Doors are important fixtures in buildings. They provide protection, aesthetics, and many other functions. A door can be made from a wide variety of materials like metal, glass, stone, wood, and so much more. This variety gives a lot of options for anyone looking to shop for one of these hardware.
The varieties available can also be a source of confusion at some point. For this reason, you need to understand the different types of doors before you decide on which one you want for your home. To help you with this, this article discusses the different types of doors and their pros and cons. So let’s get started…
Door Types
Doors can generally be classified into two broad groups, which are classification based on manufacturing material and classification based on their usage and mechanism.
Under the material used category, we have metal, wooden, and uPVC doors. While under usage and mechanism, we have composite, swinging, folding, and sliding doors. Now that we have listed them out, let us now discuss them individually. After a brief description of each type, their pros and cons will also be briefly listed out.
1. Wooden Doors
This is a top choice that a lot of homeowners prefer; their popularity may be due to their ability to add beauty and character to the home. Most antique doors are also made of wood. Want to find out whether antique doors are still fashionable? Then read this article. A wooden door is quite capable of performing both functional and decorative purposes. Take a look at the pros and cons below and you’ll see if it’s what you should opt for…
Pros
- A wooden door that has a solid panel is usually soundproof and eco-friendly.
- They can be used as an entry, revolving, or security door.
- They offer great durability.
- Wood is very easy to handle and work with.
Cons
- They require high maintenance and care to stay in great shape.
- They may absorb moisture if they are not sealed before installed.
- They may sag after a period due to their heavyweight. So, you would have to update both its frame and hardware from time to time.
2. UPVC Doors
The materials these are made with are fully recyclable. There are various types of this door, some of which are platinum, solid, and gold. One UPVC door that is also highly demanded in recent times is the double glazed type. They are mostly used in bathrooms, gardens, and the interior.
Pros
- Has multipoint locking.
- They often come with a guarantee not to rot, discolor, or wrap.
- They are quite durable and are also water-resistant.
- You can upgrade them thermally to make them energy efficient.
- Quite affordable.
- Longevity is assured with very little maintenance required.
- The material they are made with is lightweight.
Cons
For this door type, we could only think of one con: since it is lightweight, using it as the front door is not advisable.
3. Metal Doors
These are made of metal and have a long functional life. They can typically withstand earthquakes and storms. You can visit this page: https://www.pinterest.es/jgartlon/external-metal-door/ for external metal door ideas. Louver, storefront, fire, and glass kit can be used to make a metal door.
Pros
- Handling it is very easy.
- They come in different forms, therefore, providing versatility.
- They are sturdy and have several patterns and designs.
- Longevity and pristine condition are assured with just paints.
- They are affordable.
Cons
- Rust may be an issue.
- They are quite heavy.
4. Sliding Doors
This is an elegant fixture that will add a great aesthetic to any place or home. The mechanism used in this type of door is horizontal.
Pros
- No extra room is required to open it.
- It soundproofs a room so it is very suitable for any private space.
- When made with glass, they enhance the entrance of natural light.
- They also act as great insulators.
Cons
- Difficult to install.
- Sludge and dirt tend to accumulate on the trail.
- Fingerprints can easily be left on them.
5. Composite Door
These are quite new as they were recently invented. And they have become quite the alternative for steel, UPVC, and wooden doors. They are not made using one substance but rather a combination of several materials like muffled foam, PVC, glass-reinforced plastic, and wood.
Pros
- It offers great security.
- It is a perfect choice for coastal areas due to its um locker.
- It helps a room retain warmth; it also provides very high energy production when compared to a regular door.
Cons
- Much more expensive when compared with other door types.
- They are an imitation of wood; however, they do not have the same texture as wood does.
The choice of door you finally go with should depend on a lot of factors like your architectural needs, personal preference, budget, and a lot more. However, regardless of which one you pick, ensure you shop from a reliable company. You may visit sites like Doors UK to find out more about how to get quality doors. The quality of the hardware is what will determine if it will be as durable and efficient as they are expected to be.
Conclusion
This article discusses all the pros and cons of all the major types of doors commonly found in buildings. This is to help you make an informed decision when you want to get one of these very important fixtures.
