Welcome to our door glossary, designed to help you navigate the world of door terminology. Whether you are a homeowner, interior designer, or contractor, understanding the language of doors is essential for making informed decisions. Read on to expand your knowledge and become a door expert!
- Door: A movable barrier used to open and close an entranceway or passage.
- Frame: The structure surrounding the door that provides support and stability.
- Hinge: A mechanism that allows the door to swing open and closed.
- Latch: A fastening mechanism that secures the door in a closed position.
- Handle: A device used to open and close the door manually.
- Knob: A rounded handle used to operate the latch mechanism.
- Deadbolt: A type of lock that extends a solid metal bolt into the door frame.
- Strike plate: A metal plate attached to the door frame where the latch or bolt engages.
- Jamb: The vertical part of the door frame where the door is hinged or latched.
- Threshold: The bottom part of the door frame where the door rests when closed.
- Sill: The horizontal part of the threshold at the bottom of the door frame.
- Weatherstripping: Material used to seal gaps around the door to prevent air and moisture infiltration.
- Sweep: A strip of material attached to the bottom of the door to seal the gap between the door and the threshold.
- Astragal: A molding or strip used to seal the gap between double doors.
- Casing: Trim or molding surrounding the door frame for decorative purposes.
- Transom: A window above the door.
- Panel: A rectangular section of the door, often made of wood or other materials.
- Stile: The vertical components of a door panel.
- Rail: The horizontal components of a door panel.
- Muntin: A strip of wood or metal that divides a door panel into smaller sections.
- Louver: A slatted opening in a door for ventilation.
- French doors: Double doors with glass panels extending the full length.
- Pocket door: A door that slides into a recessed pocket in the wall.
- Bifold door: A door that folds in half when opened.
- Dutch door: A door divided horizontally, allowing the top and bottom halves to open independently.
- Sliding door: A door that moves horizontally along a track.
- Bypass door: Two or more doors that slide past each other on separate tracks.
- Pivot door: A door that rotates on a central pivot instead of swinging on hinges.
- Fire door: A door designed to prevent the spread of fire for a specified period.
- Soundproof door: A door designed to reduce the transmission of sound.
- Security door: A door equipped with enhanced locks and reinforcements to deter forced entry.
- Garage door: A large door used to access a garage.
- Barn door: A rustic sliding door often used in barns and farmhouses.
- Scuttle door: A small door providing access to an attic or crawlspace.
- Panel door: A door constructed from multiple panels.
- Flush door: A door with a flat surface on both sides.
- Glass door: A door with one or more glass panels.
- Screen door: A door with a mesh screen to allow airflow while keeping insects out.
- Storm door: An additional outer door installed for protection against severe weather.
- Pet door: A small opening in a door for pets to pass through.
- Access door: A small door providing entry to a confined space, such as a utility closet.
- Revolving door: A door consisting of multiple panels that rotate around a central axis.
- Electric door: A door operated electronically, often used in commercial buildings.
- Panic door: A door designed to allow quick exit during emergencies, typically equipped with a crash bar.
- Swing door: A door that opens and closes on hinges.
- Inswing door: A door that swings inward when opened.
- Outswing door: A door that swings outward when opened.
- Prehung door: A door that comes preassembled in a frame, ready for installation.
- Core: The inner material of a door, which may be solid wood, hollow, or filled with a composite material.
- Lintel: A horizontal support beam above a door opening.
- Mullion: A vertical or horizontal divider between adjacent door panels or windows.
- Soundproofing: The process of reducing or eliminating sound transmission through a door.
- Insulation: Material used to improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy loss through the door.
- Kick plate: A metal plate attached to the bottom of a door to protect it from damage caused by kicking.
- Sidelight: A narrow window beside a door.
- Peephole: A small opening in a door fitted with a lens to allow viewing without opening the door.
- Lockset: The complete locking mechanism, including the knob or lever, latch, and deadbolt.
- Cylinder: The part of a lock where the key is inserted.
- Keyhole: The opening in a lock where the key is inserted.
- Keyway: The specific shape and configuration of a key that matches the lock.
- Mortise lock: A type of lock installed within a recess (mortise) in the edge of the door.
- Rim lock: A surface-mounted lock installed on the interior face of the door.
- Cylindrical lock: A type of lock operated by a key cylinder mounted on the outside of the door.
