Door System Training

Training Manual: Doors in Residential and Commercial Properties

Understanding Door Types and Functions

Residential Doors

Entry Doors:

• Function: Entry doors are the primary access points to a residence, providing security and weather protection.

• Materials: Typically constructed of wood, fiberglass, or steel for durability and security.

• Types:

  • Single Doors: A standard, single-panel door.

  • Double Doors: Two doors that open outwards, creating a grand entrance.

  • French Doors: Double doors with glass panes, allowing natural light into the home.

• Features: Often include deadbolts, strong hinges, and weather stripping for enhanced security and energy efficiency.

Interior Doors:

• Function: Interior doors separate rooms within a home, providing privacy and noise control.

• Types:

  • Flush Doors: Simple, flat doors with a smooth surface, often used for closets or utility rooms.

  • Panel Doors: Feature raised or recessed panels for decorative purposes, adding visual interest to a room.

  • Bi-fold Doors: Consist of two panels that fold in half when opened, ideal for closets or tight spaces.

  • Pocket Doors: Slide into a wall cavity when opened, saving space and creating a seamless look.

Specialty Residential Doors:

• Sliding Glass Doors: Large glass doors that slide open, providing access to patios, decks, or balconies.

• Garage Doors: Typically made of metal or wood, operating on a track system to allow vehicle access to the garage.

Commercial Doors

Entry Doors:

• Function: Main access points for businesses, designed for high traffic and security.

• Materials: Heavy-duty materials like metal or glass, often with reinforced frames.

• Features: May include electronic access control systems, automatic openers, and security hardware.

Interior Doors:

• Function: Similar to residential interior doors, but may include specialized features for commercial use.

• Types: May include fire-rated doors, soundproof doors, and doors with access control systems.

Specialty Commercial Doors:

• Rolling Doors: Large, heavy doors that roll up and down, commonly used for loading docks, warehouses, and garages.

• Fire Doors: Designed to resist fire spread, made of steel with self-closing mechanisms and fire-rated hardware.

• Emergency Exit Doors: Equipped with panic hardware for quick and safe evacuation during emergencies.

• Specialty Doors: Include revolving doors, airlock doors, and other doors designed for specific commercial applications.

Door Components and Considerations:

• Door Hardware: Includes hinges, locks, handles, doorknobs, closers, and other mechanisms that allow the door to function.

• Door Frames: The structural support that surrounds the door, providing a secure and weather-tight seal.

• Door Finishes: Include paint, stain, veneer, and other finishes that affect the appearance and durability of the door.

Door Locksets: Securing Entryways and Interior Spaces

Exterior Door Locksets:

• Entry Locksets (Knob or Lever):

  • Function: Provide keyed entry from the exterior and a push-button or turn-button lock from the interior.  

  • Applications: Front doors, back doors, and other exterior entry points.

  • Key Features: Key cylinder, deadlatch, push-button or turn-button lock.

• Deadbolt Locksets:

  • Function: Provide a separate, heavy-duty locking mechanism for enhanced security.  

  • Applications: Exterior doors, often used in conjunction with entry locksets.

  • Key Features: Throw bolt, key cylinder (single or double), thumb turn.  

  • Single cylinder deadbolts have a key cylinder on the outside, and a thumb turn on the inside. Double cylinder deadbolts have key cylinders on both the inside, and outside.  

• Smart Locksets:

  • Function: Provide keyless entry and remote access via smartphone apps or keypads.  

  • Applications: Exterior doors, offering advanced security and convenience.

  • Key Features: Keypad, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, remote access, activity logs.  

• Mortise Locksets:

  • Function: Heavy-duty locksets that are installed into a mortise (pocket) in the door.  

  • Applications: High-security applications, commercial buildings, and some residential properties.  

  • Key Features: Mortise lock body, lever or knob handles, various locking functions.  

Interior Door Locksets:

• Passage Locksets (Knob or Lever):

  • Function: Provide a simple latching mechanism without a locking function.

  • Applications: Hallways, closets, and other interior doors that don't require privacy.

  • Key Features: Latch bolt, knob or lever handles.

• Privacy Locksets (Knob or Lever):

  • Function: Provide a push-button or turn-button lock for privacy.

  • Applications: Bathrooms, bedrooms, and other interior spaces where privacy is desired.  

  • Key Features: Latch bolt, push-button or turn-button lock, emergency release.

• Dummy Locksets (Knob or Lever):

  • Function: Provide a decorative knob or lever without a latching or locking function.

  • Applications: Closet doors, pantry doors, and other doors where a handle is needed but locking is not required.  

  • Key Features: Decorative knob or lever, no latch or locking mechanism.

