Rating of the best metal entrance doors to an apartment in 2022: tips for choosing, their advantages and disadvantages

The front door is an integral part of a private house, apartment and any other building. It is impossible to imagine a modern building that does not have this irreplaceable, convenient and, at the same time, carefully thought out design at the entrance. Even utility rooms and sheds are equipped with doors. They perform a number of important functions and are designed to serve people for many years. Since the acquisition and correct installation of a high-quality door is expensive, the choice of a model that is suitable in all respects is approached with the utmost care. Everything is taken into account:

• ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, strong winds;
• protection from intruders, stray animals, thieves;
• ensuring the highest possible degree of comfort in the premises;
• an original design that is in tune with the interior chosen for the hallway, and, at the same time, harmoniously combines with the facade of the building or the decoration of the entrance.

One of the determining parameters is noise insulation. In modern populated areas, street noise never ceases. The sound of horns, loud music and conversations, the howl of alarms and the roar of taking off planes and passing trains - all this is intertwined into a single rhythm of city life. Even in remote villages there are annoying sounds that prevent you from resting peacefully, studying or working productively. A peaceful, benevolent state is the basis for a positive outlook on the world, good mental and physical condition. This is why protection from external sounds is so important.

How to choose the right soundproofed door, and what to look for when choosing? We will talk about this in this publication and present the seven most popular door models from Russian manufacturing companies.

What parameters are used to choose soundproofed entrance doors?

A thick sheet of dense wood - oak, walnut, alder - is in itself an excellent noise suppressor. If you supplement the canvas with seals around the perimeter, upholstery made of leather or eco-leather, with a layer, then only the loudest sounds will be able to break through such a structure. However, most property owners prefer to install much more reliable and fireproof metal doors at the entrance to the house. And products made from solid wood are used indoors.

However, metal has one significant drawback: high thermal conductivity and sound conductivity. That is, bare steel, for all its advantages, does not protect from the cold, nor from the meowing of a neighbor’s cat or a loud conversation. Such a canvas conducts sounds starting from 20 dB, and this is a quiet conversation nearby. Manufacturing companies, guided by the simple laws of physics, have long learned to solve the problem. To prevent the penetration of sounds both from the outside and from the inside, insulating materials are laid inside the canvases in several layers. Each layer has its own density and unique characteristics. Such a layered “pie” becomes an excellent barrier, in contrast to thick, homogeneous insulation. The following are used as soundproofing materials:

• pressed mineral wool;
• foamed polyurethane, foam concrete;
• foil elements and isolon;
• acoustic automotive felt;
• multilayer SIP panels;
• MDF boards, natural wood plates;
• upholstery in leather, eco-leather with insulating layer.

Some manufacturers offer products with foam, but experts do not recommend them due to fire hazards. Also, affordable and cheap corrugated cardboard has low soundproofing properties. High-quality soundproofing doors can cut off sounds with a force of 30-40 dB. At the same time, this parameter depends not only on the quality and type of filler. There are a few other factors to consider.

• The thickness of the door leaf must be at least 80 mm when using mineral wool-based insulation.
• An excellent effect is achieved by having layers of different sizes and densities, from four to five pieces. For example, polyurethane foam, foil layer, cork, foam concrete, isolon.
• Along the perimeter of the door frame there should be thresholds laid with special seals in the form of hollow magnetic and rubber tubes. Three circuits, located with space between them, are quite enough to ensure silence. Also, one contour on the door leaf is desirable.
• The door leaf must have a so-called rebate - a protrusion that covers the gap between the door and the frame.
• The most effective in terms of noise isolation is a hidden box that is hidden in the walls. That's right, the size of the selected box does not have gaps between itself and the wall of more than 2.5 cm. All of them must be carefully foamed and then hidden under the slopes.

One of the best insulators for the internal filling of the canvas is polyurethane foam. It has good soundproofing properties, practically does not burn, tolerates temperature changes well and does not deform over time. Also worth noting are rigid SIP panels. Thanks to their multi-layer structure, they qualitatively prevent the spread of sounds, while serving as an additional means of strengthening the canvas.

