Entrance doors are an indispensable element for protecting both apartments and private houses. The most reliable option is metal, but not all of them are suitable for use in cold weather. Special devices - thermal breaks - will help to solve the existing difficulties. To find out which option is suitable for a particular room, the rating of the best entrance doors with a thermal break for 2022 will help.
What is a thermal break
Metal entrance doors have long established themselves for their strength, reliability, resistance to damage, ease of maintenance.The main problem of such products in Russian conditions is exposure to cold temperatures. Due to the fact that metal is a material with high heat conductivity, there are problems with space heating, door freezing.
Traditional heaters placed inside the structure are not always able to solve the issue, because. metal parts are still in contact with each other (for example, at the place of welding or fastening of the street and the inside of the box). A thermal break can correct the situation. It is a layer of material with poor heat conductivity, which isolates parts of the metal from each other, is placed between them, tightly fitting.
The thermal break can be of different sizes, configurations, located in different parts of the door. It can be in the form of a narrow strip, a wide detail, long or short, flat or voluminous. Thermal break happens both in a single copy, and in several for 1 product. In some cases, the part can be removed, disassembled, or peeled off; in others, the desired fragment is mounted in a metal fragment even before it is bent into shape. In such a situation, the gap cannot be removed.
Why thermal break is needed
A big difficulty when installing metal doors in Russian conditions is the high thermal conductivity of the metal. In the cold season, the outer part, which is located in the entrance or on the street, cools down a lot, while the room heats up. As a result of this, freezing of the door, the formation of condensate is possible. A similar situation can be observed on plastic windows.
Moisture affects the safety, technical performance of the door itself, and also appears inside the locks, fittings, causing damage. In addition, heat is lost in the room. As a result of the installation of insulation, the situation does not change completely.The so-called "dew point" often simply shifts inside the door itself, because, despite the layer, the outer and inner parts of the doors touch at the point of attachment to each other, form "cold bridges".
A thermal break is designed to solve this difficulty, which isolates the outer and inner layers. This layer is installed in various parts of the door, usually the frame or the leaf itself, prevents the contact of the outer and inner layers of metal, as a result of which each part remains at its own temperature. Also, the thermodetail solves the following tasks:
- prevents the outflow of heat into the corridor (to the street);
- reduces electricity bills, tk. you do not have to turn on the heater (if it is possible to regulate the heating supply separately to the apartment, it reduces the cost of it);
- the metal door does not freeze from the inside, frost does not form on it, and condensation does not form;
- locks and fittings last longer;
- has anti-corrosion treatment.
Door types
In addition to the separation options provided for all entrance doors (for example, single or double leaf, hinged or sliding, according to the thickness of the metal, type of locks, insulation options), models with a thermal break have their own classification. The types of such models depend on the criterion underlying the separation.
By the number of elements distinguish:
- with 1 insulating insert (usually on a canvas or box);
- with 2 inserts (in canvas and box);
- with a large number of thermal breaks (installed in the canvas, box, stiffeners, near door handles, etc.)
By connection:
- Bolt. It involves fastening by means of steel bolts and nuts, or rivets.Most models are equipped with this option, although in this case the contact between the outer and inner metal parts remains through the steel elements (albeit on a minimal area).
- Through a thermocouple. The thermal break does not have fasteners; after installing the web structure, the box, an insulating substance is poured into the desired zones, which hardens.
- through micro-cuts. At the junction of the outer and inner metal parts, a lot of closely spaced holes are made using laser cutting. Thus, a reduction in the area of "cold bridges" is achieved. This method is quite rare, customer reviews note its low efficiency.
In terms of integrity:
- thermal breaks that can be removed;
- stationary, pouring into the cavity and solidifying, or added at the stage preceding the bending of the sheet (they are one with it).
By number of layers:
- 1;
- 2 or more interconnected.
By material:
- PVC. In the form of a thermal break, it is a cavity filled with air, or a one-piece cast part. A durable material that also has low noise and moisture permeability. Thermal conductivity depends on the type of material. It is not recommended for a country house in very cold winters, it can be used for an apartment with access to the entrance or to the site, and not to the street.
- Izolon. This is polyethylene foam, which has a porous-cellular structure. Can be foiled on one or both sides, often used in combination with other materials. It has low vapor and water permeability, is responsible for sound insulation. Thermal conductivity - 0.031-0.037 W / m * ° С.
- Styrofoam. Represents the granules of the polystyrene filled with gas, sintered among themselves.This is a type of foam. It has low water and vapor permeability, thermal conductivity is 0.028-0.037 W/m*°C.
- Cork (shredded, compressed tree bark for technical purposes). It has a honeycomb structure, the inner space is filled with a gaseous mixture. This structure allows for low thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity is 0.0363-0.13 W/m*°C. This material also provides sound insulation, waterproof, does not lose shape. Natural cork is not harmful to health.
