Make the Best First Impression:
Bringing Cost Effectiveness to Hollow Metal Doors
Tom Granitz,
Posted
08/01/2008
In competitive bid
or design-build situations, builders are always searching for "best
cost" materials. However, certain cost-protective measures- such as
hollow metal doors-can provide users with their first impression of
the overall quality of the building, and that perception may not be
favorable.
There is risk in taking the least expensive door path or using
whatever the building supplier has in stock, as these doors may not
be the right or correct choice for each individual opening or may
not match quality expectations. On the other hand, higher quality
products can eliminate common door problems, but the higher initial
purchase costs could put the builder at a competitive
disadvantage.
What solution, then, could place the builder in the best situation
for cost competitiveness while ensuring recommended quality is
retained?
Decision
Time
First, develop a "door specification." Basic door and frame
specifications should follow West lake, Ohio-based Steel Door
Institute's basic recommended minimum requirements. For instance,
exterior doors should have 16-gauge skins, while 18-gauge skins are
recommended for interior doors.
Other important items to consider within the specifications are
whether or not galvanized steel is required (exterior doors), and
what types of door cores are needed (insulated). Second, each
project should have a "door schedule," whereby each door opening is
reviewed individually. This is critical as it provides the
opportunity for cost effectiveness: spending money where it's
necessary and important, but reducing costs where it's not. For
instance, a heavily used entrance door might require heavier gauge
doors and frames and Grade 1 "heavy duty" hardware, while a
little-used door might only require lesser gauge materials and
standard Grade 2 "standard duty" hardware.
Finally, the hardware schedule must be completed. The specification
will dictate the grade, types, functions and finishes, while the
hardware schedule itself creates "hardware sets." This determines,
by each opening, what hardware items are to be used. As mentioned
earlier, these decisions have inherent cost considerations, but by
looking at each opening individually, money can be applied in the
most efficient way.
Looking
Ahead
In making these choices though, keep in mind that one should
consider the long-term costs versus the initial acquisition prices.
Although each hardware item will have passed various performance
tests that provide the foundation for its grade, not all products
within the same grade are created equally.
For a cylindrical lock to meet a Grade 1, or highest, performance
level, it must pass a minimum 800,000 cycle test, which is the base
some manufacturers use to engineer and build the lock. However,
some manufacturers use higher standards: Schlage's D series
cylindrical lever locks are tested to exceed 3 million cycles,
indicating that the engineering, expectations and long-term results
exceed those of other locks with the same Grade 1 rating.
The same is true on the doors and frames. Some manufacturers, such
as Cincinnati based Steelcraft, extensively test its products to
exceed various performance criteria, while others may not fully
test their doors or frames. Higher engineering standards and tested
products probably have a higher acquisition price, but the
long-term benefits exceed the initial cost difference.
This is where your door supplier can be helpful. Because each
project carries different requirements, take the time to work with
a supplier that has the range of products, technical expertise and
appropriate documentation to make the process work smoothly and
cost effectively.
Choose the
Best
Take these points into consideration when looking at doors for any
project:
• Understand the importance of looking at each door opening
individually.
• Develop a door and hardware schedule, no matter how small the
project.
• Develop a set of door and hardware specifications, and create a
template.
• Develop hardware sets, allowing for differences and cost
determinants.
• Create cost effectiveness by using appropriate gauges, grades,
and types of doors and hardware for each opening based on usage and
location.
• Be sure your door, frame and hardware have been fully tested to
meet specific performance data for the grades required (or building
codes).
• Use your supplier to provide you information to help base your
decisions.
Hollow metal doors are a vital part of the overall building. They
are among the most-used components, and could be the feature people
use as the visual determinant of the building quality. Take the
time to make good, long-term decisions about your doors. You and
the building owners' satisfaction depends on it.
Tom Granitz is the
general manager of EXPIDOOR Systems Inc., Green Bay, Wis. More
information can be found at www.expidoor.com.
www.expidoor.com