Window companies have the answer

Steel entry doors are known to be strong, but did you know there are many other benefits? Steel provides a secure, durable, and sustainable option for exterior doors in Ottawa, especially in high-traffic areas. And best of all, steel doors are customizable, so you can find a door to suit any interior or exterior design.

While commercial steel doors are very common, more homeowners are opting for steel doors as well since they are a cost-effective and attractive door option for keeping homes safe.

If you’re in need of new doors for enhanced security and curb appeal, then look no further. Here are a few reasons why window companies suggest replacing your current doors with ones made of steel:

SECURITY

Steel is the clear winner when it comes to vandal resistance thanks to its durability and sturdiness. Protect your business or home from break-ins and theft by choosing steel – aluminum, wood, and fibreglass are no matches to its safety performance. While fibreglass is also tough, it’s at risk of cracking from hard blows.

Commercial steel doors can also handle the weight of heavier locks that can enhance the security of your entrances.

NOISE REDUCTION

Whether your business emits loud noise or you need to block out exterior sounds for peace and quiet, you may want to consider installing steel doors. The hollow metal acts as an insulator and effective noise barrier.

Doors and windows have a Sound Transmission Coefficient (SCT) rating based on testing for how much sound can pass through. And steel doors tend to have the highest SCT ratings compared to all door materials—up to 55 SCT, which is as sound-proof as it gets.

So you can keep your neighbours happy by blocking your noise. And you can enjoy the silence afforded by these sound-proofing doors.

AESTHETIC

Steel is anything but boring! Ask your local window and door companies for samples, and you’ll be amazed by the sheer number of options. Choose from stainless steel for a more modern look, vibrant colours, faux wood finishes, window cut-outs, the list goes on.

When it comes to custom steel doors, door manufacturers are flexible with so many paint, stain, and glass selections to choose from. For example, you can opt for clear glass, decorative glass, stained glass, or black metal French doors to suit a variety of architectural styles, such as cottage, country, colonial, or contemporary. You can also customize your steel door by colour-matching it to your business’ branding and exterior.

LONGEVITY & DURABILITY

Since entry doors, and doors in buildings like stores, schools, and hospitals, are heavily used and experience the most wear and tear, durability is a must.

Door and window companies often quote the longevity of steel. Its durability provides great long-term value that usually lasts over 30 years. Unlike wood, steel won’t rot, crack, bow, or warp from the elements. And steel doors are not susceptible to rusting either. But if you live near an ocean, you will have to take care to prevent corrosion from the salt water.

High-impact rated steel doors can also protect homes and businesses from storms with strong winds and flying debris.

Due to their resistance to warping, rotting, denting, and cracking, maintenance for steels doors is low, and often requires very few repairs. And unlike wood doors, you don’t have to repaint or stain steel doors every few years. This low maintenance makes steel doors a very popular choice for most businesses.

SUSTAINABILITY

Steel is the world’s most recycled material. It can easily be reprocessed since separation from the waste stream is done magnetically. Steel of any grade can be recycled and turned into new high-quality metal, making steel doors the ‘green’ choice.

And unlike most materials, steel also has an Unlimited Life Cycle, which means it can be reused continuously without losing its strength and durability. So steel can keep being recycled and reused, reducing its environmental footprint for sourcing and manufacturing.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT

Even the most insulated buildings can lose heat in winter and conditioned air in summer with poorly-insulated doors. Older doors that have worn out and warped allow plenty of outdoor air into homes and businesses while allowing indoor air to escape. These drafty doors cause energy bills to skyrocket in winter and summer while compromising the indoor comfort for homeowners, business owners, and customers.

Hollow metal offers very good insulation and will save you money on energy bills while also benefiting the environment. Steel doors often use insulating foam in the core and thermal weather adhesives to reduce cold and heat transfer and add extra protection from extreme outdoor temperatures. Certified Energy Star models are available, featuring tight-fitting frames and insulated glass which reduce heat transfer for doors that have windows.

COST-EFFECTIVE

The cost of steel doors varies depending on the door’s size, specifications, finishing, etc. But generally speaking, steel doors are very affordable to begin with (usually starting at around $500), and they tend to cost less than fibreglass doors.

Plus, maintenance costs for steel doors are low. And due to the durability, long lifespan, peace of mind, security, and energy-efficiency that steel doors have to offer, investing in these doors is well worth it in the long run. For information on the price of steel doors, contact your local door manufacturer.

FIRE RATING AND STORM SAFETY

Most steel doors have a 20-minute fire rating. This rating means that in the event of a fire, the door can block heat and flames for 20 minutes, allowing time for people to reach safety.

When it comes to fire and storm safety, steel doors surpass all others. In the event of a fire, a steel door would be able to withstand the heat for longer without being destroyed, compared to other door materials.

Steel doors are also durable enough to withstand devastating storms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Tornadoes have especially high wind speeds, and steel doors are the only type of door that has passed tornado resistance tests. So if you live in an area that has tornadoes, steel doors can act as a secure barrier against strong winds and flying objects.

BOOST CURB APPEAL

Along with increasing the functionality of your home or business, steel doors will also boost your property’s curb appeal. Entry doors are one of the first things people notice when approaching a home or business. So if the doors are outdated and worn out, people will notice and possibly pass judgment.

Old doors can hurt business by influencing potential customers to keep walking and shop elsewhere. They can also hurt a home’s property value if the homeowners are trying to sell their house.

So by replacing outdated doors with attractive, new steel doors, curb appeal and property value will increase instantly. And since these doors are customizable, they can suit any exterior décor and colour palette.

Let’s summarize! Steel doors are versatile, durable, and have outstanding safety ratings. They come in a wide variety of choices and have the added bonus of being environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Hence, if you are looking for peace of mind with a door of premium quality that lasts, look no further than steel!

For more details and product samples, visit your local door manufacturers, or contact an expert to request an onsite consultation.