Door Industry Journal - Spring 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk doorsets feature 52 THE door industry journal spring 2014 Are steel doors about to come of age? Once used in strictly industrial applications, the steel door has undergone a metamorphosis in recent years with the market enjoying slow but steady growth. However, new regulations could be about to speed up the market for steel, according to Dave Hindle, Key Accounts and Major Projects Manager for Door Systems at Allegion. The steel door has traditionally been regarded as an ugly duckling, functional, strong and durable, but without the perceived aesthetic appeal of its wooden competitors. However, over the last decade the market has been slowly but steadily growing out of its traditional niche of steel being primarily for external usage and applications where building security was a prime consideration, and into internal or more cosmetic applications. With the help of forward-thinking architects, such as Sir Norman Foster, steel doors began to grow market share in the 1970s and ‘80s in the UK, as a result of being specified on some high profile commercial developments, such as the London Stock Exchange and Canary Wharf. It is fair to say that the growth of steel doors over the last twenty years has been steady rather than spectacular, but estimates now suggest that the market for steel equates to approximately £60-70 million in the UK in the non-residential market. In comparison to the vast United States this figure may seem low, but a number of factors begin to come into play in the UK which are likely to grow the market further. The first of those factors is increasing awareness of the capabilities of steel doors. Steel is highly robust, offering high levels of protection against vandalism, fire, burglary and general wear and tear. Crucially, the latest powder coating technology enables doorsets to be finished to a very high aesthetic quality which can include timber effect, embossed and stainless steel finishes. The second key market driver is fire capability. Whilst the hose-stream test, an essential test for doors and masonry used in