Laying soundproofing material on the door

The simplest solution, which ensures proper sound insulation of doors, would be insulation of the door leaf followed by upholstery with leatherette, plastic or wood, MDF, chipboard. The material is laid on the base, fixed and upholstered on top with one of the materials listed above.

Position 1

The first two places based on sales results were taken by the products of the famous Russian brand “Bravo”. Today, about four hundred models of entrance and interior doors are produced in workshops equipped with modern European equipment. Each product undergoes multi-stage control at all stages of production, from the careful selection of raw materials to the installation of locks and fittings.

The metal entrance door “Bravo T 111.B15” is one of the premium models and has excellent performance characteristics. It is designed to work in the extreme conditions of the northern regions of the country, withstands temperature changes well and provides a cozy microclimate in the house even in severe frosts. Such models are most often installed at the entrances to private cottages. Thanks to the presence of a thermal break in the design, the model does not freeze in frosty weather and does not allow cold inside the premises. Also, the product is in demand where silence is required: in busy areas of populated areas, near central streets, in the presence of rumbling elevators and noisy neighbors.

Brief characteristics:

• two solid-rolled sheets of high-strength steel, 1.5 mm thick, mounted on a curved frame. Additionally, transverse and vertical stiffeners are installed. To prevent the canvas from being knocked out, anti-removal crossbar pins are welded on the box, which fit into protected grooves on the canvas. This design can resist hacking attempts for a long time, and inexperienced attackers are deterred by its solid appearance;
• The multilayer internal filling is designed to protect against cold and extraneous sounds. It consists of a pressed mini-plate; foamed polystyrene; two layers of foamed polyethylene - with and without a foil layer; foam sheet; cork slab. The door frame is also insulated using strips of foiled polyethylene, cork and damper tape. Even with a temperature difference between inside and outside the house of 400, condensation does not form on the inside;
• The decorative finish of the exterior is a polymer-powder, vandal-resistant and anti-corrosion paint of a noble silver-steel shade. The black stripe overlay gives the product additional chic;
• On the inside, the metal is covered with MDF boards, finished with light eco-veneer. In addition to its aesthetic function, this layer is an additional heat and sound insulating material. A large mirror is built into the panel, which successfully replaces traditional wall-mounted models or dressing table.

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Soundproof metal door with thermal break

Basic mistakes

Soundproofing doors is a job that requires strict adherence to technology, so that after material and time costs you do not discover that the result is not pleasing. What points should you pay attention to when soundproofing a door:

1. All work will be practically useless if soundproofing measures are not taken for the room. Such work must be carried out comprehensively.
2. You cannot skip the preparatory stage of work, which determines the quality of installation of the door frame in the opening. Check how straight it is installed and whether there are any distortions.
3. It is recommended to observe the temperature regime when carrying out work. The optimal temperature will be 20-22°C.
4. It is not recommended to use polyurethane foam when installing a door frame, because this material does not have sound-absorbing qualities. And if the doors are already installed, then the layer of polyurethane foam should be covered with plaster.
5. All existing cracks and gaps must be sealed with cement or acoustic sealant.
6. You should not use cheap materials for sound insulation, for example, foam rubber, corrugated cardboard. This work will not bring the desired result due to the low sound insulation of these materials.
7. Before laying soundproofing material, the surface of the door leaf must be clean, and the installation must be uniform and dense.
8. It is desirable that there is a small air gap between the contours of the seals, creating an additional barrier to sound.
9. Don't forget about the threshold and door slopes. They allow you to create additional protection from sound in areas of possible gaps. For an entrance door, a threshold is required, and in the case of existing interior doors, it is necessary to supplement them with specially designed thresholds.

Position 2

In second place in the rating is the metal entrance door “Line 104.B0”. At a very affordable, budget price, the model won the hearts of consumers with its excellent qualities:

• magnificent design that is suitable for all popular interior and architectural styles;
• reliable, high-quality fittings and trouble-free IV locks, the highest class of burglary resistance;
• a feeling of reliability and warmth, thanks to a reinforced, thoughtful design and good thermal and sound insulation.