Lockset Components:

• Knob or Lever: The handle used to operate the latch or locking mechanism.

• Rose or Escutcheon: The decorative plate that covers the lockset mechanism.  

• Latch Bolt: The part of the lock that extends into the door frame to secure the door.

• Deadbolt: A heavy-duty bolt that provides enhanced security.  

• Key Cylinder: The part of the lock that accepts a key.

• Thumb Turn: A rotating lever on the interior side of the lock used to lock or unlock the door.  

• Strike Plate: The metal plate attached to the door frame that the latch or deadbolt engages with.

Interior Doors: Defining Spaces and Enhancing Functionality

Types of Interior Doors:

• Panel Doors:

  • Feature raised or flat panels, offering a traditional or contemporary look.  

  • Common in residential settings.  

  • Types: Two-panel, four-panel, six-panel, etc.  

• Flush Doors:

  • Feature a smooth, flat surface, offering a minimalist and modern look.  

  • Common in both residential and commercial settings.  

  • Can be hollow-core or solid-core.  

• French Doors:

  • Double doors with glass panels, providing a classic and elegant look.  

  • Often used to separate living rooms, dining rooms, or patios.  

  • Can be single or double doors.

• Bifold Doors:

  • Consist of two or more hinged panels that fold in on themselves.  

  • Space-saving design, ideal for closets and laundry rooms.  

• Sliding Doors:

  • Slide horizontally along tracks, saving swing space.  

  • Common for closets, pantries, and room dividers.  

  • Types: Bypass sliding doors, pocket doors.  

• Pocket Doors:

  • Slide into a pocket within the wall, completely disappearing when open.  

  • Space-saving and aesthetically pleasing.  

  • Require specific framing during construction.  

• Louvered Doors:

  • Feature horizontal slats that allow for ventilation.

  • Ideal for closets, laundry rooms, and utility areas.

• Barn Doors:

  • These doors slide along an exposed track, and are a very popular design choice.

  • They are very popular in residential applications.

• Accordion Doors:

  • These doors fold up into many sections, and are often used as room dividers.  

Interior Door Materials:

• Wood:

  • Provides a classic and warm look.

  • Can be painted or stained to match interior décor.  

  • Types: Solid wood, engineered wood.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard):

  • Smooth surface, affordable, and resistant to warping.

  • Requires painting or sealing to prevent moisture damage.  

  • Common for painted doors.

•  Hardboard:

  • A type of engineered wood, that is very smooth.

  • Commonly used for flush doors.

• Hollow-Core Doors:

  • Lightweight and affordable.

  • Consist of a thin veneer over a honeycomb or corrugated cardboard core.

  • Suitable for interior applications where sound insulation is not critical.

• Solid-Core Doors:

  • Heavier and more durable than hollow-core doors.

  • Provide better sound insulation and fire resistance.

  • Common for bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices.

• Glass:

  • Allows for natural light to pass through.

  • Tempered or laminated glass is used for safety.  

  • Common for French doors and room dividers.

Key Considerations:

• Size and Opening:

  • Ensure the door is properly sized for the opening.  

  • Consider the swing direction and clearance requirements.

• Material and Style:

  • Choose a material and style that complements the interior décor.

  • Consider the function of the room and the desired aesthetic.

• Sound Insulation:

  • Solid-core doors provide better sound insulation than hollow-core doors.  

  • Consider soundproofing measures for bedrooms and offices.

• Fire Resistance:

  • Fire-rated doors are required in certain applications, such as between garages and living spaces.  

  • Commercial applications also require fire rated doors in specific locations.  

• Accessibility:

  • Consider accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities.

  • Ensure adequate door width and smooth operation.

• Hardware:

  • Select high-quality hardware for smooth operation and durability.

  • Consider locksets, hinges, and handles.

• Installation:

  • Proper installation is essential for smooth operation and alignment.

  • Ensure that the door is plumb and square.

Patio Doors: Bridging Indoor and Outdoor Living

Types of Patio Doors:

• Sliding Patio Doors:

  • Consist of two or more panels, with one or more panels sliding horizontally along tracks.  

  • Space-saving design, ideal for areas with limited clearance.  

  • Common in residential and commercial settings.  

  • Often made of glass panels within a frame of wood, vinyl, or aluminum.  

• French Patio Doors:

  • Traditional double doors that swing open, either inward or outward.  

  • Provide a classic and elegant look.

  • Require sufficient swing space.  

  • Can be single, or double doors.

• Folding Patio Doors (Bi-Fold Doors):

  • Consist of multiple panels that fold and stack against one side of the opening.  

  • Create a wide, unobstructed opening.

