Increasingly, consumers are choosing doors made of plastic. This is due to many reasons, including many who are attracted by its resistance to moisture, which allows installation in rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom. By installing a plastic door in your bathroom, you can be sure of its long-term operation without breakdowns.
Installing a wooden door or MDF panel in a damp room can lead to their damage due to exposure to moisture and elevated temperatures, and moisture-resistant wooden doors are much more expensive than plastic ones. In this regard, the choice of a plastic door for rooms with high humidity is primarily due to its moisture-proof properties.
Properties and physical characteristics of plastic
Door systems made of this material have minimal water absorption and high resistance to bacterial processes. This makes them an indispensable solution for the bathroom.
Options made from other materials, with the exception of glass, require antiseptic treatment.
PVC products are characterized by the following physical properties:
- Relatively light weight.
- Resistance to ignition and the ability to absorb the source of fire.
- Resistance to chemical reagents, both mineral and organic.
- Possibility of decoration with different textures.
In addition, the plastic sheet has sound and heat insulation properties, which allows you to protect the living area from noise from the shower room.
To ensure that metal-plastic bathroom doors remain in good working order for as long as possible, you should not use excessive force during their operation or manually weigh down the door. It is forbidden to place foreign objects under the sash or the space between the frame, because this can cause the product to warp and lead to bathroom repairs.
The plastic door to the bathroom does not deform under the influence of moisture.
The entire fabric should be washed regularly with soapy water or special compounds for plastic. To maintain the elasticity of the seal, it must be regularly treated with silicone oil. In addition, it is important to lubricate the moving elements of door hardware.
Adding metal
The disadvantages of PVC products include low elasticity, which increases the likelihood of deformation of the canvas under excessive loads. To eliminate the problem, door suppliers equip them with reinforced reinforcing inserts or install the leaf on a profile.
The integration of metal elements makes plastic doors static and minimizes temperature effects. The optimal profile thickness for reinforcement is from 1.2 to 1.5 mm. It all depends on the dimensions and shape of the structure.
When choosing a system, preference is given to models with reinforced side panels that are less subject to wear, stiffeners and a smooth surface.
Recommendations from experts
In order to choose the right plastic product that opens wide, you need to round the dimensions down. This will get rid of possible gaps and gaps between the door leaf and the supporting frame. However, for sliding models, rounding up is better.
In addition, you need to make sure the quality of the fittings. There are cases when manufacturers save materials in the production of PVC products. This usually results in the installation of low-quality hinges or locks, as well as other fasteners. The selected part should be visually assessed, and if defects are found, the entire door frame should be immediately rejected. Fasteners must be made only of stainless steel treated with a special moisture-resistant impregnation.
When choosing a door, pay attention to the nuances
The texture of the plastic door covering should have a smooth surface. This is due to purely practical considerations. For example, a fine-grained structure will be much more difficult to use, since its surface absorbs dust better and collects dirt on itself. To this should be added high humidity and temperature, as a result of which bacteria can form in the recesses.
A good seal between the doorway and the plastic product is guaranteed by a rubber seal. However, it is recommended to use a special model with grilles or holes. This is dictated by the fact that conventional models do not allow air to pass through and interfere with normal ventilation.
Doors for every taste
In order to choose a product that suits the interior of the room, you need to buy a model that is slightly darker than the overall tone. This will create a certain contrast that looks very respectable.
The thickness of the product should be from 10 mm, which indicates good material. If the product bends when pressed hard, then it is not tight enough.
It is best to view the section of the floor, establish the location of the stiffeners and become familiar with the thickness of the side sheets directly.
Pros and cons of the material
Plastic doors have the following properties:
A plastic door has a number of advantages.
Moisture resistance. PVC has zero water absorption, so it does not swell under the influence of high humidity and does not change its performance properties. Laminated and glass products have identical stability. But glass is a fragile material, and laminated models are much more expensive than plastic options.- Invulnerable to temperature changes. Almost all door panels, with the exception of glass and plastic options, are exposed to temperature in a shower room. And since plastic is safer and cheaper than glass, people choose it.
- Flame resistant. Natural wood and MDF do not have the required degree of fire safety and will catch fire at the slightest contact with an open flame source. The PVC melts slowly, preventing the outbreak from expanding. The material ignites exclusively at temperatures above 1000°C.
- Light weight. Plastic models are not made of solid fabric, but with voids inside. This simplifies installation of the system and increases its service life, as well as extends the service life of the box and fittings. In the event of a sudden opening or impact, the blade will cause less damage than a product made of wood or glass. This is an important point if there are elderly people, children or pets in the house.