The products of the Bravo factory are manufactured using carefully verified technology on European machines and have great success in the domestic market and abroad. That is why the company can afford to set low prices for high-quality products made from elite raw materials.

What makes this model attractive:

• A solid sheet of cold-rolled steel 1 mm thick, with horizontal and two vertical stiffening ribs and reinforcement in the places where hinges and locks are fastened, is fixed on a one-piece frame. To ensure safety, standard solutions for the company were used: a pair of anti-removal pins located throughout the box; reinforcing corners; two locks, cylinder and level; peephole with panoramic view. According to the recommendations of the Russian Foreign Ministry, such measures are sufficient to prevent various intruders from entering the home.
• Foamed polystyrene insulation boards have excellent heat and noise absorption properties. They burn poorly, so they are fireproof. An additional insulating layer is a decorative interior trim made from a 6 mm thick veneered MDF sheet.
• Graphite-black powder paint on the outside and a pleasant, light coffee shade of eco-veneer fit harmoniously into the space of a private house or apartment. The decor of four horizontal stripes on the outside and inside gives the canvas a charming and elegant look.

When hanging doors, craftsmen recommend using eccentrics. They allow you to adjust the position of the door leaf so that it opens and closes easily, and the lock bolts move without jamming.

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Metal door with good sound insulation from the Bravo factory

Reviews

The presented entrance doors, which are among the top best and most reliable today, have received well-deserved recognition from their owners. They reliably protect against outside noise. Many buyers note the stylish and modern design in their reviews. There are also positive opinions about affordability and good thermal insulation properties.

Anton M. 38 years old

When thieves broke in last year and tore open my flimsy door, I replaced it with an Armada Luxor. Now I feel protected.

Anna, 32 years old

This year we had a baby, so we needed to provide him with a sensitive sleep. We installed doors from Bravo. Now noisy neighbors don't bother us.

Position 3

Places from third to fifth were taken by models from the collections of the Russian leader in the production of high-quality entrance and interior doors “el'PORTA”. Having successfully adopted the experience of Italian craftsmen in producing durable, reliable and eye-pleasing designs, the factory is increasing its turnover every year. The brand's products are known not only in Russia, but also abroad, and are invariably in high demand.

“The metal entrance door “Porta S-3 51/P61” belongs to the middle price category. What is remarkable about this model:

• The basis of the design is a one-piece steel frame with an external protective sheet of steel 1.2 mm thick attached to it. Strengthening ribs give the product strength.
• The outside of the door is decorated with a thick panel of tough, damage-resistant vinyl painted to resemble dark chocolate wood and a strict grooved geometric pattern. The panel can be removed and replaced with a new one at any time.
• The inside of the structure is covered with 22 mm thick veneered MDF board. Together with the outer panel and a layer of environmentally friendly KNAUF Therm insulation, it creates excellent insulation from street sounds, odors and cold.
• A mirror built into an MDF panel significantly saves your budget, as it allows you to avoid purchasing wall or floor mirrors. Also, this type of interior decoration fits perfectly with modern and classic interior styles, visually increases the space of the hallway and adds light to it.
• Three contours of seals located at intervals around the perimeter of the door frame also enhance sound and thermal insulation. EPDM tubular products produced by a Swedish company completely block the access of outside air to indoor spaces.

For security, the door is equipped with two different types of locks, lever and cylinder. Both have the highest, IV class of burglary protection. Also, in line with the handle and locks, there is a door peephole. The modern design allows you to see everything that is happening on the site next to the door.

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Steel door "ElPorta" with sound insulation

The company has been on the Russian market for more than 40 years, but it has devoted only about 30 to the production of steel doors. Before this, the plant produced consumer goods, spare parts for VCRs, safes, and, since 1991, lever locks. The plant has implemented a Japanese quality control system and an Italian line for the production of burglary-resistant doors, which operates with virtually no human intervention.

