entrance doors can be made from a profile with an installation depth of 70 mm or more, which has high heat conservation at the level of the best window systems. If a PVC entrance door is installed in a vestibule, then a narrower door 60 mm wide with a single-chamber double-glazed window may be sufficient. A “warm” threshold is installed at the bottom of the door, preventing cold from entering the room.

When installing a metal entrance door into the vestibule, a second door to cut off cold air from the street becomes mandatory. Thanks to the high thermal insulation of a high-quality plastic entrance door, there is no need to install a second door in the vestibule.

6. High level of sound insulation. A multi-chamber profile (up to 5 chambers), double-glazed windows, 2 sealing contours and a multi-layer door threshold allow for a high level of sound insulation.

7. Durable and easy to maintain. Plastic doors are highly durable, easy to maintain and are not subject to corrosion. To give them their original appearance, the same means are used as for plastic windows.

8. Possibility of adjustment. When the house shrinks, the operation of the front door may become difficult. On plastic entrance doors, all elements, from hinges to locking parts of the fittings, are adjustable. This allows you to easily restore the necessary functionality of the door. In most manufactured metal doors, adjustment is completely absent. Some doors only have hinge adjustment. Moreover, the hinge of a metal entrance door is adjustable only in one plane, while plastic doors are adjustable in three planes.

Photo: adjusting the hinge of a plastic entrance door, © oknamedia

9. Ease of installation. When installing a metal door, the leaf is not removed from the frame. This creates inconvenience for installation when aligning the frame. In a plastic door, the leaf can be removed and the frame can be easily leveled and secured.

Design features

A good reliable plastic design that can last a decade is:

• frame - aka a box, which must be sufficiently rigid, have a rubber seal that will provide sound insulation with thermal insulation, and on which reliability, service life, and general appearance primarily depend;
• door leaf - usually consists of a layer of plastic and a layer of metal, often supplemented with double-glazed windows, which gives it a more elegant look and insulation, which increases thermal insulation;
• accessories - handles, hinges, which ensure overall reliability;
• the threshold is usually high, with a seal, which also increases reliability.

It’s worth buying a plastic door if you have a style that matches it

The materials for plastic doors are standard - galvanized steel, which strengthens the leaf along with the frame, as well as PVC, which forms the basis of the structure.

Advice There are designs without metal reinforcement, but they are not suitable for the role of input. It is better to place them at the exit to the courtyard or even between rooms.

Accordingly, there is no point in giving the materials a thorough analysis. But some design features can radically affect how it will look and how convenient it will be to use.

Materials for plastic doors are standard

Opening method

Of course, interior structures have many more ways of opening - here there is an accordion and a pendulum. But the inputs are also different.

The first ones are swing ones. These are standard doors that open away from you or towards you by turning them on hinges. They have advantages:

• reliability - it is difficult to break the hinges, unless a child tries to swing on them or someone tries to purposefully break them;
• traditional appearance - this is the design that is found in most homes, fits into most styles, and does not surprise anyone;
• no difficulties with searching - such a design can be bought in any store.

But there are also disadvantages:

• simplicity - if you prefer original solutions, the swing design will disappoint you, since everyone has the same ones;
• space taken up - of course, in the case of the entrance to the house, this is not so important, but if you want to make a narrow path, lay out flower beds, turn the front yard into a lush garden, the constantly opening and closing shutter can get in the way.

Has a place to occupy

The second ones are sliding. In our latitudes they are rare, but they are traditional for the Japanese style. The principle of operation is simple - the doors slide apart along the wall in different directions, and then slide behind the person who enters. The advantages are as follows:

• originality - if you love Japan (and Asian countries in general), a sliding front door can change the appearance of your home and bring it closer in style to the countries of your dreams;
• lack of space taken up - doors that roll along the wall allow you to free up space for something else - at least for a flower bed.

Beautiful product design

But there is also a minus:

• difficulty finding is the main disadvantage, since due to the low prevalence of sliding structures, you will have to look for a company that can sell, install, and provide them with a guarantee.

In fact, sliding structures are not inferior in reliability to swing ones.

Advice If originality is your priority, and the exterior decoration of the house allows it, install a sliding structure. If originality is not a priority, it will be easier and cheaper to buy and install a hinged one.

