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.