Building elements - doors

Building elements - doors

Definition of doors

Adooris a moving structure used to block off, and allow access to, an entrance to or within an enclosed space, such as a building or vehicle. Similar exterior structures are calledgates.

Typically doors have an interior side that faces the inside of a space and an exterior side that faces the outside of that space. While in some cases the interior side of a door may match its exterior side, in other cases there are sharp contrasts between the two sides, such as in the case of thevehicle door. Doors normally consist of a panel that swings on hinges or that slides or spins inside of a space.

When open, doors admitpeople,animals,ventilationorlight.

The door is used to control the physicalatmospherewithin a space by enclosing theair drafts, so that interiors may be more effectively heated or cooled. Doors are significant in preventing the spread offire. They also act as a barrier to noise. Many doors are equipped with locking mechanisms to allow entrance to certain people and keep out others. As a form of courtesy and civility, people often knock before opening a door and entering a room.

Doors also have anaestheticrole in creating an impression of what lies beyond. Doors are oftensymbolicallyendowed withritualpurposes, and the guarding or receiving of thekeysto a door, or being granted access to a door can have special significance. Similarly, doors and doorways frequently appear inmetaphoricalorallegoricalsituations,literatureandthe arts, often as a portent of change.

Types of doors

Hinged doors

Bi-fold doors

French doors

Dutch doors or stable doors

Fire doors

Stacker doors

Sliding doors

Tilt doors

Roller doors

Security screen doors

Images for hinged doors

1) Hinged doors

A hinged door typically consists of either a solid wooden panel door or hollow-cored door affixed to adoor jambwith two or more hinges. Additional hinges are generally required to support taller doors, and stronger, sturdier hinges are required for weightier doors.

The door may have a knob or lever entry and be lockable or may simply be pushed or pulled open, depending on where it's installed and for what purpose. Self-closing door mechanisms are sometimes found attached to this type of door.

Advantages and disadvantages

AdvantagesLow maintenanceCommon, plentiful and affordableEasily customisedDisadvantagesRequires swing room to open and closeHinges may require (infrequent) maintenance and oiling

2) Bi-fold doors

A bi-fold door consists of two panels attached by hinges, which folds in the middle when opened.

Often, the top corner of the outermost door panel is attached to a rail running across the upper part of the door frame, so that it simply 'slides' along the width of the doorway.

The bi-fold door design requires much less space to operate than a hinged door does, as it will only take up half as much room when it's fully ajar, and has a much smaller swing arc. These doors are often used where space is at a premium, but they can also make for an interesting feature in their own right.

Bi-fold doors are most commonly made of wood, but can also be made of metal or glass.

Advantage

Smaller opening space than a hinged door

Pleasant variation on basic hinged door

Many different configurations available

Large bi-fold doors allow broad openings onto outdoor spaces

DISADVANTAGES

More prone to hinge damage than other types

More hinges means more moving parts, and more maintenance

French door

A French door is a hinged door, usually found in pairs, that consists of light wooden joinery framing large panels of glass or other transparent material. This allows plenty of light into a room, and provides a nice, unobstructed view outside.

These doors are typically outside facing, so will generally swing inwards. Double French doors are normally locked by bolting the upper and lower parts of each door, as well as using a conventional lever or knob handle lock or deadbolt.

Advantagedisadvantage

Allows more light and unobstructed views

Lightweight and unobtrusive

Fragile construction compared to solid doors, easily damaged

Glass must be regularly cleaned

Requires careful weatherproofing

Single glazing can allow unwanted heat gain/loss