Front Doors – You Only Get One Chance to Make a First Impression

MB-86N PIVOT DOOR

Entrance doors serve as an invitation to your home and reflect the identity of its residents—their aesthetic appeal instantly impacts the overall look of the building. However, good design isn't everything; functionality and security are paramount. What criteria should guide our choice when purchasing them?

Technical Requirements Under Scrutiny

Whether you are building from scratch or renovating, there comes a time when you must choose the entrance doors for your building. It’s essential to consider factors such as:

• Material,
• Sealing system,
• Anti-burglary features,
• Thermal conductivity coefficient,
• Acoustic insulation rating.

Let's discuss these aspects one by one.

Exterior doors are continuously exposed to the elements, so the material of the door and the finishes used on its surface greatly influence its durability and longevity. Doors can be made from steel, wood, PVC, or aluminum. Steel doors are very popular in the market, being sturdy and relatively inexpensive. Wooden doors are more expensive but offer excellent thermal performance. PVC doors are cheaper and provide similar protection against the cold. Aluminum doors are affordable, durable, and lightweight, offering good thermal insulation and resistance to various weather conditions.

Vinařství Lahofer, Vinice 579, Dobšice, Czech Republic. Systems used: MB-78EI, MB-SR50N, MB-104 Passive.

And speaking of weather conditions, water tightness is crucial for entrance doors. It's important to follow the principle that the higher the water tightness class, the better protection it offers against wind and rain. Entrance doors must also safeguard against unwanted visitors, so before purchasing a model, ensure it is equipped with a robust multi-point lock and a good burglar resistance rating. Security can also be enhanced with special anti-burglary cylinders or panic systems, which facilitate evacuation.

Another important consideration is the thermal conductivity coefficient. This indicates the level of thermal barrier— the lower it is, the better, as maintaining a stable indoor temperature translates to lower heating bills. Good entrance doors are therefore thick and filled with insulating material, which effectively reduces noise from outside.

MB-SKYLINE TYPE R sliding doors

Building Standards and Window-Door Joinery

Both designers and builders must be aware that their projects will be evaluated for compliance with standards, including mechanical durability and low emissions. In this aspect, aluminum deserves special attention, as it is almost 100% recyclable, and aluminum window and door joinery comes with all the necessary ecological certifications.

– Aluminum structures, known for their exceptional user benefits, safety, durability, and protection against external factors like wind, water, and noise, are perfectly suited for passive building characteristics, which focus on minimizing energy losses. In light of ongoing climate change and rising energy costs (with Romania having some of the highest prices in the European Union according to Eurostat), I have no doubt that this approach isn't just a trend but a standard, asserts Hubert Nuckowski from Aluprof.

SMARTWARE CLT OFFICE BUILDING, Săldăbagiu de Munte, Romania. Systems used: MB-EXPO, MB-86 Aero

Recipe for the Perfect Door

Aluprof customers can choose from a wide range of designs, colors, and finishes, particularly with panel doors utilizing the MB-79N, MB-86N, and MB-104 PASSIVE systems. The ability to use various combinations makes this solution suitable for modern homes, classic properties, and commercial buildings. Technical specifications are matched by aesthetic quality—the doors are highly resistant to water and air penetration and offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. This translates to daily comfort and operational cost savings.

Terrace with Lake House, Konin, Poland. Systems used: MB-86 ST, MB-SR50N.

Increasingly popular in construction are terraces, often connected to a home garden, providing residents with an additional relaxation area. Another trend is the use of large, glazed walls in kitchens or living rooms. In these spaces, doors with the MB-SKYLINE TYPE R system, featuring a silent sliding mechanism, are ideal. The narrow profiles give the structure a modern look, and users can enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views. Moreover, with technical adjustments, it's possible to create glass walls up to 4 meters high. These spectacular solutions are highly valued by owners and tenants of commercial properties.

Hotel Nobu Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Systems used: MB-86 ST, MB-SR50N EFEKT, MB-SR50N EI EFEKT, MB-SR50N OW, MB-78EI, MB-86 SI, MB-Skyline. 

In shopping malls, government offices, and restaurants, the durability of doors against heavy use often outweighs aesthetic considerations. For ground floor entrances, the MB-100GFT doors with a thermal barrier are an excellent choice, remaining reliable even after a million opening and closing cycles. This construction boasts high thermal insulation and user safety. One of its significant advantages is the flexibility it offers—you can choose between single or double doors, a showcase, a spatial construction, and whether the doors have a swing function or open in one direction only.

Laidlaw Music Centre, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom. Systems used: MB-70HI, MB-86, MB-SR50 EI, MB-SR50N, MB-SR50N EFEKT. 

Investors should also take note of a new offering from Aluprof—the MB-86N PIVOT DOOR, featuring an offset pivot axis. Its large dimensions and impressive design make it ideal for situations where the entrance serves as a prominent architectural element of the building's facade. Technical features? Excellent water and air tightness, high acoustic insulation, and three thermal construction variants to choose from: ST, SI, and SI+. These qualities make it an interesting alternative to profile, sliding, and folding doors.

Let’s build a better future!

Investing in high-quality doors is worth considering. They serve not only as decorative elements but play a crucial role in the security and energy efficiency of a home. Appropriately selected doors can enhance the property's value and make the building more attractive.