- Wood. Natural breeds are rarely used, because. have a high cost. Additional moisture protection required. Thermal conductivity depends on the specific breed, on average from 0.095 to 0.4 W / m * ° C.
- Foil penofol is an inexpensive material consisting of polyethylene foam coated on 1 or 2 sides with aluminum foil. It is used more often only as an additional layer of insulation, namely as a heat insulator. Possesses low permeability for moisture, steam, sound. Flexible, requires fixing. Thermal conductivity - 0.037-0.052 W / m * ° С.
- MDF (or medium density fibreboard). It is a small chip of wood, subjected to heat treatment, gluing. Protects against heat loss, sound transmission. Less resistant to moisture than other materials (except wood). Thermal conductivity - 0.064-0.12 W / m * ° С.
- Mineral wool. Product of cullet melt, sand, rocks or blast-furnace slag. As impurities it contains clay, dolomite, limestone, binder for components - formaldehyde resins. After the melt, the viscous mass is placed in a centrifuge, where it is torn into individual fibers and covered with resins.Well protects from noise, passes steam, requires additional waterproofing. The question of the health hazards of resins and fibers remains controversial. Thermal conductivity, depending on the type, is 0.035-0.07 W / m * ° C. The indicator gradually increases due to moisture penetration (by 50% in 3 years) if there is no waterproofing.
How to choose the right model
In order to choose the best doors with a thermal break, you need to focus on the following recommendations:
- models should be with several elements, at least in a box and canvas, and preferably even in stiffeners, a handle, etc .;
- options should not have eyes, other mortise elements, tk. they increase the number of "cold bridges";
- locks with a lever mechanism are preferable, especially those located in “pockets”, which do not come into contact with either the internal or external contour, or have “shutters” on the outside;
- if the material from which the gap is made does not have good water-repellent properties, it must be provided with additional insulation from moisture;
- foil breaks additionally reflect heat;
- it is worth considering the thermal conductivity of the material, some types are more expensive and require more thickness, while others achieve the same result in insulation at a lower cost;
- options with a powder-coated exterior with anti-corrosion treatment perform their functions better;
- do not choose gaps made by laser cutting;
- it is definitely recommended to take into account the temperature regimes recommended for operation, especially when choosing a model for a house with access to the street;
- there should be no defects, chips or other damage on the surface;
- expensive models are equipped with additional functions, for example, heating the canvas, such options do a better job;
- the thickness of the metal must be at least 1.5 mm;
- the door should have high-quality insulation, preferably from several layers;
- the presence of a sealant along the contour will reduce heat loss;
- interior decoration is better to choose from wood with moisture treatment;
- you should not buy models with fiberglass for an apartment.
When choosing, you should focus on the standard characteristics for doors: leaf width, opening side (right or left), box dimensions, etc. The door can be ordered online in the online store, but it is better to independently inspect the option you like, if possible, visually assess the presence, type of thermal breaks.
When choosing, it is necessary to evaluate how well the popular models are made, cope with the tasks according to buyers. Also, what you should pay attention to in the first place is the reputation of the manufacturer. Top Producers:
- Torex;
- Thermo;
- Guardian;
- groff;
- Condor;
- ProfMaster;
- Argus.
Rating of quality models
This list contains products of popular manufacturers with a good reputation. All doors have proven themselves on the positive side according to customer reviews.
Snegir
Producer: TOREX, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: width - from 880, height - from 2,000, web thickness - up to 118,
Locks: Crit ZV-A-30 4L (cylinder, class 2), Border 3V 8-8G/15 (lever, class 4).
Exterior: steel with zirconium coating, inside - moisture resistant panels.
Break material, description: cork, 2 mm (box, canvas, handle).
Insulation: foam foil, expanded polystyrene, mineral wool.
Temperature range: up to -45 (60) degrees, depends on the model.
Cost: from 50,000 rubles.
Snegir door
Advantages:
- multilayer insulation;
- panels do not fade and do not swell;
- no peephole;
- locking mechanisms with a spring curtain;
- the eccentric controls the tightness of the web to the box;
- 3 layers of sealant;
- variety of finishes and designs;
- at the request of the buyer, it can be supplemented with the “web heating” function;
- you can choose a model of the Snegir series that matches the climate;
- can be installed in a private house with access to the street.
Flaws:
- not a budget option;
- heavy weight, not all structures can withstand the load;
- some owners note tight closing.
Condor Thermal Break
Manufacturer: Condor, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 860 * 2050 or 980 * 2080, web thickness - 105, box - 150, sheet 1.8 (external - 2).
Locking mechanisms: Guardian 32.01 (cylinder, class 4), and 30.11 (class 4, level), recoding is possible.
Description of the view: on the outside, a flat surface, powder-coated steel, color "Copper" or "Silver". Inside - milled MDF panel.
