Why More Architects Are Choosing Steel Doors
October 7, 2024
If you look at recent commercial building projects like schools, hospitals, office buildings, or government facilities, you’ll notice more of them are using steel doors and frames. Why is this the case? For starters, steel door assemblies are versatile and give architects a long-lasting door solution for their projects.
As steel doors and frames have evolved over time, it’s become harder for architects to ignore the benefits they offer. From specific utility use cases like sound transmission, to aesthetic choices, steel doors have never been more accessible. Let’s look more in-depth into why more architects are going with steel doors and frames for their commercial projects.
The Benefits of Steel Doors for Commercial Building Projects
One of the top benefits steel doors offer architects is how durable they are. This is a key consideration given how much use many entryways for commercial buildings receive. For example, an entrance to a hospital has people coming in and out constantly, not to mention equipment that’s being moved through. Architects want a door material that can stand up to being hit, dinged, and used without needing to be repaired frequently. Steel has the strength to achieve that goal and is often the perfect choice for commercial projects since it is:
-
Resistant to weather damage
-
Harder to dent or damage through normal use
-
Easy to clean to keep surfaces sanitary
-
Known for having lower maintenance costs
-
Very difficult to force open, adding to building security
Other door material options like wood, don’t offer the same benefits. In high-traffic entryways, wood doors and frames can easily splinter, requiring the assembly to be replaced. It’s worth mentioning that when a wood door is being repaired, it typically needs to be taken to a separate facility. Steel door assemblies don’t just offer long-term durability, but they can also be repaired in the field.
Speaking of durability, steel doors are a great option for any commercial project where occupant safety is a priority. As a door material, steel leads the industry in fire ratings that are almost double compared to other popular options. Steel door assemblies are very effective against forced entry attempts because of the material’s inherent strength.
Steel Doors Offer Long-Term Performance and Value
Certain door materials require much more regular maintenance than steel. For example, the sanitation process for wood doors is much more involved compared to steel. Since wood is porous, bacteria and other contaminants are harder to clean off. With steel door assemblies, the cleaning process doesn’t require specialized tools or solutions and is done much faster.
Aside from cleaning and sanitation, steel doors require far less maintenance than other materials. And there’s another way these doors provide lasting value to commercial projects. Steel door assemblies can be specified and designed to keep the interior of a building better insulated.
Specialty Steel Door Types for Every Application
Commercial building projects often have sections or rooms that could benefit from specialized door assemblies. A band room in a school would need a sound transmission control door for example. Steel doors and frames have a variety of specifications that architects can leverage for these unique applications. Some of the most common steel door and frame specifications for commercial projects include:
Some steel door manufacturers also create unique aesthetics to help architects match the visual style of a project. These custom products could be as simple as custom paint to more complex designs including wooden inlays built into a steel door frame.
How to Use Steel Doors and Frames for Your Next Commercial Project
If you’re an architect with an upcoming commercial building project, steel doors and frames can offer you a variety of benefits. Explore the various HMMA specifications that can help you find the best steel door options for your projects. You can also learn more about the practical applications and performance of steel doors by exploring our continuing education courses.
