As a metal doors dealer, you need to consider information that’s vital to your business. When you want to offer metal doors for sale, consider exterior metal doors, commercial doors, solid metal doors and even a hollow metal door.

You can take advantage of industry information available to help you out. Studying the metal doors industry overview will help you expand your metal commercial doors business. Use these tips to get started.

1. Rely on leaders in the metal door industry for quality products.

2. Trust the reputation of smaller companies.

3. Find industry associations to network with other metal doors dealers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ensure you receive quality products from the industry leading metal exterior doors manufacturers

Search for exterior metal doors, commercial metal doors and metal entry doors from a well-known metal door manufacturer to ensure you and your customers receive a high quality product.

I recommend: Amweld is a top manufacturer of hollow metal doors and frames. They offer everything from a basic, industrial door to a commercial metal entry door with embossed panels. CURRIES is a leader in meeting the needs of the non-residential construction industry. They provide high quality, reliable metal doors and frames.

Rely on small metal entry doors suppliers that have a great reputation

You don't have to be one of the largest companies in the nation to be one of the best. Some suppliers of business metal doors are small, but their reputations pack a big punch.

I recommend: Republic Doors offers more than 20 basic door designs and several door core options so you can offer a wide variety to your customers. They offer standard and specialty doors. Deansteel makes steel doors, bulletproof doors, fire resistant doors and blast proof doors to use in any business that needs extra security.

Network with other business owners through industry associations for metal door dealers

Industry associations can help you keep up with the metal doors industry. You can network with other metal commercial doors dealers to talk about the current trends and changes you can make to improve your business. Make plans to attend local and national meetings to network with other members of these associations.

I recommend: The National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers offers an Associate Membership to metal doors dealers. This Association offers several divisions so you can network with manufacturers and dealers that specialize in your specific metal doors industry. The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry represents a variety of dealers and manufacturers, including dealers that provide fireproofing products. Look for the chapter closest to you to join.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to researching distributors and suppliers, you should also consider offering commercial metal door installation services. The weight of a metal exterior door could mean the door frame requires extra support, and some customers would rather have someone else do that for them.

Commercial metal doors come in a variety of sizes and weights for virtually every type of job. But before you place an order, it helps to know the difference between an iron door, a commercial metal door, and just a metal door – they are not all the same thing.

Metal doors are generally chosen for strength and durability, and they are more secure than wooden doors. An iron door is also strong but more decorative than a basic metal door. Hollow metal doors sacrifice some strength for practicality.

Metal commercial doors are a different grade than metal doors intended for residential use. Some metal commercial doors are built for installation in modular masonry construction and other applications not seen in residential buildings. Some advantages include:

1. Metal doors hard to break into, and help to beef up security.
2. With the right paint, a metal door durable and virtually maintenance-free.
3. Commercial metal doors come in a variety of attractive styles.

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Know your metal exterior doors

Whether you are completing a commercial or residential project, exterior metal doors, hollow metal doors and metal entry doors can all be special ordered to fit your exact specifications. Start by browsing catalogs of metal doors designed for your particular application.

I recommend: Check out the variety of metal doors available from the most reliable manufacturers at Stock Building Supply, where you can shop online for exterior metal doors, or find a showroom near you.

Go the the source for hollow metal doors

Hollow metal doors are lighter than commercial metal doors, and therefore less expensive and easier to install. A commercial metal door, depending on the application, could require additional structural supports. Be sure you are getting the metal door best suited to your project.

I recommend: Choose products directly from the manufacturers of metal doors, like Deansteel, for the best quality and price. Feel free to email them your questions about the proper application for their products and customization ideas for your project.

Get what you pay for in a commercial metal entry door

Check the specs for various types of metal doors to guarantee the one you purchase meets at least the minimum standards. Make sure you understand the installation instructions for the type of door you buy.

I recommend: Get free downloads of technical information regarding doors and installation from the Steel Door Instititue. Steel Door Institute sets the standards for metal door production, design and installation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get all the information you need to make the right exterior metal door purchase by talking to the sales reps either at a showroom or online. Email the manufacturers directly to ask about their products and discuss which one is right for your project.
• •  Don't let anyone talk you out of using a metal door on your project. Any advantages they may confer wooden or composite doors can be exceeded with the right metal commercial door.