Thermal barrier: basalt mineral wool, cork layer, polystyrene, polyethylene foam with foil coating.
Average price: 22-25,000 rubles.
door Condor thermal break
Advantages:
- quality metal;
- waterproofing and anti-vandal treatment;
- high level of protection of locks;
- three-circuit seal;
- there is an armor plate;
- additional 15 stiffeners;
- anti-removable pins;
- with the "night watchman" function;
- hinges of bearing type, silent;
- anti-removable clamps;
- insulated, including a box;
- inexpensive option.
Flaws:
- the armor plate is not mortise;
- one of the locks is cylinder;
- there is a peephole;
- there is no "pocket" for locking mechanisms.
Guardian DS-6
Manufacturer: Guardian.
Dimensions, mm: 880/980 * 2050/2100, web thickness - 102, boxes - 119.
Locks: 4 levels of protection against penetration (customer's choice, level, cylinder or combined).
External description: smooth surface with polymer powder coating, optional MDF paneling. Inside, at the choice of the buyer, MDF, solid wood, plywood.
Thermal insulation: polyurethane foam, 100 mm.
Average price: from 69,000 rubles.
door Guardian DS-6
Advantages:
- 1 class of resistance to heat transfer;
- the choice of finishes;
- sound insulation - 45 dB (level 1);
- it is possible to recode the lock;
- there is a diagonal web reinforcement to prevent deformation due to the weight of the structure;
- closed reinforced box;
- burglary-resistant locks;
- there are anti-removable clamps, a night valve.
Flaws:
- high price;
- only 1 insulation material.
TermoWood Ral 9003
Producer: Termo, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 950 * 2050, box thickness - 170, canvas - 110, cold-rolled steel - 2.
Locking mechanisms: Securemme, level, 4 classes.
Design: customized, 14 colours, 35 decorative MDF panels with PVC coating on both sides, 14 milled patterns. With glass.
Break material, features: cork sheet in box and sheet (8 mm).
Insulation: isolon, foil, polystyrene foam (for the box), panel, foil, isolon, polystyrene foam, foam plastic (2 layers each, separated by an additional steel sheet).
Temperature range: up to -39 degrees.
Average price: from 150,000 rubles.
door TermoWood Ral 9003
Advantages:
- 3 sealing circuits;
- heating the door with a thermal cable;
- individual design and original appearance;
- recommended for the conditions of the Far North;
- panels are resistant to weather, moisture, bacteria, fireproof;
- external coating of steel - anti-corrosion, zinc primer, polymer painting;
- Italian and English fittings;
- eccentric with adjustable pressure of the porch;
- sound insulation at a high level;
- in the Light and Plus series, more budget models are presented.
Flaws:
Plastic thermal break models
Parts-ruptures are made of various polymers. Due to other characteristics, doors with such an inclusion can be divided into several groups.
Armored
These doors are highly secure. They are usually equipped with locks of the 4th protection class or electronic ones, an armor plate for it, thick metal, night valves.
Arma Bastion AntiFreeze
Producer: Arma, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 860/960 * 2050, canvas - 120, steel sheet - 1.8, threshold height - 70.
Locks: Guardian 2212 (main, cylinder) and Guardian 2002 (additional, lever). Rated to the 4th protection class, vertical drive.
External description: strict, powder-polymer coating, as well as zinc primer. Internal and external finishing - laminated MDF sheet.
Rupture characteristics: composite inserts made of polymer (glass polyamide) 22 mm wide. They are in a box and canvas.
Insulation: expanded polystyrene, basalt slab.
Temperature conditions: up to -43 degrees, according to tests.
Average cost: from 37,000 rubles.
Door Arma Bastion AntiFreeze
Advantages:
- burglar resistance class M5;
- complies with GOST 31173-2016;
- 3 contours of a rubber seal and 1 magnetic;
- the two-chamber structure of both the canvas and the box, by including an additional sheet of steel, ensures safety, and also reduces the passage of sound and heat loss;
- the manufacturer allows additional equipment with an electromagnetic lock, deviators, installation of additional noise protection;
- there is a mortise armor plate;
- there is a night valve from the inside;
- alloy steel anti-removable pins;
- corrosion protection.
Flaws:
- there is no level well inside the apartment due to the width of the canvas;
- there is a peephole.
Soundproof
Free picture (Bunch of keys in door lock) from https://torange.biz/bunch-keys-door-lock-1695
Such models protect well if the door opens onto a crowded street, roadway or entrance with high traffic, noisy neighbors. In addition to protecting against drafts, they give silence, do not freeze through.
Domani 100
Manufacturer: TOREX, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: from 880 to 1100, height from 2000 to 2100 (non-standard is possible), canvas - 104, metal sheet (alloy of aluminum, magnesium, silicon) - 1.5, threshold height - 20.