  • Popular in modern designs and commercial applications.  

  • Often these are very large expanses of glass.

•  Telescoping Patio Doors:

  • These doors slide and stack behind one another, creating very large openings.

  • These are usually very expensive, and are considered a high end option.

• Multi-Slide Patio Doors:

  • Similar to telescoping, these doors slide along tracks, and stack at one, or both sides of the opening.

  • These doors are also very large, and very expensive.

Patio Door Materials:

• Vinyl:

  • Low maintenance, energy-efficient, and resistant to weather.  

  • Affordable and available in various colors and styles.

  • Common in residential applications.

• Wood:

  • Provides a classic and elegant look.

  • Requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and warping.  

  • Can be stained or painted to match interior décor.  

• Aluminum:

  • Strong, durable, and lightweight.

  • Resistant to corrosion and low maintenance.  

  • Common in commercial and modern residential designs.

• Fiberglass:

  • Durable, energy-efficient, and resistant to weather.  

  • Can be designed to resemble wood.  

  • More expensive than vinyl.

• Glass:

  • Tempered or laminated glass is used for safety and security.  

  • Low-E coatings can improve energy efficiency.  

  • Various glass tints and textures are available.  

Key Considerations:

• Size and Configuration:

  • Determine the appropriate size and configuration based on the opening and desired functionality.

  • Consider the number of panels, swing direction, and sliding direction.

• Energy Efficiency:

  • Choose doors with insulated glass, weather stripping, and energy-efficient frames.

  • Consider the U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).

• Security:

  • Ensure doors have secure locking mechanisms and reinforced frames.

  • Consider laminated glass or security film for added protection.

• Weather Resistance:

  • Select doors that can withstand local weather conditions, including wind, rain, and temperature variations.

  • Proper flashing and sealing are essential.

• Accessibility:

  • Consider accessibility requirements for wheelchair users or individuals with mobility limitations.

  • Ensure smooth operation and low thresholds.

• Maintenance:

  • Choose materials that require minimal maintenance.

  • Regular cleaning and lubrication of tracks and hinges are essential.

• Building Codes:

  • Adhere to local building codes regarding safety, energy efficiency, and installation requirements.

• Hardware:

  • The hardware used on the door, is very important to the doors function, and security.

Bifold Interior Doors: Maximizing Space and Functionality

Function and Advantages:

• Space Saving: Bifold doors require minimal swing space, making them ideal for closets, laundry rooms, and other confined areas.  

• Wide Opening: They provide a wider opening than traditional doors, allowing for easier access to closets and storage spaces.  

• Versatility: Bifold doors can be used in various interior applications, including closets, pantries, room dividers, and utility areas.  

• Aesthetic Appeal: They come in a variety of styles and materials, allowing for customization to match interior décor.  

• Easy Installation: Bifold doors are relatively easy to install, making them a popular DIY project.  

Types and Styles:

• Panel Doors:

  • Feature raised or flat panels, offering a traditional or contemporary look.

  • Commonly used for closets and pantries.  

• Louvered Doors:

  • Feature horizontal slats that allow for ventilation.  

  • Ideal for closets and laundry rooms where air circulation is important.  

• Mirrored Doors:

  • Feature mirrored panels, adding functionality and visual space to a room.

  • Popular for bedroom and closet applications.  

• Glass Panel Doors:

  • Feature glass panels, allowing for natural light to pass through.  

  • Can be used for room dividers or pantry doors.

• Flush Doors:

  • Feature a smooth, flat surface, offering a minimalist and modern look.

  • Can be painted or stained to match any décor.

• Accordion Doors:

  • While technically a bifold style, these are usually made of many more panels, and are often used as room dividers.

Materials:

• Wood:

  • Provides a classic and elegant look.

  • Can be painted or stained to match interior décor.

  • Requires proper sealing to prevent warping.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard):

  • Smooth surface, affordable, and resistant to warping.

  • Requires painting or sealing to prevent moisture damage.

• Vinyl:

  • Low maintenance, moisture-resistant, and durable.

  • Available in various colors and styles.

• Aluminum:

  • Lightweight, durable, and rust-resistant.

  • Commonly used for mirrored and glass panel doors.

• Glass:

  • Tempered or laminated glass is used for safety.  

  • Provides a modern and elegant look.

Components and Hardware:

• Panels: The folding sections of the door.

• Tracks: Guide the door's movement along the top and bottom.

• Rollers: Allow the door to slide smoothly along the tracks.  

• Hinges: Connect the door panels and allow them to fold.  

• Knobs or Pulls: Used to open and close the door.

• Pivot Points: The point at which the door folds.

• Alignment hardware: Keeps the doors aligned.