- Strength. Despite their lightness, PVC products for bathrooms and toilets are highly reliable and are equipped with stiffening ribs. They are resistant to mechanical stress and retain their factory condition even after prolonged use. But wooden models are superior to them in shock resistance.
- Soundproofing properties. The bathroom is one of the noisy parts of the house, so it must be carefully isolated from the living area. Otherwise, the noise of falling water will be heard by both apartment owners and neighbors. Wooden panels do not provide adequate sound insulation, because... they are not airtight. PVC-based products are equipped with a rubber seal, which guarantees a tight fit to the door frame.
- Easy to care for. Any household chemical that does not contain abrasive particles is suitable for processing plastic. Traces of dirt, stains and other defects can be easily removed with a damp sponge. In addition, the surface does not change its original appearance after exposure to detergents and does not wear out.
Important advantages of PVC doors are their relatively low cost and minimal costs for installation and subsequent operation.
The negative aspects include:
- Softness. Plastic is susceptible to scratches, so if you are not careful, the door will lose its aesthetics.
- Unnaturalness. The material does not combine well with the interior of the living areas.
When installing the canvas, it is important to provide for the presence of a threshold.
The best option
Currently, the choice of materials that are resistant to moisture is quite large. Manufacturers offer a wide range of different doors between the toilet and the rest of the apartment. In addition, all interior partitions are moisture resistant and have the necessary performance characteristics.
Materials from which moisture-resistant doors are made
The following materials are usually used:
- plastic;
- veneer;
- acrylic;
- glass;
- array.
However, even high-quality raw materials must be checked to ensure compliance with all parameters. It is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the product, i.e. the entire surface of the door must be reliably varnished, the panel elements fit tightly to each other, and there must be no divergence of the seams. This ceiling, which does not have cracks or chips, is not susceptible to water penetration, which is why its service life is significantly increased.
By what criteria to choose
When choosing plastic doors, you need to take into account both personal preferences and the parameters of the bathroom.
When choosing plastic doors, you need to take into account the parameters of the bathroom.
Next you need to calculate the dimensions of the structure. When choosing swing products, the calculation result is rounded down, and in the case of sliding products, rounded up.
If the opening has dimensions of 690x2000 mm, when determining the height, you need to take into account the threshold or lack thereof. For installation, a swing version with a width of 600 mm is suitable, where 90 mm is the installation gap. The sliding leaf must have a width of up to 700 mm.
The condition of the fittings should not cause any complaints. The cost of good components is at least 10% of the total price of the doors.
The final criterion is the compatibility of the design with the overall concept of the interior. The surface should have a color one tone darker than the walls. Such a solution will provide a harmonious contrast.
Sizing
In many standard apartments, door systems have the same dimensions, 60 cm wide. But this is not always the case, so you should take accurate measurements before purchasing the product. If the house has installed doors, then it is better to remove them with trim.
The height of the opening is determined from the ceiling to the floor. The width is measured between one and the second wall. When determining the thickness of the opening, you need to take into account that the wall will be finished with tiles or other material.
Many stores sell standard canvases with established sizes: 55*190 cm, 60*190 cm, 600*200 cm.
Types of door structures
Plastic products are classified according to several criteria:
- Opening method: folding, sliding, hinged.
- Features of the canvas - with partial or full glazing and blind.
- The number of valves is 1- and 2-leaf.
- Product shape: rectangular, arched, standard.
Swing system
Swing doors consist of 2 parts:
- Box.
- Movable canvas.
Hinged doors are the most reliable and common option.
The elements are connected using canopies, which use movable hinges. Depending on the design, such products are 1- and 2-leaf.
Double models are mounted on a wide opening. In this case, the user can leave 2 sides movable or secure one in a fixed position.
This type of PVC door is suitable for spacious rooms with large plumbing fixtures. The disadvantage of the swing system is the need for space for the movement of the sashes. The advantages include a tight fit to the canvas, which provides high thermal and sound insulation.
Sliding doors
Sliding systems are in demand for rooms with limited space, because... they slide along the wall. The design does not have good tightness, therefore it is inferior in sound and heat insulation properties to other types. But it is inexpensive and easy to install without outside help.
Sliding doors are a very stylish and modern option.
The door structure includes a guide above the opening, movable rollers, a leaf and a lower stop. Sliding doors are used as an alternative solution. They consist of 2 guides and 2 sashes.
