It's easy to take doors for granted because as long as they look good and function well, they essentially become an invisible part of any building.
However, there are elements in the way doors are designed that can cause problems, as well as installation issues that can derail an otherwise simple project.
With that in mind, here are some common door-related conundrums and what you can do to overcome them.
Problem: Design a durable door structure that can resist wear and tear
Doors are expected to stand the test of time, braving the elements and remaining intact for years or even centuries.
If durability is not at the heart of the design, the door will not be built to last and will need to be replaced sooner or later.
Avoiding this means considering materials like strong woods, or metals like steel or aluminum, for strength and durability. For example, the use of stainless steel structures can help protect against corrosion caused by moisture in humid climates.
Additionally, proper sealing techniques must be used during installation to ensure that no water enters the structure and can cause damage over time. Therefore, this is not just a design issue, but rather an issue that impacts the port at all stages of development.
Lastly, durable hinges with high weight-bearing capacity are essential to ensure the safe operation of the door system throughout its service life. This should also include selecting rust-resistant options if necessary.
Problem: Finding cost-effective ways to increase security without compromising aesthetics
Security is always a priority when working with door design and installation. While there may be simple ways to make it safer, this shouldn't take away from its visual impact.
Fortunately, there are cost-effective ways to ensure your customers' homes or businesses remain secure without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. For example, you can install high-quality locks that offer superior protection against intruders but still maintain their elegant appearance. Furthermore, investing in reinforced structures for an extra layer of security can be done relatively cheaply by opting for steel or aluminum instead of more expensive materials such as iron or copper.
Lastly, specialized sensors such as motion detectors and camera systems provide excellent monitoring capabilities while adding minimal bulk to the overall appearance of the door system, making them great options if budget is a concern. This is an example of where taking a holistic approach to security when considering door design works wonders.
Problem: Not Invoicing Correctly for the Work
Engineers and contractors can often find themselves in a tricky situation when it comes to correctly billing their door design and installation services. This is because there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration, from labor costs and materials used to incidental expenses incurred during the work.
To ensure you are paid appropriately for your work, it is critical to ensure that all of these elements are accurately accounted for in your invoice, including any additional features or extras requested by the client. Using efficient estimating and billing solutions for contractors like Joist is a good idea if you want to handle it smoothly and consistently for every door project or installation job.
Additionally, staying up to date with industry regulations regarding payment terms also helps keep everything running smoothly. This way, both parties have a clear understanding of expectations from the beginning, which avoids possible confusion when the invoice arrives.
Problem: incurring unnecessary costs
Ensuring your door design and installation projects are executed efficiently is essential to keeping costs down. Unfortunately, mistakes can easily happen during the process if proper precautions are not taken, leading to costly delays or even a complete rework of the work.
To mitigate this risk, it's worth knowing what some of these common pitfalls are so they can be avoided in advance.
For example, double-checking measurements before starting work helps ensure doors fit without unexpected surprises. Pre-assembling components off-site whenever possible also saves time on site.
Additionally, the use of quality fasteners provides additional assurance against future loose joints. By becoming aware of these issues in advance, engineers and contractors can help avoid unnecessary expenses.
Final thoughts
Designing and installing doors is a mix of art and science, so considering all angles and collaborating effectively with colleagues and clients will be very helpful in this context.
