What Is A Hollow Metal Door?

One of the most frequently asked questions to our customer service team is what is a hollow metal door? The name itself carries some confusion due to the term "hollow". In the most basic definition, a hollow metal door is a type of metal door which can be used for interior or exterior door applications. Although, the term "hollow" is used in the name hollow metal doors, technically these doors are not hollow, since have an insulated core to help retain temperatures from passing through the door. The term "hollow" is used because the door is not solid steel throughout, instead the door is comprised of a steel shell which is filled with an insulated core.

When Were Hollow Metal Doors Invented?

In 1904 the first patents for a fire rated steel door came about by Charles Dahlstrom. It was created through the safety concerns and destruction fire caused to buildings in the cities and towns. Back then, wooden doors with no fire protection were used. Events like the inferno of 1666 tore through London, burning a huge portion of the city. The need for fire protection in doors were needed. Wooden doors were just to combustible.

How Were They Used Early On?

As the industrial revolution roared, hollow metal doors proved more uses than just fire protection. With more workers increasing in factories and businesses increasing, there was a need for a durable door that would not break easily and provide protection to factory buildings and businesses from robbers and vandals. Hollow metal doors were the answer. Also, with the industrial revolution present, new innovations and manufacturing processes were abundant, hollow metal doors proved to work well in high temperatures and dangerous chemicals.

NFPA and IBC

Today organizations like the National Fire Protection Agency and International Building Code, set forth codes and requirements for fire door assemblies that must be followed to ensure the safety of everyone.

Steel Door Institute (SDI)

The Steel Door Institute is an organization created in 1954 and has developed standards for hollow metal doors. Manufacturers of hollow metal doors always try to meet SDI standards in order to provide the best quality products.

Hollow Metal Door Construction

Hollow metal doors are typically manufactured from 18 gauge cold rolled steel. The most common hollow metal door size is 36" wide x 84" tall. The hollow metal door is filled with an insulation core like polystyrene foam or cardboard honeycomb. Steel reinforcements exist within the hollow metal door like door hinge reinforcements and lock reinforcements as well as a top and bottom cap. The steel reinforcements help provide stability and structure to the door. Without the proper reinforcements the door hardware components like the hinges or lever handle would not have the support needed.

Why Are Hollow Metal Doors Used?

Since hollow metal doors are manufactured from cold rolled steel, they are very durable and difficult to damage or break through. They are also very inexpensive compared to other door materials like aluminum glass doors or wood doors. For these reasons, hollow metal doors are used in every commercial building and even in some residential homes.

What Are Some Hollow Metal Door Applications?

Hollow metal doors are often used in commercial buildings as storage room and closet doors, restroom doors, fire riser doors, electrical room doors, mechanical room doors, and water/plumbing room doors. In all commercial buildings you will always see the fire exit door in the rear of the building is a hollow metal door. In some residential homes, the side door in the garage leading outside is a hollow metal steel door.

What Is The Price Of Hollow Metal Doors?

Hollow metal door prices vary from $1200 to $4000. That price point is based on a standard hollow metal door used on 90% of commercial buildings. When shopping for hollow metal doors you have to be very careful. Cheaper hollow metal doors ranging in the $250 to $1200 range often do not have hardware reinforcements, an insulated core, or uses a very thin steel for the shell of the door. These doors are really not comparable to industry standard hollow metal doors, but are marketed as such. So you have to be aware of what your buying. As a rule of thumb, when it comes to hollow metal doors, your safety, and your building's security, a cheaper cost is not better!

Conclusion

Hollow metal doors play a vital role in commercial buildings for security and safety. If you need high quality commercial hollow metal doors we recommend Patriot hollow metal doors. These steel doors comply to SDI standards and we offer fire rated or non fire rated versions. Shop today and receive free freight.



DISCLAIMER:INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH THIS SITE IS PROVIDED TO YOU AS IS WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY THAT THIS SITE (OR ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO YOUR INQUIRY), WILL BE ACCURATE, COMPLETE, OR ERROR-FREE.YOU AGREE THAT YOU MUST EVALUATE ALL INFORMATION AND RESPONSES, AND THAT YOU BEAR ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH, THE USE OF THIS SITE, INCLUDING ANY RELIANCE ON THE ACCURACY,COMPLETENESS, OR USEFULNESS OF ANY INFORMATION OR MATERIALS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE.