New builds and renovations or remodeling of homes and businesses require, at some point the use of hardware for doors. It is advisable to purchase heavy-duty hardware for projects due to the amount of usage on doors. It is not unusual for swinging door hardware to break down, but if the consumer purchases quality hardware it stands the test of time longer and maintains its beauty. One big seller to private homeowners and businesses is hardware for swinging doors. Hardware made specifically for swinging doors is considered specialty door hardware. This specialty hardware must be durable with proven longevity. Swinging doors require heavy-duty hardware to support the weight of the door and the amount of use.
Differences in Hardware for Swinging Doors
The swinging door hardware must be made to last for years to come. Heavy-duty hardware for these types of doors come from a thicker gauge of steel. Thus, there is more massive weight capacity. This thicker gauge steel is made to bear unusually heavy, large doors such as found on barn doors, garage doors, heavy and more massive doors found in homes and businesses. The other reasons for using such heavy hardware is due to tighter tolerances and strength and an attractive and decorative curb appeal, allowing for the longevity of use because of exposure to the elements in the out-of-doors.
Standard doors such as, for example, swinging doors at kitchen entrances from other rooms in a home would not require such heavy hardware in spite of the heavy use.
Hinges, Straps, Mounting, and Frames for Various Door Sizes
Hinges for these doors come in 48″, 18″, and 84.” The specialized 84″ long hinge is ear-marked for large power operated doors. Common lengths come in sizes of 18″, 24″, and 36″ lengths although these strap hinges are fabricated to meet the specific need of the consumer. Hinges come in various thickness such as 1/4”, 5/16″, 3/8″, up to 1/2″. The thicker hinges are able to hold 400 pounds upwards to 5,000 pounds or more. For doors this heavy they must be mounted on specific frames to support the weight. Appropriate door frames consist of stainless steel, hollow block, concrete, brick, or wood.
What Needs Consideration When Choosing Swinging Door Hardware?
- How often is the door used every day?
- What is the location of the door and is it inside or outside?
- Is there an appropriate door jamb construction to match the weight of the door?
- Consider the door specifications such as weight, thickness, height, and width.
- Does it matter what type of hinges I use?
- Yes, depending on if the door is manually operated or power operated.
- Are back hinges really necessary?
- A. Yes, because the back hinge helps to support the door and helps to prevent door damage.