Door kick plates are an important piece of outdoor equipment that you don't want to overlook when it comes time to purchase new ones for your home. After all, if your home security system is cracked or somehow compromised, you won't be able to open the door without triggering the alarm! That means you'll have to either call the police or wait until the burglar has gone for the rest of the day to open the door yourself. Fortunately, there are a number of door kick plate options available, which can make door entry much more secure and reliable.
The door kick plates originated in Japan, where they were used to strengthen the door frame. Over the years, they've been modified and became popular all over the world. In addition to their security benefits, they're quite decorative and can really add some punch to a front yard. When people kick their feet on the door (as they often do), they put pressure on the door, which weakens the framing.
The old style door kick plates were made from steel or aluminum, which tended to discolor over time and tend to fade in color after many years. Now they come in a variety of colored finishes, such as chrome or polished finish. The flat, stamped steel construction of today's models is also quite durable, although some older models may show signs of corrosion after a few years. A strong, durable door kick plate should last for decades, but even with heavy daily use, the color may eventually start to fade.
Today's door kick plates can be found in a number of different styles and varieties. There are ones made to go outside on exterior doors, ones to go inside on internal doors, and sliding ones that attach between the two. Some models have a rubberized surface that allows the door opener to slide instead of stand on its surface, making them much easier to operate. Another option is a magnetic plate, which is usually a little more expensive and can be very hard to keep clean, since it's designed to withstand strong magnetic fields. Door openers can be purchased with several different attachments, from hinges to tongue-and-groove extensions. Still others have only the main extender attached, leaving the other attachments on the outside.
Door kick plates are not just for interior doors any longer, either. Many companies make exterior door kick plates that are specially designed for the security requirements of commercial doors. These exterior units will usually have thicker, stronger material and be designed for the higher security needs of the door they will be securing. They usually have a smooth, rounded lip around the entire perimeter, while the internal models may have a textured, domed edge. These exterior units also have a rubberized surface that is able to withstand most caustic liquids and staining agents.
There are two types of door kick plates finish you can purchase: flat finished and oil rubbed bronze. The flat finished is made of a heavy brass wire and has a round, flattened shape. The oil rubbed bronze finish is made of an oil-rubbed brass that produces a lovely antique luster. Both finish types are available in a variety of weights, making them suitable for a wide variety of door sizes.
In commercial buildings, such as offices and stores, door kick plates protect people from being injured by moving doors. This is especially important for interior doors, which can slam against the face of a person when the door opens. In addition, the safety feature of a door opener is often necessary for larger, heavier doors, which may be pushed open by employees or customers who may try to force their way through. The flat plate unit can also provide a smooth, rounded surface for employees and customers to wipe their hands on when moving doors. Oil rubbed bronze finishes are nice, but because they are so heavily laden with oil paint, they are not appropriate for many interior door applications.
For home applications, the best choice may be flat feldco doors, which have a smooth finishing and are suitable for use in most interior applications. If you are looking for the perfect commercial setting for door kick plates, however, the oil rubbed bronze finish is highly suitable. They can also be custom finished to meet your specific business needs. For your next door addition or remodel, contact one of your local reputable door specialist companies today.
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