< Back to Articles list

Armored Door Anatomy

November 15, 2021

Provided that you’re looking for a new replacement door, it's a good idea to learn the lingo before you tackle the project. We’ll take a look at all the different parts of a door, and how they all come together. When you're more familiar with door part names, it's easier to talk to contractors and consultants and choose the right door for your project.

Defining the parts

∙ Door Frame

The door frame is the entire framework supporting the door, including the jamb and head. This is also known as a door sash.

Armored door frames are made of steel and encased with an architrave in order to blend in seamlessly with your home.

∙ Door Jamb

The two door jambs are the sides of the door frame that run vertically.

∙ Head

The head is the top piece of the door frame, running horizontally.

∙ Mullion

A mullion, also known as a mull, is where two units are joined together. With entry doors, a mullion could appear between the door frame and sidelight or transom, or with additional windows to create a unique design.

∙ Door Leaf

A door leaf is a single, independently moving panel of a door that can be opened and closed. The double door consists of two “leaves” and its identified as either active or inactive. When it comes to handing it is important to understand the difference. 

∙ Threshold

The door threshold is the very bottom part of the door frame that rests on the floor. The main function of the threshold is to close the gap between the bottom of a door and the floor, keeping air, rain, and snow from getting into the home. In addition, it has one of the locking points in order to make sure that the door is fully secured.

∙ Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a flexible material that is located between the door leaf and frame. Along with the threshold, weatherstripping helps keep your home comfortable and protected from bugs, wind, and water.

∙ Sidelights

Sidelights are fixed glass panels attached to both or either side of the door, outside the frame. These tall narrow windows allow more light into the home.

∙ Transom

A transom is a fixed glass window installed above the door and sidelights, also known as a fanlight. They allow in plenty of natural light and help to brighten your entry.

∙ Glazing or Glass

Glazing, also known as glass in an entrance door, is the window inside of a door. It allows in natural light and can help brighten a doorway. Our glazed security doors feature a wide range of burglary and bullet-resistant glass options, giving you the security you require without compromising on beauty and design.

∙ In-Swing or Out-Swing Door

In-swing doors open into the room and, when you are standing inside your home, are pulled towards you when opening. Out-swing doors open towards the exterior and, when you are standing inside your home, are pushed away from your body when opening.

Door Hardware

∙ Key Cylinders

High-security bump and pick-resistant Mul-T-Lock cylinders. With an optional thumb turn operated from inside of your property.

∙ Escutcheon

Drill-resistant cylinder defender is also known as the escutcheon. A piece of metal for protection and ornamentation around a keyhole.

∙ Lockset

The lockset of a door includes the handles, multipoint locks, latches, strike plates, and any other hardware with the option to choose motorized or manually operated locks. This is used to lock the door and helps increase the security of your property. 

∙ Latch

A door latch extends from the side of the door leaf into the door frame. A latch retracts when a key is turned or handle is used, allowing the door leaf to open.

∙ Hinges

Welded, adjustable ball bearing security hinges. It is a piece of hardware that allows the door leaf to swing in and out.

∙ Handle

A door lever handle is used to help unlatch and open and close a door leaf.

∙ Knob

A fixed doorknob handle is located in the center of the door to help open and close the door leaf.



Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us via website.