- Keyless entry: A locking system that allows access without a traditional key, often using a keypad or electronic fob.
- Master key: A single key that can operate multiple locks within a building.
- Passkey: A key that operates only one specific lock within a master key system.
- Keycard: A plastic card with a magnetic strip or RFID chip used to unlock a door.
- Deadlock: A type of lock that cannot be opened without a key, even from the inside.
- Privacy lock: A lock that can be engaged to prevent entry from the outside but can be unlocked from the inside without a key.
- Panic hardware: Hardware designed to allow quick and easy exit from a building during emergencies.
- Escutcheon: A decorative plate surrounding a keyhole or knob.
- Cylinder guard: A metal ring that surrounds the key cylinder to protect it from tampering.
- Bolt: A sliding metal bar that extends from a lock to secure a door.
- Chain lock: A secondary lock that allows the door to be partially opened while still providing security.
- Interlocking system: A mechanism that connects multiple doors or locks to operate together.
- Keyway compatibility: The ability of a key to operate multiple locks with the same keyway design.
- Lock cylinder replacement: The process of removing and replacing the cylinder of a lock.
- Rekeying: The process of changing the internal configuration of a lock to work with a new key.
- Key duplication: The process of making copies of a key.
- Lock picking: The practice of opening a lock without the correct key, typically using specialized tools.
- Bumping: A technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially cut key and a tapping motion.
- Locksmith: A skilled tradesperson who specializes in installing, repairing, and adjusting locks and security systems.
- Door closer: A hydraulic device that automatically closes a door after it has been opened.
- Kickstand: A device attached to the bottom of a door to hold it open.
- Doorstop: A device used to prevent a door from swinging too far and damaging the wall or furniture.
- Door viewer: A small lens or peephole installed in a door to allow occupants to see who is outside.
- Threshold ramp: A sloped
surface placed over the threshold to facilitate wheelchair access.
- Panic bar: A horizontal bar mounted across the inside of a door that, when pushed, releases the latch to allow quick exit.
- Door coordinator: A device used on pairs of doors to ensure that they close in the correct sequence.
- Electric strike: A device that releases the latch of a lock electronically when triggered.
- Access control system: A system that regulates entry to a building or area using electronic locks and credentials.
- Biometric lock: A lock that uses unique biological characteristics, such as fingerprints or retinal scans, for authentication.
- Keyless entry system: A system that allows entry to a building or room without using a traditional key.
- RFID lock: A lock that uses radio-frequency identification technology to authenticate users.
- Keypad lock: A lock that requires a numerical code to unlock.
- Smart lock: A lock that can be operated remotely using a smartphone or other connected device.
- Electronic deadbolt: A deadbolt lock that can be operated electronically.
- Burglar alarm: An alarm system that sounds an alert in response to unauthorized entry or intrusion.
- Surveillance camera: A camera system used to monitor and record activity in and around a building.
- Motion sensor: A device that detects movement and triggers an alarm or other response.
- Security guard: A person hired to protect property, prevent theft, and ensure the safety of occupants.
- Security system: A combination of locks, alarms, cameras, and other devices designed to protect a building from unauthorized access and intrusion.
- Panic button: A button that, when pressed, triggers an alarm to summon help during emergencies.
- Security code: A numerical or alphanumeric code used to arm or disarm a security system.
- Tamper-resistant: Designed to resist or deter tampering or sabotage.
- Reinforced door: A door constructed with additional strength and security features to resist forced entry.
- Security grille: A metal gate or barrier installed over a door or window for added security.
- Security film: A transparent film applied to glass doors and windows to increase resistance to breakage.
- Security lighting: Outdoor lighting designed to deter intruders and improve visibility at night.
- Security patrol: Regular monitoring of a property by security personnel.
- Security clearance: Authorization granted to individuals allowing access to restricted areas.
- Security checkpoint: A designated area where individuals and belongings are screened for security purposes.
- Security breach: Unauthorized access to a secure area or information.
- Security protocol: Rules and procedures designed to protect against security threats.
- Security risk assessment: An evaluation of potential security threats and vulnerabilities.
- Security perimeter: The boundary around a property that is secured and monitored.
- Security guard dog: A trained dog used to patrol and protect a property.
- Security gate: A barrier that can be opened or closed to control access to a property.
- Security camera system: A network of cameras used to monitor and record activity in and around a building.