When looking for a metal door, there’s a lot of information to consider. Metal doors for sale are often the preferred choice for business owners because they are virtually maintenance free and they provide extra security. Metal commercial doors can act as a metal entry door for your customers, or you can use business metal doors in your warehouse.

To find the right commercial metal door for your business, consider the various types of metal doors available. Consider metal exterior doors or metal entry doors to secure your premises, or:

1. Use metal doors made of steel.

2. Use metal doors made of aluminum.

3. Use metal doors made of iron if you want an extra secure door.

Action Steps
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Choose steel as a metal exterior door

The construction of steel metal doors makes them a great option for energy efficiency and security. Some companies allow you to customize your steel door to add extra security features, or even to add paint and other decorative features so your new steel door matches your business décor.

I recommend: Industrial swing doors from Industrial Door Solutions feature 16 gauge steel on both sides of the door and you can add as many locking mechanisms as you need for added security. If you need a custom steel door to use in your business, contact Dalsin Industries.

Look at an aluminum door to use as one of your exterior metal doors

Aluminum doors are great to use in veterinary clinics, factories and food processing facilities. Aluminum doesn't show much wear and tear, and the surface is easy to sanitize. However, you can also find aesthetic aluminum metal doors to use on your storefront as a welcoming site for your customers.

I recommend: The Aluminum Flush Door from Cline Doors offers security and durability to your business. Steiner offers custom aluminum doors that you can use anywhere from your warehouse to your business storefront.

Consider an iron door to serve as one of your commercial metal doors

Iron doors come in a variety of colors and decorative finishes, so you can use one in any area of your business. If you have a warehouse that needs extra security on an exterior door, an iron door would work for that. However, you can also choose a decorative iron door to protect some of your inventory in a fancy jewelry store. The possibilities are endless.

I recommend: Cantera Doors offers iron security doors that you can use on your business storefront to add a look of elegance, while still maintaining the security you require. AR Iron has a wide selection of iron doors you can use inside and outside your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you choose a solid metal door instead of a hollow metal door, be sure to consider the weight of the door. You may need to add more support to your frame so it can hold your commercial metal entry door.

While a metal door may seem like a simple object with little to think twice about, there are many options and important features to look for when choosing metal doors. Finding the right size and style door for your commercial business, industrial plant or home can be easier if you know a few basic terms. Learn the basics when it comes to metal doors, and find out what to look for in door designs and strengths. Using the key terms in a search for the best door for your business can help you save time and money.

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Fire door

A fire door is one made to withstand high temperatures, thus preventing fire and smoke from escaping or entering a room. Fire doors are made of high-quality steel designed specifically for industrial uses as well as for the average homeowner.

I recommend: Read the standards used in creating a fire door at the Steel Door Institute.

Adjustable threshold

An adjustable threshold is a moving seal that can be adjusted up or down to create a tight seal between the metal door and the outer panel. When a seal is able to fluctuate, it can handle humidity, cold, heat and other weather without allowing air to leak through the doorway.

I recommend: Adjustable threshold is defined in the glossary at Peach Tree Door.

Phosphatized

A door is phosphatized to ensure it will endure weather and not rust. Manufacturers use a chemical process to weatherproof, or phosphatize, metal doors.

I recommend: Read about phosphatized doors at Dean Steel, manufacturer of hollow metal doors.

Non-Rising-Pin (NRP)

The non-rising pin is a door pin that can't be pulled out. NRPs are used mainly for security reasons so that a door cannot be easily pulled from its hinges.

I recommend: The non-rising pin is defined in Start Remodeling website's glossary.

Lock reinforcement

Lock reinforcement in metal doors refers to the material used to prep the door for extra security lock measures, such as cylindrical locks, mortise, panic and electrical lock devices.

I recommend: The lock reinforcement process is explained at R&S Overhead Door Company. It also explains how the reinforcement is used for added security.

Lap seam weld

A lap seam weld is a weld that overlaps, creating one continuous piece without seams. In metal doors, the lap seam weld creates a look of one continuous piece of metal or steel on the door and around the edges.

I recommend: Read about the lap seam weld available on doors sold at Republic Door.