Choices, choices. It’s only human nature to feel slightly fazed or indecisive when faced with so many options.
And there are plenty of different types of Fire Doors to choose from, whether they’re for an office, hotel, school, restaurant, theatre, surgery, university, apartment block or private residence.
For instance, Panel Doors and Glazed Doors are two of the most popular Fire Door options because they offer elegance and variety without compromising on safety.
Both can be designed and manufactured in a range of styles and colours to suit their environment.
So, which is best for you? Let’s examine the choices in this guide we’ve put together to help you select the right type of Fire Door for your needs.
What Is A Panel Fire Doors?
A Panel Door is – generally – a type of Fire Door that is crafted using a number of different interweaved wooden panels and stiles, as opposed to being made from a single piece of solid wood.
There are a number of different sub-categories of Panel Doors.
They may be single-panelled, double-panelled, or consist of three, six, or however many panels you like. It all comes down to your preference, and which style of Panel Door you think will work best in their intended setting.
And, hey, it’s not just about wood. Some settings may cry out for Panel Doors made from different materials, such as PVC or aluminium. Whatever it is you’re after, Vigor Doors will be more than happy to design, manufacture and install custom Fire Doors that will stand tall in any environment.
What Is A Glazed Fire Doors?
A Glazed Fire Door incorporates glass panels in its design.
It’s up to you how many glass panels and in what style. There are standard options; and then there’s the flexibility to customise.
Now, you may be under the impression that glass is too delicate a material to resist fire. Or that wired glass is the only sort capable of withstanding a blaze for any length of time.
But, actually, today’s fire-resistant glass has the properties to stop the spread of intense fire and offer loads in the way of aesthetic appeal.
And, when you consider that glass allows for a marked increase in the flow of natural light and helps create a bright and integrated feel in any building, it’s little wonder that Glazed Fire Doors are becoming such a popular choice for architects, designers, landlords and property developers alike.
Glazed Doors and Panel Doors – Some Comparisons
Panel Doors and Glazed Doors both sound tempting, don’t they? Well, we said we’d help you make up your mind which to choose – so here are some head-to-head comparisons to help you decide.
Strength & Security
Both types are strong and provide great security, but wooden panelled doors have the edge when it comes to reducing the risk of burglaries and break-ins, as glass panels can – by their very nature – be smashed (but not without extreme difficulty).
Noise Reduction
Glass doors certainly do provide noise reduction, but we have to say that panel doors are more effective at reducing noise levels on the basis that noise can pass through small gaps between glass panels and stiles.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are, of course, highly subjective. Vigor’s standard or customisable Panel Fire Doors always look fantastic.
But you only have to look at the modern trend towards light, airy open spaces that allow natural light to flow through rooms (OK, we’ve been watching too much Selling Sunset on Netflix!) to understand why many people opt for Glazed Fire Doors.
But if you want to create more in the way of traditional separation between rooms and perhaps create a cosier feel, wood panels could be the way to go.
Cost
Yeah, sure, Panel Fire Doors tend to be a little more accessible to those on a bit of a budget.
But that’s not to say that Glazed Doors are necessarily costly. Just give one of our team a call on 01642 265 034 or ping an email to info@vigordoors.com, and you’ll be surprised by how affordable high-quality Glazed Fire Doors actually are.
Or, if you’d sooner go down the wooden Panel Fire Door route, we’ll be happy to craft you doors that will look fantastic in your property.
Range
Panel Doors and Glazed Doors can be designed and manufactured in a wide range of different styles.
Vigor Doors offers standard ranges for both types of Fire Door, but we would also be delighted to draw up designs that match exactly what you’re looking for if you want something more bespoke.
Maintenance
Just as windows need cleaning to stay looking their best, so do Glazed Doors. So, in that regard, they probably take a bit more in terms of maintaining.
That said, if you want a wooden Panel Fire Door that faces outwards and is exposed to the natural elements, it will very occasionally need to be cleaned or given a new coat of paint.
Privacy
Unless you have x-ray vision like Superman, Panel Doors will offer more privacy than Glazed Doors.
But the wonders of modern fire-resistant glass means that you can opt for textured or frosted glass that lends you much more in the way of privacy than clear glass.
Installation
In general, Panel Doors are easier to install. They’re usually lighter and are less delicate to handle than Glazed Doors, which must be handled carefully to avoid damaging the glass.
But it’s fairly academic really, given that – when you use Vigor Doors – your Fire Doors will be installed by an expert that’s got years of experience in fitting both types of door.
Which Option Are You Going For?
We’ve given you a lot to think about, haven’t we?
After all, Panel Fire Doors and Glazed Fire Doors are both great options.
But hopefully we’ve helped you identify which type works best for you and the environment you want them for.
We not only pride ourselves on the design, manufacture and installation of our Fire Doors – all of which meet the UK FD30 Fire Door Standard – but also on our outstanding customer service.
So, if you’re still a little unsure whether to choose a Panel or Glazed Fire Door, please feel free to call our friendly expert team on 01642 265 034 or send an email with your questions to info@vigordoors.com, and they’ll be more than happy to help you come to a decision.