Folding accordion
Folding doors are popular because they save usable space, because... they fold like an accordion. They are characterized by a complex design, but simple installation. The product is installed in a finished box, secured with clips on the sides and top.
Folding doors are an interesting alternative to conventional swing doors.
In addition, the canvas can be placed in a radial opening to expand planning possibilities. The negative side of the system is low sound insulation.
What fittings are best to use for doors to the bathtub and toilet?
If it is not necessary to install a handle with a lock in a living room, then for a toilet or bathroom this is an urgent need. There are several types of locking devices, and which one to choose must be decided based on the door material and personal preferences:
Built-in lock
This is the most economical option in terms of configuration and installation cost. It is a regular handle with a built-in latch inside, which in one of the positions prevents the mechanism from turning. To install it in the door, it is enough to drill two holes with a drill - one through the door leaf, and the second from its end.
Separate fastener
In this case, a door handle and a latch, which can be mortise or overhead, are purchased separately. In the second case, a bolt (latch) is often installed instead of a lock, which has an almost unlimited service life. This type of fittings is considered the most unpretentious and reliable.
Plumbing lock
In fact, this is a standard mortise lock, but of a simplified design and with only one tongue - it simultaneously fixes the door in the closed position and, in turn, is locked with a latch that is located inside the lock mechanism. The principle of operation is the same as that of a lock with a built-in lock, but the mechanism itself is more reliable and requires somewhat more effort when installing into the door leaf - if you order this service separately, the difference in price will be almost double.
The difference between latches for interior doors, including those installed in the bathroom and toilet - there is no need for high secrecy of the locking mechanism. The maximum that it should provide is to prevent accidental opening of the door if it seems that no one is inside. Often these locks have a special hole that allows you to open it with a pin - this precaution can be useful if a child accidentally locks himself in the bathroom.
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Design ideas with photos
The appearance of the door structure must correspond to the overall design concept of the bathroom. The classic product has a rectangular shape and is painted white.
Plastic doors are ideal for the bathroom.
Finding beautiful bathroom doors is not so easy.
Plastic doors are resistant to moisture and have a low cost.
Modern bathroom doors are true works of art.
Plastic doors are easy to clean and do not require special care products.
But options with unusual colors and configurations are available for sale. They are complemented with glass or metal inserts, laminated to resemble natural wood and decorated with other elements. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you should look at ready-made design ideas.
Colors
Until recently, manufacturers were limited to white models. Now designers are offering more and more color variations.
Pure white plastic doors are a classic option. There are models of similar, but calmer shades:
- antique white;
- floral white;
- snow;
- smoky white;
- beige;
- ivory color and others.
Plastic white doors may have colored inserts.
Colored doors can be either monotonous or imitating any material. For example, models that externally imitate wooden products look beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.
Samples of delicate and pastel colors look gentle and stylish.
Briefly about installation
Installation methods may vary depending on the type of door system. But the general scheme of door installation work comes down to the following steps:
- Fastening the system with wedges.
- Estimation of orientation by building level.
- Installation of fasteners.
- Installation of the canvas.
Sliding systems
The opening for this structure is prepared according to the same principles as for swing products. Then you need to equip a plastic profile with stops and guides. The parts are fixed using self-tapping screws.
Sliding door opening diagrams.
Rollers are used to strengthen the sashes, after which they are mounted in guides. Before completing the work, use a level to check the correct orientation and adjust the fittings.
Swing structures
To prepare the opening, you must first remove the old box and get rid of the remnants of crumbling plaster. Then you should treat the surface with an antifungal agent and partially disassemble the door to separate the leaf from the frame.
Schemes of swing structures.
At the next stage, the frame should be secured and leveled using wooden wedges or secured with anchors. The installation accuracy is assessed using a laser level.
A plastic frame often “plays” under load, so it is important to avoid excessive mechanical forces. The correct orientation of the profile is checked after each screwing in of the screws. The installation sites are treated with sealant to protect the metal from moisture.
Then the canvas is fixed to the profile and the position of the structure is assessed again. If there are distortions, they are eliminated immediately.
Installing an accordion
Such systems are mounted on self-tapping screws, for which holes are pre-prepared at equal distances. Some models are mounted on clips (they are included in the kit). The assembly of the canvas is carried out taking into account the step-by-step instructions. In this case, the strips can be connected to each other or separated by spacers.
Installation diagram of the accordion door.
Next, the door needs to be inserted into the guides and latched tightly. The final stage will be the installation of the handle and assessment of the quality of installation.
