Types and Uses
We all go through doors dozens of times a day without giving them a second thought. It is generally only if 
something goes wrong, like a door sticking, that we pay attention to such a useful component of public and private buildings.
An open door allows in light and fresh air as well as people. When closed, doors define areas, help to keep rooms warm or cool, cut down noise and can be locked to keep out unwanted visitors. They have an important role to play in preventing the spread of fire and special fire doors are available that meet legal requirements for resistance to a blaze.
Door choices are vast. Categories include external or interior; single or double; solid or glazed; hinged, sliding or bi-fold. They can be made of timber, aluminium, PVCu or composite. Each material has its advantages and drawbacks.
Safety needs to be taken into consideration. Solid timber doors are often preferred for aesthetic reasons but a visibility panel is essential where there is a chance of employees or visitors to a building trying to approach a door from both sides at once.
Where to buy doors
- Guardian Industrial Doors - 45 Progress Rd, Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 5PR, 0800 783 6602
- Urban Front - Unit 4, Chesham Business Park, 33 Townsend Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 2AA, 01494 778 787
- Round Wood of Mayfield - Newick Lane, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6RG, 01435 867072
- Ahmarra - Unit 20 Fitzherbert Road, Farlington, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 1SD, 023 92 389 076
- Directdoors.com - Bay 5 Eastfield Industrial Estate, Penicuik, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 8HA, 01968 671 681
- Benlowe - Park Road, Ratby, Leicestershire, LE6 OJL, 0116 239 5353
- Kloeber UK Limited - St Margaret's Way, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 6EU, 01487 740044
- The Sash Window Workshop Ltd - 4 Kiln Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1NA, 01344 868668
- Birtley Building Products Ltd - Mary Avenue, Birtley, County Durham, DH3 1JF, 0191 4106631
- Norscot Joinery Ltd - Bower Workshops, Bower, Wick, Highland, KW1 4TL, 01955 641303
- Arborfield Joinery Co Ltd - Unit G, Weller Drive, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead, Berkshire, RG40 4QZ, 01189 735210
- Bridgman IBC Limited - PO Box 36, Longhill Industrial Estate (North), Hartlepool, Teesside, TS25 1QR, 01429 221111
We are planning to build an energy efficient home using SIPs and high performance Alu/wood doors/windows. We need to install a catflap - is this best in the wall or in the back door (our preference).
Which type of door should we specify and which manufacturers supply with catflaps already installed (rather than having a glazier do it post delivery)?
Which is the most energy efficient catflap?