Wood effect product

Size

They usually have standard sizes:

• height - two meters one hundred centimeters is considered optimal, since even the tallest person can easily pass under a lintel of such a height;
• the width of a single door is about nine hundred centimeters;
• width one and a half - up to one and a half meters, according to the tastes of the owner;
• double width - up to two meters (although some can reach up to three).

The height depends on how high the ceilings are in the house

But knowing the standard size is not enough to be able to choose it for your specific home:

• The height depends on how high the ceilings are in the house. If they are about four meters, a standard door will look poor; you need at least two and a half meters. And if the ceilings are low - and the inhabitants are not very tall - you can take even less.
• A single design is worth taking if it fits well. If the house itself is small, if nothing large will pass through it, if the hallway is small and there is no room in it for two huge doors.
• One and a half is worth taking if the size of the house requires it. Its smaller side, as a rule, does not open in ordinary life, but if you need to carry something large, you can open it.
• It is worth taking a double door if the house is a huge pretentious cottage, in which a two-meter door will not look overly pretentious, but just right. In addition, it will be useful to you if you like to change the interior and often need to bring large-sized furniture into the house.

This design is worth taking if it fits well

Advice If you did not build a house from scratch, but bought it from someone, you can simply measure the size of the existing opening to design it to your liking.

Disadvantages of plastic entrance doors

The disadvantages of plastic doors are due to the properties of the material - PVC:

1. Subject to thermal expansion. PVC is more susceptible than metal to changing dimensions under the influence of temperature. When the temperature rises, the plastic expands; when it decreases, it contracts. To solve this problem, plastic windows and doors are provided with steel reinforcement, which is installed inside the PVC profile. Reinforcement not only performs the function of increasing rigidity, but also “restrains” the change in plastic dimensions when temperature changes. To do this, the metal is fastened to the PVC profile using self-tapping screws. Moreover, for entrance doors the frequency of fastening should be greater than for windows. Self-tapping screws are installed in a checkerboard pattern. If the manufacturer follows the door production technology, the door will function perfectly.

2. Requires more careful handling:

• "Delicate" surface . Plastic doors, in addition to their main functions, have become part of the architectural and aesthetic appearance of the house. The surface of plastic is much softer than that of metal. And if you impact PVC with a hard object, the surface may be damaged. On a beautiful door this will immediately catch your eye.
• Low resistance to deformation . In doors with closers, it is necessary to exclude situations where, in order to bring any things into the house, the front door is left open for a long time. As a result, double pressure occurs on the door - above from the closer, “trying” to close the door, and below from the object blocking the closing. This can lead to deformation of the door leaf. To eliminate the negative impact on the door, you just need to disconnect the closer, and then you can keep the door open as long as you like. Steel entrance doors, made of solid thick-walled metal, are less susceptible to deformation.
• Not suitable for high traffic areas . Plastic entrance doors are not intended for installation in places with high traffic - entrances to shops, shopping centers, entrances. Aluminum doors are suitable for such properties. For a private country house, this is not critical and is a more affordable option.

All the disadvantages of a plastic door can be attributed more to its features. If you do not violate the technology when producing a PVC entrance door (you must order plastic entrance doors from a reliable manufacturer!) and operate the door without “vandalism”, plastic doors will last for many years without problems.

Aesthetic side

In addition to design features, it is also important to consider how it will look as a result. The colors, shape, presence or absence of glass inserts may differ - all this must be taken into account.

Arched option

Door without glass inserts

Glass inserts are the best way to get a more beautiful result, but at the same time make it more expensive. If you are limited on finances - or do not trust glass - it is quite possible to order without it. This solution will have the following advantages:

• lightness - glass adds additional weight, without it the mass decreases;
• low price - pure plastic is much cheaper;
• simplicity - no frills of design, which can sometimes look great.

This option lets in a lot of light

But there will also be disadvantages:

• simplicity - looking good in minimalism, in most styles it will look unattractive and uninteresting;
• low variety - most often single-color plastic structures are produced in white, since in this form they are most popular (they are placed in doors and offices).

Unusual opening option

To give it some aesthetics, if you are not satisfied with a smooth, even surface, you can use:

• embossing - as a rule, produces the simplest geometric patterns formed by differences in surface height;
• photo printing - allows you to cover the door with a special film that will give any color, any pattern, any design, even a night city or streams of rain;
• fake natural material - the same film allows you to imitate wood or stone quite passably.

