Steel Door Frame Design

When a passageway requires utmost security, there's no doubt for having a combination of steel doors and steel frames. The steel combo provides maximum strength and durability, not to mention resistance against the elements. Aside from strength, steel features incredible visual qualities, which further enhances the appeal of a structure or building. Whilst there are other alternatives for securing openings and passages, steel is something that can't be beat in a number of aspects.

Steel Gateways in Action

Both frames and doors form a complete passageway system - entrance, exit or both. The system is designed to meet specific requirements as in the case of industrial, commercial or residential applications of steel shutters, steel doors, and the like. It's not new to see steel gates, shutters and doors securing many business and office establishments. Even residential garages are almost always making use of steel for its doors.

Steel's Great Advantages

Doors and frames may be made in variable materials, including wood, aluminium and glass for doors. However, steel is particularly in demand due to its strength and durability. Where safety of property and life are topmost priority, users need not be indecisive about steel for the doors and frames. Steel's high level of rigidity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness makes it a truly practical option for securing entrances, exits and other openings.

When compared with wood, steel doors are fire retardant and more cost-effective. They don't need to be as thick to be strong, whilst wood doors and frames have to be made of thick, hardwood to guarantee their strength and durability. Steel is more hardwearing than wood, and it's only enemy is rust, which can be prevented by the application of anti-rust coating. Wood on the contrary, is vulnerable to many elements including moisture and termites.

When compared with aluminium, steel is heavier and sturdier, not easily bent and dented. When light-duty doors and frames are required, users can always opt for higher gauges of steel, which are thinner and lighter. When heavy-duty steel doors and frames are required, gauges 16, 14 and 12 may be used.

Steel's Weaknesses Solved

Steel is prone to corrosion and rust. But galvanized steel offers higher degree of resistance against corrosion and rust. Steel may even be coated to prevent it from being exposed to air and moisture, which cause rust. When corrosion is a major concern and can undermine sanitation, stainless may be used instead. There are different steel alloys available for making steel doors and frames, and each has its own level of resistance against corrosion and rust, and each vary in strength, durability, and price.

When considering window and door frames for homes, many people, especially those living in hotter climates may wonder if steel will warp due to the heat. The simple answer to their inquiry is no. In the United States, the building code requirements for steel frames is that they must be resistant to at least two hours of fire, which would be many times hotter than any sunlight.

The characteristics of steel make it the ideal use for warmer climates. Like all metals, steel does conduct heat, so technically it could become hot to the touch if exposed to direct sunlight; however it will not come close to the melting or warping point of the metal. In fact, the general melting temperature of steel is 1370 degrees C (2500 degrees F). It is only possible to give a general range due to the many different alloys that can be called steel. Even the lowest grades of steel, which by the way are not used in homes or other buildings do not begin to warp until 150-200 degrees C or 300-400 degrees F, much warmer than sunlight could warm them. When used with double glazed glass, steel frames can help to provide energy efficient windows that prevent drafts and make homes much more comfortable in both summer and winter months.