Entrance doors are an indispensable element for the protection of 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 2024 will help.
What is thermal break
Metal entrance doors have long proven themselves for their strength, reliability, resistance to damage, and 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, problems arise with heating the room, freezing doors.
Traditional heaters placed inside the structure are not always able to resolve the issue, because metal parts are still in contact with each other (for example, at the place of welding or fastening of the outside and inside of the box). A thermal break can correct the situation. It is a layer of material with poor heat conduction that insulates 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 part, long or short, flat or voluminous. Thermal break can be both in a single copy, and in several for 1 item. In some cases, the part can be removed by disassembling, or peeled off, in others, the desired fragment is mounted into a metal fragment even before it is bent in shape. In such a situation, you cannot remove the gap.
Why do you need a thermal break
A great difficulty in 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 part heats up. As a result, the door may freeze and condensate may form. A similar situation can be observed on plastic windows.
Moisture affects the safety, technical indicators of the door itself, and also ends up 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" is often simply displaced inside the door itself, because, despite the interlayer, the outer and inner parts of the doors touch each other at the point of attachment, form "cold bridges".
The solution to this difficulty is the thermal break, which insulates the outer and inner layers.This interlayer is installed in various parts of the door, usually the frame or the leaf itself, prevents contact between the outer and inner layers of metal, as a result of which each part remains at its own temperature. Also, the thermal part solves the following tasks:
- prevents the outflow of heat into the corridor (to the street);
- reduces electricity bills, because you do not have to turn on the heater (if it is possible to regulate the flow of heating 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, 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, swing, or sliding, by metal thickness, 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, there are:
- with 1 insulating insert (usually on a canvas or box);
- with 2 inserts (in the canvas and in the box);
- with a large number of thermal breaks (installed in the leaf, 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 external and internal metal parts remains through the steel elements (albeit on a minimal area).
- Through a thermal insert. The thermal break has no fasteners, after installing the structure of the canvas, the box, an insulating substance is poured into the necessary zones, which hardens.
- Through micro-incisions. At the junction of the outer and inner metal parts, many closely spaced holes are made using laser cutting. Thus, a reduction in the area of the "cold bridges" is achieved. This method is quite rare, customer reviews note its low efficiency.
Integrity:
- thermal breaks that can be removed;
- stationary, flowing into the cavity and solidifying, or added at the stage preceding the bending of the sheet (they are one with it).
By the 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 solid part. Durable material that also has low noise and moisture permeability. Thermal conductivity depends on the type of material. 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, not the street.
- Izolon. This is foamed polyethylene, which has a porous-cellular structure. It can be foil on one or both sides, it is often used in combination with other materials. It has low vapor and water permeability, and is responsible for sound insulation. Thermal conductivity - 0.031-0.037 W / m * ° С.
- Expanded polystyrene. It is a polystyrene granules filled with gas, sintered together. This is a type of foam. It has low water and vapor permeability, thermal conductivity is 0.028-0.037 W / m * ° С.
- Cork (crushed, compressed tree bark for technical purposes). It has a honeycomb structure, the internal 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 covered with aluminum foil on 1 or 2 sides. It is used more often only as an additional layer of insulation, namely as a heat insulator.Possesses low permeability to moisture, steam, sound. Flexible, requires fixation. Thermal conductivity - 0.037-0.052 W / m * ° С.
- MDF (or medium density fiberboard). It is a small wood shavings that have undergone heat treatment and gluing. Protects against heat loss, sound transmission. Less resistant to moisture than other materials (except wood). Thermal conductivity - 0.064-0.12 W / m * ° C.
- Mineral wool. A melt product of broken glass, sand, rocks or blast furnace slag. Contains clay, dolomite, limestone as impurities, formaldehyde resin as a binder for components. After melting, the viscous mass is placed in a centrifuge, where it is broken into individual fibers and covered with resins. It protects well against noise, allows steam to pass through, and requires additional waterproofing. The question of the health risks of resins and fibers remains controversial. Thermal conductivity, depending on the type, is equal to 0.035-0.07 W / m * ° C. The indicator gradually increases due to moisture penetration (by 50% over 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 a canvas, and even better in stiffeners, a handle, etc.;
- variants should not have eyes, other cut-in elements, because they increase the number of "cold bridges";
- preferable locks with a lever mechanism, especially those in the "pockets" that do not touch either the inner or the outer contour, or having "curtains" on the outside;
- if the material from which the gap is made does not have good moisture-repellent properties, it must be provided with additional insulation from moisture;
- foil tears additionally reflect heat;
- it is worth considering the thermal conductivity of the material, some types are more expensive and require greater thickness, while others achieve the same result in insulation at lower costs;
- options with a powder coated exterior with anti-corrosion treatment perform better;
- do not choose laser cut tears;
- it is imperative to take into account the temperature conditions 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, heated canvas, such options better cope with the purpose;
- 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 seal along the contour will reduce heat loss;
- interior decoration is better to choose from wood with moisture treatment;
- do not purchase fiberglass models for an apartment.
