When you are shopping for new iron entry doors for your home, it is worth your time to learn about the different parts of a door. If you want to ensure you are replacing your front door with one that has the features and options you desire the most, then you need to know door terminology too!
Plus, it is easier to talk to your contractor when it comes time to install your new iron doors at your home. You will have all the “lingo” down, so you can tell your contractor how you want your “full round” window installed or where you want the hinges installed for an in-swing or out-swing door.
1. Door Casing/Door Frame
The door casing or door frame is the entire frame that goes around the door. It includes several door parts, including the door jamb, astragal, and door sill. The frame is the part of the door that is secured into the entrance opening of your home.
2. Door Jamb
The door jamb consists of the two vertical sides of the door frame and can connect with sidelights.
3. Door Astragal
If you have a double iron entry door on your home, the door astragal is the vertical part that goes in between the two doors.
4. Thermal Break
The thermal break is the insulating material used inside the iron door, including polyurethane foam filling, weatherstripping seals, and waterproofing feathers.
5. Transom
A transom is the part of the door that is installed above the door frame—like a “full round” that extends above the door casing and sidelights and which is essentially a half-circle piece.
6. Sidelights
The sidelights are fixed panels, which may or may not have glass windows in them, that are attached to one or both sides of the door casing.
7. Strike Plate
The strike plate is a small metal plate secured to the door jamb for the door bolt to pass through and remain securely in place when the door is locked.
8. Flush Bolt
A flush bolt is a type of locking mechanism found on double door designs that is installed into the side of the door and secures the door in place using two bolts that extend out the top and bottom of the door and into the door frame.
9. Door In-Swing/Door Out-Swing
This refers to how the door hinges are installed onto the door and door frame. If the door opens inward into the home, then the door has an in-swing. If the door opens outward to the outside, then it has an out-swing.
10. Door Threshold
This is the transition between the exterior and interior of the home. The threshold can be customized to include ornamental and decorative features to suit your tastes.
11. Hinged Glass Door Lock
This is found on iron doors with hinged glass that opens. The panel is secured in place by the glass door lock.
12. Roller Catch
This is part of the door handle/doorknob where the iron door has a pull handle configuration. The roller catch keeps the door closed when it is not locked and prevents it from being blown open by the wind.
13. Key Lock
This is the type of locking mechanism you have installed in your iron door. There are several different types, including “smart” key lock systems.
14. Door Sweep
The door sweep is the piece of weatherstripping attached to the bottom of the door that seals the door to the frame and which stops cold/warm air drafts from coming in from under the door.
We hope you have enjoyed learning about the different parts of a door. It helps you when selecting new iron entry doors for your home. Find the perfect iron doors for your home now by browsing our selections online or contact Universal Iron Doors at 818-771-1003 for further assistance and customization options today!