• Bathroom doors

• Wooden windows

• Interior doors at Kashira Courtyard

Production is aimed at producing products of 3-4 safety classes. The company has an extensive dealer network and independently produces the necessary door and fittings for installation. There are products from economy to premium and luxury class. For an average price model you will have to pay more than 27 thousand rubles.

Position 4

In fourth place in the rating is the entrance metal door “Porta S-3 4/L22”, also manufactured in the workshops. In terms of cost, it is almost the same as the previous model, but there are significant differences in the design and design of the product.

• The thickness of a single sheet of cold-rolled steel is 1.2 mm, with a total sheet thickness of 90 mm. The structure is reinforced with four vertical and horizontal omega profiles. In addition, in the places where the locks and hinges are attached, the thickness of the steel is doubled, and the contour forms special “pockets”. The anti-burglary properties are reinforced by two bolt pins attached to the door frame. This design will make even burglars armed with special equipment think twice, and the burglary itself will not happen without making a lot of noise and raising the alarm.
• Inside the canvas there is a modern insulating material - a rigid Structural Insulated Pane. It reliably cuts out cold air and external noise, while enhancing the strength of the box. Additional sound insulation is provided by an internal decorative panel made of veneered MDF, 22 mm thick.
• The outside of the door and trims are painted with a polymer-powder composition, resistant to corrosion and abrasion, in a noble black color. The interior finish is a grayish-cream color with a bleached wood pattern. Four horizontal glass inserts give the product an interesting, unusual look.

The door is also equipped with two locks and an internal latch. And the door peephole is located in the upper third of the canvas, in the center.

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Metal doors with good sound insulation from the Russian factory “el'PORTA”

What materials protect against noise?

Foamed polystyrene - absorbs noise well, is easily and tightly laid and fixed - it can be glued with any construction adhesive.

Mineral wool is an excellent soundproofing material. A special feature of use is the need to carefully lay it without creasing the canvas, so as not to impair its qualities as a soundproofing layer. In addition, to prevent mineral wool from crumbling, it is covered with a film on both sides and only then fixed with self-tapping screws or furniture clips to the internal beams of the door structure.

Position 5

The next model, which is among the top seven sales leaders in our online store, is the metal entrance door “Porta S-2 104/P61”. The product from the ElPorta factory is also included in the middle price category. What are its differences from previous models:

• The one-piece steel frame and sheet of cold-rolled, high-strength steel are manufactured using standard technology for this product line. Additional stiffening ribs provide resistance to deformation and impact loads, and the crossbars prevent the door from being removed from its hinges or knocked out.
• On the outside, the metal sheet is treated with an anti-corrosion compound and painted with polymer powder paint in a pleasant, steel-gray fine-grained color. Doors with this finish can be installed without canopies or vestibules, as they are highly resistant to weather conditions and temperature changes.
• Heat and sound insulation is provided by a multi-layer thermal insulating SIP panel, as well as an internal layer of finishing made of 2.2 cm thick MDF board. Three rows of seals made of tubular material are laid along the contour of the door frame, which are responsible for the tight fit of the closed leaf. Such a door protects against noise with a force of 30-40 dB.
• A full-length mirror built into the inner panel, framed with eco-veneer of a pleasant, dark chocolate shade, easily fits into the decor of the hallway.

The thickness of the canvas is 80 mm and the weight is 94.96 kg, so it is recommended to use the built-in eccentrics for adjustment when awning. A properly installed door should open and close easily.

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Steel entrance doors with reliable protection from external noise

How to soundproof a door: preparation

To ensure that you don’t have to interrupt the search for the necessary items to soundproof your front door yourself, you should prepare your working tools and consumables in advance:

• electric drill;
• screwdriver or set of screwdrivers, self-tapping screws;
• hammer;
• wood hacksaw;
• universal construction glue, furniture stapler and paper clips;
• knife and scissors;
• nails with a decorative head.

Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a platform approximately 2.5-3 meters long and about 1.5 meters wide, where, apart from two supports, for example, stable stools, nothing should interfere with the master. It is necessary to take into account that you will have to glue, so you need to prepare a box or newspaper so as not to spoil the floor covering or door trim with glue.

Position 6

In the last two places are products. Today the company is the largest manufacturer of doors of various classes and purposes in Russia. The product characteristics are impressive:

• two sheets of solid-rolled steel 0.8 mm each are attached to the frame, with reinforcing ribs horizontally and vertically;
• The finishing of the outer side of the canvas is resistant to corrosion, high and low temperatures, and mechanical damage. This is one of the few doors that are recommended to be installed without protective canopies or canopies;
• Between the metal plates there is insulation made of pressed mineral wool. It not only protects from the cold, but also blocks sounds up to 33 dB, so the door belongs to the highest class of noise protection.

The Optim metal entrance door “Door Out 101” belongs to the budget price category. At the same time, the quality does not cause the slightest criticism. This model is purchased for installation in entrances and houses.

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Entrance door made of metal with sound insulation

The company is developing, has been operating for more than 25 years, and positions itself as No. 1 in the Russian market. Has many awards, including international, registered patents and quality certificates. It has released a series of fire doors, products with increased thermal insulation for installation in private households. The average price for Torex products is 17,000 rubles.

The company has its own Customer Support Service. Production is fully automated. The company has a wide dealer network, and the installation of doors is carried out by specialists trained by the company and certified.

TOREX

The company has received quality awards more than once, so you can confidently trust this manufacturer. The same applies to design: specialists from Italy often help come up with new models.

By the way, we recommend paying attention to doors with a geometric pattern. The trend for futuristic motifs is just coming into fashion, which means it will be relevant for many years to come. Just don’t forget that dust can accumulate in any decorative elements, but fingerprints and stains are more noticeable on a smooth canvas.

Do-it-yourself noise insulation

If your front door does not provide sufficient sound insulation, and it is not possible to purchase a new one, then using available materials you can cope with this task yourself. For this, a porous material will be needed; it can be padding polyester, cotton wool, foam rubber, as well as any other materials that have a similar structure. You will also need a large piece of leather or leatherette. The porous material must be attached to the door over the entire area from the inside and outside. This can be done either with glue or with the help of wooden slats and screws. After this, everything is carefully covered with a layer of leather or leatherette to give a beautiful appearance. This method will not only reduce noise entering the apartment, but will also provide excellent thermal insulation.

Also, in order to maintain heat in the home and not allow unnecessary sound to pass through, a tight fit of the door to the frame is required. This condition is ensured by the presence of a foam rubber sealing tape. Moreover, it will be better when one layer is glued to the frame around the entire perimeter, and the other layer to the door leaf.

There is another option for solving the problem of sound insulation. In this case, you will need to install a second door. If you decide to use this option, then the second door can be connected to an existing door block. The second option involves installing a new door block, where the installation of two door leaves is provided at once.

Appearance

Soundproof entrance doors can be made more pleasing to the eye. For finishing we use MDF panels or regular lining. It is better not to use PVC panels, as they are easily deformed and lose their appearance. We fix the lathing under the wooden carriage.

Ways to lay lining

Install the panels from the hinge side. We cut the lining to size, place a thin block between the panel and the threshold, and glue the first one onto liquid nails. Then we glue the remaining panels, not forgetting to make a hole for the peephole. We glue the last panel on the lock side.

Finishing touches

We glue decorative strips along the perimeter of the panels to cover uneven cuts. We seal the gaps between the metal door frame and the panel with silicone sealant. After the sealant has dried, we carry out the final stage - we glue the seal using a profile (self-adhesive) made of foam rubber.

In order for the seal to be properly glued, the surface must be thoroughly degreased. However, if the seal does not hold well, it can be glued with super glue. MDF and lining can be varnished. We have transformed the entrance doors: sound insulation and thermal insulation are ready. The work is finished.