Understanding the Anatomy of a Commercial Door

Commercial doors are essential components of any business or public building, providing security, safety, and access control. At CDF Distributors, we specialize in high-quality commercial doors and hardware. In this post, we'll break down the anatomy of a typical commercial door to help you understand its key components and their functions.

1. Door

The door is the main part and the focal point of any door opening. It can be made from various materials, including:

• Steel: Durable and secure, ideal for exterior doors
• Wood: Attractive and versatile, often used for interior doors

2. Frame

The door frame is a structural component that supports a door and its operating parts, and provides a secure mounting point for the door to your wall. It typically consists of:

• Head(Header): The horizontal member which forms the top of a frame
• Jambs: The vertical sides of the frame, consisting of hinge and strike preps

3. Hinges

Hinges enable the door to be mounted to the frame, allowing it to swing open and closed. Commercial doors often use:

• Butt hinges: Traditional hinges with two leaves
• Continuous hinges: Also known as piano hinges, running the full length of the door

4. Hardware

Essential hardware components include:

• Locks: Provide security and access control
• Door closers: Ensure the door closes automatically, while yet smooth and controlled
• Panic bars: Allow for immediate egress in emergency situations
• Door stops: Prevent the door from opening too far and damaging walls

5. Weatherstripping and Thresholds

Weatherstripping and thresholds seal the gaps around and underneath the door to:

• Improve energy efficiency
• Reduce noise transmission
• Prevent drafts and moisture infiltration

6. Glazing/Light Kit

Many commercial doors include glass panels or windows, which:

• Allow natural light to enter
• Provide visibility for safety and security
• Enhance the aesthetic appeal of the door

7. Louvers

A door louver is a vent in a door that allows:

• Air to pass through for ventilation requirements.
• Blocks rain and debris from entering
• Provides privacy and security while allowing air to pass through

Understanding these components helps you make informed decisions when selecting, installing, or maintaining commercial doors. At CDF Distributors, we offer a wide range of high-quality doors and hardware to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you find the perfect anatomy for your commercial door for your business.