Or you can leave it monochromatic, emphasizing its simplicity instead of hiding it - this can give an unexpectedly interesting effect.

In the style of minimalism, nothing superfluous

Advice If you are in doubt about whether to take a door without inserts, look at photographs with examples on the Internet and evaluate the impression they make.

Important points when choosing an entrance door

When choosing a PVC entrance door, you need to pay attention to important qualities:

1. Reliability. When choosing an entrance door design, security is of paramount importance, namely, the door’s anti-burglary properties. Plastic doors meet the highest burglary resistance requirements, providing protection up to class RC 3 (European standards), which corresponds to the Russian burglary resistance class PV 3.

2. Adjustment options (hinges, lock). Wide possibilities for adjusting the fittings are necessary to maintain the door in working condition for many years.

3. Possibility to install a door closer. This is a convenient option that allows the door to close smoothly on its own. Protects against the entry of mosquitoes and any other insects in case the door is forgotten to be closed, and there is no need to slam the door, shaking the whole house. It is worth remembering here that the wider the profile and glass unit, the heavier the door. The weight of a 70 mm wide sash with a double-glazed window is about 80 kg, and a 58 mm wide sash with a single-chamber double-glazed window is about 60 kg. The cotton of such a heavy weight will be felt by the whole house.

4. Mosquito net. Sometimes it is necessary to leave the front door open during the warm season. A mosquito net will be a very useful option in protecting against mosquitoes, midges and other small insects. Also, it will protect against fluff during the poplar flowering season.

5. Privacy . If you need to protect your home from prying eyes, you can choose door glazing in the form of double-glazed windows with mirror glass or an opaque decorative panel.

6. Features of installation in a house made of wooden beams. A house made of wooden beams shrinks over time. Therefore, the door in such a house must be mounted not in the opening, but in the casing (frame) of the correct thickness.

Non-standard opening and layout on glass

The construction of PVC profiles with glass is suitable for cottages with an unusual structure. In addition, you can find the color of the frame with the decoration of the package with a decorated layout. Choose an energy-saving glass package. The entrance structure must retain heat and not consume it.

Review of the best manufacturers

It is worth highlighting the undisputed sales leaders who produce high-quality plastic entrance doors for private homes. Customer reviews left after purchasing door structures become direct evidence of the reliability, durability and practicality of the purchased products.

So, the leading positions are occupied by KBE, Veka and Rehau.

The German company Veka produces high-quality, reliable designs that have a stylish appearance, but at the same time not a small price. The minimum number of double-glazed windows is 3, and the maximum is 7. As a result, the doors have increased burglary resistance, good heat and sound insulation.

Reviews about the manufacturer claim that the doors fully cope with their tasks, and the high cost is a kind of overpayment for the brand.

Another German company Rehau produces impeccable plastic door designs. Customer reviews claim that the quality of the products fully corresponds to their price.

And the German company KBE closes the top three. Unlike previous manufacturers, KBE door structures are much cheaper, but at the same time they do not have significant differences in the manufacturing method and type of structure. This option is perfect for those who want to buy a good thing at a very affordable price.

What you need for work

To install a plastic entrance door you will need:

• building level;
• dowels;
• polyurethane foam and a gun for it;
• pencil;
• roulette;
• wooden wedges;
• mounting knife;
• chisel;
• screwdriver;
• hammer drill

A circular saw and sander may be needed. Take care of reinforced fittings and prepare mortise locks.

Kinds

The input groups are as follows:

• internal - in this case the vestibule is located indoors;
• external - the vestibule is created from the outside;
• mixed - the vestibule is located both inside and outside;
• facade - it has additional decorative components, and is represented only by the wall of the building.

Balcony

The balcony door is an important part of the room and interior. Characterized by the lightest weight

A profile similar to a window profile is used. Keep in mind that the handles for opening and closing the door are located only on the side of the room.

Pros:

• long service life;
• many options for color, design, texture, etc.
• ease of use;
• look good with plastic windows;
• many opening and closing functions, there are modes for ventilation, windows and many others;
• increases the degree of natural sanctification;
• retains heat.

Minuses:

Opens only indoors. This will have to be taken into account when arranging furniture.