Locking mechanisms: main lock - Border 3V 8-8G (lever, class 4), additional - Border 3V 9-8G (lever, class 3).
Appearance: It is presented in several design options. External and internal finishing - MDF with moisture treatment and PVC coating.
Gap, description: made of polyamide, located in the box, in the canvas, in the threshold.
Insulation: expanded polystyrene (box), mineral wool.
Average price: from 80,000 rubles.
door Domani 100
Advantages:
- soundproof, noise absorption of 36.4 dB (standard - 20 dB);
- metal eccentric;
- the casing is removable;
- locks are placed in a pocket, do not come into contact with the canvas;
- there is a night valve, armor plate;
- rubber seal, three-circuit;
- it is possible to equip with deviators, an additional sheet, a recoded lock;
- there are anti-removable crossbars;
- anti-corrosion treatment.
Flaws:
- high price;
- can be included without a threshold.
Legion T2
Producer: Legion, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 860/960 * 2050, canvas 100, sheet thickness - 1.8 (steel).
Locks: Guardian 30.15, 30.01 (lever locks, burglar resistance class 2).
Design: both sides are covered with MDF panels, you can choose from different shades.
Gap, description: two-chamber polymer insert (box, sheet).
Insulation: expanded polystyrene, mineral wool.
Temperature range: up to -25 degrees.
Average price: from 22,000 rubles.
Legion T2 door
Advantages:
- suitable for those who are looking for inexpensive options;
- excellent noise protection, cuts off all external sounds;
- a latch is provided on the inside;
- set of overlay threshold;
- three-circuit seal, there is a magnetic one;
- very warm;
- equipped with anti-removable crossbars.
Flaws:
- open box design;
- low protection class of the locking mechanism;
- not suitable for the doors of a country house during harsh winters;
- there is a peephole;
- the keys to the locking mechanisms are almost identical visually;
- some reviews contain information about freezing (there is no data on the level of humidity, ventilation in the apartment and the correct installation).
Insulated
The main advantage of such models is maximum protection against heat loss. Often installed in country houses or in unheated entrances.
Argus-heat
Manufacturer: Argus, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 870 * 2050, 970 * 2050, web thickness - 85, boxes - 126 mm, sheets - 2.
Locking mechanisms: Argus 512 and 511 (grade 3, lever).
Execution: polymer-powder coating with phosphating and zinc primer against corrosion, inside - MDF panels with anti-vandal film "Vinorit".
Insert material, parameters: glass-filled polyamide (box, cloth, handle).
Insulation: high class mineral plate, isod, isolon. The box is also insulated.
Temperature range: up to -60 degrees.
Average price: 27-28,000 rubles.
door Argus-heat
Advantages:
- equipped with a plastic "pocket" for locks with double-sided insulation;
- high resistance to cold;
- several thermal breaks;
- there is a steel threshold, a valve inside the room;
- lever locks do not freeze like cylinder locks, they are additionally closed with spring curtains;
- worthy class of burglary resistance of locking mechanisms;
- stiffening ribs are additionally insulated;
- no peephole;
- excellent protection against corrosion;
- combined box (open one-piece bent and reinforced, insulated closed type), the parts are delimited by a gap made of polyamide;
- the highest class in terms of heat transfer resistance, sound insulation;
- Suitable for those who choose budget brands.
Flaws:
- some owners note that the paint has peeled off a little;
- heavy weight, not suitable for all openings, deformation is possible.
Cepheus Thermo
Producer: Almaz, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 880/960 * 2050, box thickness - 160, canvas - 100, sheet - 1.5.
Locks: Guardian 30.15, Guardian 30.01 (lever locks, class 2).
Design: decorative three-dimensional drawing on metal. Steel, with anti-corrosion coating, zinc primer and polymer painting in the selected color. From the side of the apartment, MDF finishing.
Rupture material, description: glass-filled polymer (along the perimeter of the box and leaf).
Insulation: extruded polystyrene foam, expanded polystyrene, isolon.
Temperature range: up to -50 degrees.
How much it costs: 23-30,000 rubles.
door Cepheus Thermo
Advantages:
- inexpensive;
- copes well with heat loss, does not let the cold inside;
- there is an eccentric;
- equipped with an armor plate, a night valve, anti-removable crossbars;
- no peephole;
- triple sealing circuit.
Flaws:
- according to customer reviews, dark-colored paint sometimes peels off;
- weak burglary resistance of locks;
- does not "like" high humidity in the apartment.
A thermal break is a necessary detail in the entrance doors, which helps to combat heat loss, protects against freezing and noise. In the ranking of the best doors equipped with this part, you can get acquainted with the technical characteristics of the models, their pros and cons. An important condition for the door to fulfill its functions is compliance with the temperature regime and humidity level provided for by the documentation in the room.