When choosing, you should be guided by the standard characteristics for doors: width of the leaf, 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 in the opinion of buyers. Also, what to look for in the first place is the reputation of the manufacturer. Top manufacturers:
- Torex;
- Termo;
- Guardian;
- Groff;
- Condor;
- ProfMaster;
- Argus.
Rating of quality models
This list contains products from popular manufacturers with a good reputation. All doors have proven themselves on the positive side according to customer reviews.
Snegir
Manufacturer: TOREX, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: width - from 880, height - from 2000, thickness of the canvas - up to 118,
Locks: Crit ZV-A-30 4L (cylinder, class 2), Border 3V 8-8G / 15 (lever, class 4).
Appearance: steel with zirconium coating, inside - moisture resistant panels.
Break material, description: cork, 2 mm (box, canvas, handle).
Insulation: foamed foam, expanded polystyrene, mineral wool.
Temperature range: up to -45 (60) degrees, depending on the model.
Cost: from 50,000 rubles.
Snegir door
Advantages:
- multi-layer insulation;
- panels do not fade or swell;
- no peephole;
- locking mechanisms with a spring shutter;
- 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 can be supplemented with the function of "heating the canvas";
- you can choose a model of the Snegir series, corresponding to the climate;
- can be installed in a private house with access to the street.
Disadvantages:
- not a budget option;
- heavy weight, not all structures will withstand the load;
- some owners report tight closing.
Condor Thermal Break
Manufacturer: Condor, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 860 * 2050 or 980 * 2080, web thickness - 105, box - 150, sheet 1.8 (outer - 2).
Locking mechanisms: Guardian 32.01 (cylinder, class 4), and 30.11 (class 4, lever), re-coding is possible.
Description of the look: smooth surface on the outside, powder-coated steel, color "Copper" or "Silver". Inside - milled MDF panel.
Thermal barrier: basalt mineral wool, cork layer, polystyrene, foamed polyethylene foam.
Average price: 22-25,000 rubles.
Condor door Thermal break
Advantages:
- high quality metal;
- waterproofing and anti-vandal treatment;
- high level of protection of locks;
- three-circuit sealant;
- there is an armor plate;
- additional 15 stiffeners;
- anti-removable pins;
- with the "night watchman" function;
- bearing hinges, noiseless;
- anti-removable clamps;
- insulated, including the box;
- inexpensive option.
Disadvantages:
- 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 (at the buyer's choice, lever, cylinder or combined version).
External description: smooth surface with polymer-powder coating, MDF panel finishing is possible. Inside, at the buyer's choice, MDF, solid wood, multilayer plywood.
Thermal insulation: foamed polyurethane, 100 mm.
Average price: from 69,000 rubles.
door Guardian DS-6
Advantages:
- 1 class of resistance to heat transfer;
- choice of finishes;
- sound insulation - 45 dB (1 level);
- recoding of the lock is possible;
- there is a diagonal reinforcement of the canvas to prevent deformation due to the weight of the structure;
- closed reinforced box;
- burglar-proof locks;
- there are anti-removable clamps, a night latch.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- only 1 material for insulation / insulation.
TermoWood Ral 9003
Manufacturer: Termo, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 950 * 2050, box thickness - 170, blades - 110, cold-rolled steel - 2.
Locking mechanisms: Securemme, lever type, 4 classes.
Design: custom-made, 14 colors, 35 options for decorative MDF panels with PVC coating on both sides, 14 milled patterns. With glass.
Tear material, features: cork sheet in boxes and sheets (8 mm).
Insulation: Isolon, foil, expanded polystyrene (for the box), panel, foil, Isolon, expanded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene (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;
- outer coating of steel - anti-corrosion, zinc-primer, polymer paint;
- Italian and English fittings;
- eccentric with adjustable pressure of the porch;
- insulation at a high level;
- in the Light and Plus series, more budget models are presented.
Disadvantages:
Models with plastic thermal break
The tear parts are made of various polymers.Due to other characteristics, doors with such inclusion can be divided into several groups.
Armored
Such doors are characterized by a high level of security. Usually they are equipped with locks of the 4th protection class or electronic, an armored plate for it, thick metal, night latches.
Arma Bastion AntiFreeze
Manufacturer: 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). Class 4, vertical drive.
