Tuesday 10 January 2012

How to Choose Roller Shutters for Windows and Doors?


Security is of course the main purpose for buying roller steel doors and shutters, but there are reasons for having them too.  Choosing your shutters carefully is the key to being satisfied with its performance and quality.  Well-selected shutters give you value for money, and the protection you need against the elements, whether it is weather, noise, or crime.
 
What do you need the shutters for?

Roller shutter is available for all types of applications, and no longer exclusive to industrial and commercial establishments.  It’s important to determine the purpose or reason for having shutters.  Do you need them for your home or for your store?  Alternately, understand what you need the most from the shutters – is it to reduce noise, to improve insulation, or to fortify your building against fire or burglary?  Make a checklist of what you expect from your shutters before shopping.

Do they offer good fit and smooth operation?

Your shutters won’t look good and perform well without having the right fit.  Operation is also obstructed when your roller doors and shutters don’t have the exact dimensions.  It’s a must to get accurate dimensions of the openings you want protected with the shutters.  Also, choose between automatic and manual operation.  If you want, you could integrate your shutters with your general security and alarm system.

Is there guarantees or warranties?

Guarantees and warranties are crucial because they provide you with protection in case of faulty or damaged products.  The dealer or manufacturer should offer you guarantees on parts and materials, as well as service and repair for a certain period.  For the most part, guarantees offer better coverage than warranties.  The longer and more comprehensive the guarantee or warranty is, the better.  You’ll be paying more for security door and shutter products with guarantee or warranty, so weigh your options.

Are there extra features?

Aside from basic features which should match your reason for buying, you might want to consider shutters with varying colours or patterns, or those with sophisticated control systems, backup power, remote controls and manual override systems.  Extra features may mean extra cost, so make sure the shutters are reasonably priced for what they’re truly worth.

Who is the maker of the shutters?

Check out the manufacturer.  Make sure that the company shows good service and professionalism, and offers products of quality craftsmanship and materials.  The performance and quality of your roller shutter greatly depend on the processes and materials used to design them.  In another note, your shutters are going to need repairs and maintenance checks, so it’s great that you’re provided with prompt and satisfactory after-sales service.

Tuesday 3 January 2012

What Are the Insulation Options for Your Steel Doors


Steel doors provide maximum security to buildings and homes.  The strength, beauty and durability of steel make it a fine alternative to securing entrances.  However, besides providing protection against burglary and fire, doors likewise need to provide protection against extreme cold or hot weather.  Insulation in doors is the key for making interiors concealed, thus making the space cooler in summer and warmer in winter.  This also helps reduce energy consumption by increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and homes and at the same time make the doors sound-proof.

Regular steel doors are made of thick metal construction, usually at 2 inches, and can handle winds of up to 85 miles per hour.  These are already very powerful gateways; however, more improvements can be done to make these doors more practical to use.  By adding a layer of polystyrene or polyurethane insulation, the doors significantly reduce noise and heat loss and at the same time become more resistant to strong winds.  Alternately, the doors become a lot stronger and more energy efficient when the insulation layer is sandwiched between heavy gauge steel panels.

Doors made of steel come in three variants: un-insulated, insulated and double skin.  Un-insulated steel doors have one layer of steel panel.  Insulated ones have two layers, one layer of steel panel at the front and then one layer of insulation material at the back.  Meanwhile, double skin doors have three layers: steel panel on the front, insulation panel in between and steel panel on the back.  In locations where weather changes do not reach extreme levels, doors with two layers will do.  However, places frequented by storms or have long, extreme winters or summers need three-layer doors.

For aesthetic purposes, some steel doors are fitted with composite or vinyl on the exteriors to make them appear like wood.  This faux-wood layer however isn’t as resistant to strong winds and is prone to damage.  It’s usually standard for steel entrances to be painted to prevent corrosion and rust.  Paint also enhances the look of the doors, adding colour, shine and uniqueness.  The doors may likewise be painted with varying patterns and designs, even mural to depict a message, warning or sign.  It’s not new for doors to be used for advertising or for giving directions.

Noise and extreme temperature make interiors uncomfortable.  Entrances need to be protected with doors made of hard-wearing construction.  Steel of course is one of the most practical materials for  security doors because it doesn’t dent, rot or break easily, not to mention it’s cost-effective.  Other than that, steel doors can be insulated to make them energy efficient.