Joan Smigel
Business Manager for PDL Building Products

We use the doors of buildings every day, multiple times a day. They create that first impression of quality and security since they are the first thing the owner touches. What do they say about the building?

When selecting door systems for a project, there are several items to consider, such as the building application, type of opening, frequency of use, the allotted budget, and, not to be overlooked, the door itself. What is best for commercial use? Here are two important points to consider:

Hollow Metal

The most widely used for commercial buildings, hollow metal doors are affordable and can perform well over a long period of time when used and maintained properly.

Galvanized Steel

Exterior doors should always be made of galvanized steel in order to prevent rusting. The rusted door frames so often seen on not-so-old, commercial buildings are the result of using cold-rolled steel, which is meant for use in interior applications. Even a good coat of paint will not prevent the eventual rusting at the bottom of the door frame, which comes into contact with all the moisture on the ground.

Note: galvanized doors and frames are not always readily available at the local door and hardware supplier. Typically, interior door openings far outnumber exterior openings so the demand for cold-rolled steel is much higher. It is best to plan ahead and discuss your galvanized steel needs with your supplier early in the development phase to ensure the product is available when you need it.

Do you have questions concerning what type of door is best or other factors that should be considered in choosing the right door? Comment below! We want to help you find the right fit.