External description: strict, powder-polymer coating, as well as zinc-primer. Internal and external finishing - laminated MDF sheet.
Tear characteristics: composite resin inserts (glass-polyamide) 22 mm wide. They are in the box and canvas.
Insulation: expanded polystyrene, basalt slab.
Temperature range: up to -43 degrees, according to tests.
Average cost: from 37,000 rubles.
door Armagh Bastion AntiFreeze
Advantages:
- burglar resistance class M5;
- corresponds to GOST 31173-2016;
- 3 contours of a rubber seal and 1 magnetic;
- the two-chamber structure of both canvases and boxes, due to the inclusion of an additional sheet of steel, ensures safety, and also reduces the transmission 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 inside;
- anti-removable pins made of alloy steel;
- corrosion protection.
Disadvantages:
- there is no leveler hole 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, carriageway or entrance with high traffic, noisy neighbors. In addition to protection from drafts, they give silence, do not freeze.
Domani 100
Manufacturer: TOREX, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: from 880 to 1100, height from 2000 to 2100 (non-standard is possible), canvas - 104, sheet of metal (alloy of aluminum, magnesium, silicon) - 1.5, threshold height - 20.
Locking mechanisms: main lock - Border 3B 8-8G (lever, 4th class), additional - Border 3V 9-8G (lever, 3rd class).
Appearance: presented in several design options. External and internal finishing - MDF with moisture treatment and PVC coating.
Gap, description: made of polyamide, located along 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 platband is removable;
- locks are placed in a pocket, do not touch the canvas;
- there is a night valve, an 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.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- can be supplied without a threshold.
Legion T2
Manufacturer: Legion, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 860/960 * 2050, canvas 100, sheet thickness - 1.8 (steel).
Locks: Guardian 30.15, 30.01 (lever type, 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, canvas).
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;
- the set includes an invoice threshold;
- three-circuit seal, magnetic;
- very warm;
- equipped with anti-removable crossbars.
Disadvantages:
- open box design;
- low protection class of the locking mechanism;
- not suitable for the doors of a country house during severe 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. They are often installed in country houses or in unheated porches.
Argus heat
Manufacturer: Argus, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 870 * 2050, 970 * 2050, leaf thickness - 85, boxes - 126 mm, sheet - 2.
Locking mechanisms: Argus 512 and 511 (class 3, lever).
Execution: polymer-powder coating with phosphating and zinc primer against corrosion, from the inside - MDF panels with anti-vandal film "Vinorit".
Insert material, parameters: glass-filled polyamide (box, canvas, handle).
Insulation: high class mineral plate, Izodom, Izolon. The box is also insulated.
Temperature range: up to -60 degrees.
Average price: 27-28,000 rubles.
Argus-heat door
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 latch inside the room;
- lever locks do not freeze like cylinder locks, they are additionally closed with spring curtains;
- decent class of burglar resistance of locking mechanisms;
- stiffeners are additionally insulated;
- no peephole;
- excellent corrosion protection;
- combined box (open solid-bent and reinforced, insulated closed type), parts delimited by a polyamide gap;
- the highest class in resistance to heat transfer, sound insulation;
- suitable for those who choose budget brands.
Disadvantages:
- some owners note that the paint peeled off a little;
- heavy weight, not suitable for all openings, deformation is possible.
Cepheus Thermo
Manufacturer: Almaz, Russia.
Dimensions, mm: 880/960 * 2050, box thickness - 160, canvas - 100, sheet - 1.5.
Locks: Guardian 30.15, Guardian 30.01 (lever, 2nd class).
Design: decorative three-dimensional pattern on metal. Steel, coated with anti-corrosion, zinc-primer and polymer paint in the selected color. From the side of the apartment, MDF finish.
Break material, description: glass-filled polymer (along the perimeter of the box and the canvas).
Insulation: extruded polystyrene foam, expanded polystyrene, izolon.
Temperature range: up to -50 degrees.
How much: 23-30,000 rubles.
door Cepheus Thermo
Advantages:
- inexpensive;
- copes well with heat loss, does not let cold inside;
- there is an eccentric;
- equipped with an armored plate, night valve, anti-removable crossbars;
- no peephole;
- triple gasket contour.
Disadvantages:
- according to customer reviews, dark-colored paint sometimes peels off;
- weak burglary resistance of locks;
- does not "like" high humidity in the apartment.
Thermal break is a necessary detail in the entrance doors, which helps to combat heat loss, protects against freezing and noise. In the rating of the best doors equipped with this part, you can familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the models, their pros and cons. An important condition for the door to perform its functions is to comply with the temperature regime and humidity level provided for by the documentation.