What Distinguishes An External Door Assembly From An Interior One?

Interior doors are typically made of a single material, such as wood or fibreboard, while exterior doors often consist of several materials, such as wood with a reinforced metal frame. Exterior doors may be made entirely of steel or metal, while interior doors are rarely made from metal. They are typically larger in size and come in various styles and colors.

Interior doors are lighter and thinner than exterior ones, using materials like glass, timber, metal, or PVC. Some may have a hollow core to make them lighter and cheaper. They also provide security and protection, with exterior doors having a greater thickness and denser core type and construction. Interior doors are subjected to far less wear and tear, while exterior doors require an extra thick core, usually wooden, to keep out the heat.

Both interior and exterior doors perform the same job – opening and closing. Interior doors separate rooms within a building, while exterior doors provide entry and exit points to the outside. Interior doors have a lower level of noise insulation, while exterior doors link rooms and indoor spaces. Interior doors are thinner and lighter than exterior doors, providing a sound barrier and thermal properties to keep noise out.

The most obvious difference between interior and exterior doors is their cost. Exterior doors are much sturdier and heavier than interior doors, making them more expensive and difficult to install. Both types of doors can enhance a home’s safety, style, and functionality, making it essential to choose the right door for your home.

What is the difference between an internal door and an exterior door?

Internal doors are used within a home as a barrier between two rooms, while external doors are used outside the home to separate the elements. Internal doors are made of a hollow core and are lighter and thinner, and can be made from glass, timber, metal, PVC, or a combination of these materials. They are typically made of timber, glass, metal, or steel and undergo special treatment to protect against moisture, heat, and weather-related damage. Both types of doors are essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of a home or building.

What is the difference between internal and external door frames?

Internal door frames are open or low sill frames that can be easily assembled by DIYers. They are not as sturdy as external frames but are easier to assemble. The head, also known as the upper jamb or lintel, sets the width of the frame where the door will be fitted. It usually has grooves for jambs to fit into, with two sets for different frame widths. Any material that extends past the jambs can be cut off if the frame is not built into an opening.

Jambs are vertical side pieces of the frame, running vertically and sometimes called legs. They are where hinges are attached to hang the door and a strike plate or lock keep is fitted. The width of the jambs usually matches the wall’s width.

Is there a difference between interior and exterior door hinges?

Interior door hinges are typically made of steel, brass, or copper and are smaller than exterior door hinges, typically 1 to 2 inches in length. They fit into smaller spaces and are designed for lightweight operation. Exterior door hinges, on the other hand, are larger and made of heavier materials like stainless steel or aluminum, and are designed to withstand elements like wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. They are typically used for bedroom, bathroom, closet, and pantry doors. Interior door hinges are lightweight, easy to install, and can be adjusted if needed.

Can I use an interior door for the exterior?

Interior doors should not be used as exterior doors due to their inability to withstand harsh weather conditions, which can lead to wear and breakage, potentially causing water damage. Additionally, interior doors do not offer adequate security, as they are designed for privacy and noise reduction, and do not offer the same level of protection against intruders as exterior doors. This can result in the risk of theft, burglary, or violence for the occupants of the building. Therefore, they should be replaced promptly to prevent potential damage.

What is the difference in structure between an interior and exterior door?

Exterior doors are thicker than interior doors due to their function, which requires an extra thick wooden core to keep out heat and cold. They often include a thick layer of veneer for insulation and protection against weather damage. Exterior doors have a solid core construction, consisting of wood or woodgrain cores surrounded by layers of steel or metal for maximum temperature control and security features. Interior doors are lighter and thinner, often featuring a hollow core.

However, more expensive interior doors may include a wood fiber core or a honeycomb-like interior to muffle sounds. Honeycombed core doors offer greater resistance to sound and thermal insulation, making them a better option than traditional hollow core doors.

Are interior and exterior door frames the same?

Interior and exterior door frames are distinct in their design and intended purpose. Exterior doors are constructed with durability and energy efficiency in mind, whereas interior doors are not. Exterior doors are designed with the objective of retaining heat within a building and preventing the ingress of cold air, whereas interior doors are designed to maintain a balance between maintaining warmth and preventing the ingress of cold air.

What is the difference between interior and exterior door hardware?

Exterior door handles and knobs are designed for security, with their primary function being to keep doors closed. They have keyed locks and heavier construction, making them more durable than interior privacy knobs. They are most effective when paired with a deadbolt. Interior door handles and knobs are lighter and more compact, with most not featuring locking mechanisms. They fall into three categories: Privacy Knobs, which have an unlocking mechanism and are typically found on bedroom and bathroom doors, Passage Knobs, which are used for opening doors and are typically found on closet doors and some room entrances, and Dummy Knobs, which serve an aesthetic purpose and don’t turn at all. These knobs and handles are typically mounted on the surface of a door or behind it, making them suitable for shallow closets, small pantries, and the interior of French doors.

Can you put an exterior door in an interior door frame?

Exterior doors can be used inside homes and businesses, although they may have disadvantages like being heavier. The type of door and its usage should be considered to determine the best option for your situation. Different designs, such as sliding glass doors, French doors, and Milgard Moving Glass Walls, can be used indoors depending on the desired look and function. The main limitation is the amount of space needed for the door.

In today’s open floorplans, homeowners may want to section spaces with sliding glass doors for a more closed-off feel. While there is still plenty of light and a full view, it may feel more closed off. Additionally, exterior doors offer more options to choose from, making them a versatile choice for interior design.

How to tell the difference between internal and external doors?

External doors are larger, thicker, and heavier due to their durability and protection from the elements, while interior doors are smaller, thinner, and lighter. Maintaining doors is crucial, with regular checks for sealants, paint cracks, and weathering. External doors require more frequent cleaning than internal ones, as they are more likely to become dirty quickly. Internal doors don’t require much maintenance, but should be checked for rusty hinges or locks and cleaned only when necessary. Both types of doors require proper care to ensure their longevity and protection from the elements.

Can I use an internal door as an external door?

Internal doors are not suitable for outdoor use due to their lack of durability, weatherproofing, security, and insulation properties. To ensure optimal performance, longevity, and security, it is recommended to choose doors specifically designed for their intended location. Our collection of external doors offers a variety of options to suit your style, budget, and performance needs, ensuring a well-protected and secure home.

Can internal doors be used as external doors?

Internal doors are not suitable for outdoor use due to their lack of durability, lack of weatherproofing features, and insufficient security. They are not designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions like rain, wind, and sunlight, which can cause them to warp, crack, or deteriorate quickly. Additionally, internal doors typically have basic locks, making them more vulnerable to forced entry and intrusion. Therefore, they should not be used outside.