Six questions to ask before purchasing a door

The wrong door creates problems for everyone: customers suffer delays, contractors have to scramble for a solution, and suppliers are caught in the middle. As proud as we are of our own sheet door product line, we know sometimes our doors are not the right fit for a job. Often, the right question at the outset would have saved everyone needless headaches. Below is a set of six questions to help you confidently purchase the right door.

1. Is the door the correct size?

This seems almost too obvious, but doors that are too large or too small for a given building often find their way to the job site. Make sure to check not just the door itself, but all its operating components. This is especially important for retrofit projects which may need to account for existing guides.

2. Does the door address wind speed requirements?

Different regions require doors that are certified for different wind loads, especially in coastal areas where winds can reach exceptionally high speeds.

3. Does the door need to be rated for fire?

In addition to certification, a fire rated door usually requires the installation of additional specialty components. Make sure you know everything needed to achieve the desired final product.

4. Does the door achieve energy needs?

Energy codes differ from state to state. Code modifications and a complicated interaction within the building envelope can make door selection especially challenging. An expert may be needed to calculate energy efficiency.

For all questions, continue reading on the Star Buildings Insight Warehouse blog.