Doorstuff’s Eco-Friendly Packaging

Posted on 24th March 2023 by helen
doorstuff's eco-friendly packaging - picture representing ways to be eco friendly

At Doorstuff, we are helping to reduce negative impact on the environment as much as we can. We have and still are improving our eco-friendly status. One of the ways that we do this is by using renewable energy from our solar panels to help power the office and warehouse, particularly in the summer months.

Another way we do our part in helping is that we are very aware of the packaging we use when shipping orders. We stick to the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair mantra, which is a system that a lot of businesses are using.

By making sure that we use the appropriate sized bags and boxes when packing items, we are reducing unnecessary packaging. It also reduces the amount of extra packaging materials such as bubble wrap that we need to use to secure the product. Where possible, we are using 100% recycled paper bubble wrap, as it is at a much lower cost to the environment, it has been recycled once already and can be recycled again. We only use plastic bubble wrap when packing delicate items such as metal tracks. The cardboard tubes we use for the sliding door tracks are also made in a chemical-free process with water-based glue to reduce the negative effects of manufacturing on the environment.

We Reuse packaging made of metal, plastic, and wood, instead of sending these items to the landfill. You also may notice that parcels are delivered to you in reused boxes, sent to us by other manufacturers. Doing this reduces our waste and carbon footprint.

By working with Devon Contract Waste we are helping to recycle, ensuring zero waste is sent to Landfill. Although we do try not to throw things away, anything that is thrown out is recycled.

We have a large range of spare parts for any wardrobe systems and other door hardware so that when needed, we can help a customer repair their hardware without having to replacing a whole unit. This helps the customer by saving money, and helps the environment by reducing wasted and unneeded parts.

If you have any other questions about how we are striving to improve our eco-friendliness, you can call us on 0207 099 2822 or email Info@doorstuff.co.uk. Like us on Facebook for more updates.

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Important Lock Measurements

Posted on 27th January 2023 by helen

When it comes to replacing or buying new locks, it is important to know the different important lock measurements. Measuring a lock may seem simple, but there are different measurements required in order to choose the right sized lock for your doors. In this blog we will be looking at these measurements, what they mean, and how to measure them correctly.

Backset

backset measurement diagram shown on a picture of a lock

The ‘backset’ is the distance from the front of the lock to the centre of the spindle. This is an important measurement to ensure that when replacing a lock, the spindle will line up to the handle hole in the door. Almost all the locks we supply come with backsets of either 44mm or 57mm, as these are standard sizes.

However, for doors that open with knobs rather than handles, the backset is recommended to be no less than 60mm, as this stops your knuckles or fingers from catching on the door frame as the knob is turned.

Lock Centres

A lock centre applies to locks only, not latches. This is the distance measured top to bottom, from the centre of the spindle to the centre of the keyhole for normal locks, or the centre of the thumbturn, if the lock is a bathroom lock.

Case Size

The case size is the total size of the case, using both height and depth. This is commonly confused with backset, but backset is only measured up to the spindle, and case size is the entire depth that goes into the door. The most common sizes for case depth are 64mm (44mm backset) and 76mm (57mm backset).

Forend Sizes

The forend is the part of the lock which sits in a cut out in your door frame, so that when fitted it is flush to the door. This is also the only part of the lock visible when a door is open. The forend is measured in height and width, the width is slightly more important as you will need to ensure that the lock is not too wide for the thickness of your door.

Please note that screw holes can also be in different positions for different manufacturers or makes of locks.

If you require any further information on lock measurements or any of our other products, feel free to give us a call or pop us an e-mail.

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Norman Doors

Posted on 20th January 2023 by helen

Have you ever come across a door that appears confusing, or difficult to use? We call these Norman doors, named after (and not by) design guru Don Norman, author of the book ‘The Design of Everyday Things.’ The name is used to characterise the peculiar design.

image of a man looking confused in front of a Norman door.

How do I know if a Door is Norman?

Does the door make sense when you approach it? Do you know whether the door needs to be pushed or pulled? If you answer ‘no’ to these, you have a Norman door. It may be that the door doesn’t specify a ‘push’ or ‘pull’ action, or it may be that you cannot locate a place to push or pull it, for example a door with no handles or push plates. Even a door which slides when you try to push or pull it, can be defined as Norman.

Once you know how to spot a Norman door, you will notice them everywhere you go.

How do I make sure a door isn’t Norman?

We know that doors must either be open or closed, but how do we ensure people know how a door should open? Handles, knobs, latches, pull bars, plates and rails/tracks all give us an idea of the motion required to open a door. For example, a door on a rail, or track, would suggest that the door probably opens by sliding, whereas a door with a push plate would suggest that the door should be pushed to open, and so on.

Doors That Should not be Norman

If you have a fire exit, or a door with panic hardware that appears Norman, this is unsafe and must be addressed. You can contact us for help or advice.

So, now you know what a Norman door is, are there any you remember seeing? Keep a look out when you’re next out and about, because they are a lot more common than you think. If you have any photos of Norman doors, please send them over to us on Facebook or by e-mail!

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Repair it, Reuse it.

Posted on 6th January 2023 by helen

As systems and hardware get older, things can start to deteriorate, or they may not work as well as they used to. When this happens, many people just disregard the whole system or piece of hardware. Most don’t realise there are many different spare and replacement parts that can be used to replenish hardware and systems, reducing unnecessary waste, and saving money at the same time! In this blog we will look at the different spares and replacement options that we have on offer.

Replacement Wheels for Wardrobe Doors

Replacement wheels for wardrobe systems are one of the many spare parts we supply. With many different options and wheels built for different wardrobe systems, these are easy to replace and can replenish older systems where wheels may be old, stiff, or broken, without having to buy an entire new system. Our YouTube video series on these wheels can be found here for more information.

Door Closer Spares

We sell spare parts for most of the door closers we sell. Should you need a spare arm, mounting brackets, screw pack or even if the body needs replacing, these can be found on our website. To find spare parts for door closers, go to the relevant page for whichever door closer you need parts for, for example the GEZE TS2000V. Spare parts are all listed at the bottom of the page, under ‘Spare parts for GEZE door closers’. If you’re not 100% sure on what you need or where to find it, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you.

Sliding Door Spares

Many accessories and spare parts can be supplied for sliding door systems, including handles, guides, locks and bolts, seals, and much more. These items can be used to add to systems, replace old parts and upgrade current systems. Click here for all sliding door accessories and spares.

uPVC Spares

uPVC doors offer several benefits. They can offer better insulation than standard wooden doors, as well as being available in a huge range of designs giving you a chance to find the perfect door for your needs. Many uPVC doors are safer than standard doors giving you added protection for your home.  Sometimes, though things can get broken or maybe you just fancy a change of style? This is where our range of handy spares for uPVC and composite doors and windows are useful.  Browse our selection of door handles, multipoint and cylinder locks, panic hardware and letterplate assemblies here.

Other Spare Parts

At Doorstuff we can supply spare parts for all our systems, as well as being able to source spare parts that are not listed on our website. So, if you need spare parts or think you may need something replacing, give us a call or email us an we will help you find exactly what you need without the waste, because we will only send you the parts you need.

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Christmas Updates – Dispatch and Opening

Posted on 9th December 2022 by helen

Final Dispatch Dates

Important dates to remember when placing orders close to Christmas.

The last dispatch for orders with standard delivery is December 21st at 12:00, the last dispatch for orders placed with a next day AM service is 22nd December at 12:00. For Scottish Highlands and Islands, the final day for dispatch is 16th December at 12:00.

Please note that any orders placed after midday on these dates will not be dispatched until we are back from our Christmas break, on January 3rd. These orders will be dispatched on a first come first serve basis. Due to the likelihood of a backlog over the Christmas period, we recommend getting orders in early to avoid any delays.

Special deliveries may be arranged, please contact us for more information.

Christmas Opening Hours

Doorstuff will be closed for 10 days, from December 23rd 2022 to January 3rd 2023. During this time we will not be able to answer phone calls or e-mails, however orders can still be placed on our website for dispatch upon our return.

Any e-mail queries will be dealt with as soon as possible once we are back.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

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Accessories for uPVC Doors

Posted on 2nd December 2022 by helen
accessories for uPVC doors

In this blog we will be looking at accessories for uPVC doors, including handles, letterplate assemblies, locks, panic hardware and more.

Handles for uPVC Doors

Chameleon handles for uPVC doors have an adaptable handle height to accommodate both inline and offset centres between 59-96mm, they also have adaptable screw centres. They are fit with a double spring mechanism, which allows the handle to return to a horizontal position after use. Chameleon handles also have an adjustable backplate, designed to fit different screw centres anywhere between 156mm-242mm. These handles are available in various finishes including white, black and polished chrome.

Letterplate Assemblies

Letterplates are fitted to doors and allow post and letters through. We sell Trojan letterplates, which are available in different finishes including white, polished chrome and polished brass. They are built with a peripheral seal on the external flap which ensures a full thermal and acoustic barrier for the door, the flap opens up to 180 degrees. There are also different size options available to suit different door thicknesses, either 20-40mm or 38-78mm. Trojan letterplates come with a 25 year anti-corrosion guarantee, a 10 year mechanical guarantee and are made from stainless steel.

Panic Hardware for uPVC Doors

EXIDOR 500 Series panic hardware is designed for doors with a narrow stile, making it perfect for use on uPVC doors. We have a range of panic hardware available for use on uPVC doors, including push pads, and push bars for both double and single doors. 500 Series panic hardware is supplied in white and green as standard, however different finish/colour options are available for a higher price and a longer lead time, as they are not kept in stock.

Cylinder Locks

Cylinder locks are suitable for uPVC doors as well as timber and metal doors. They are available for both standard differ and master keyed suites. Eurospec cylinders are standard differ, they offer a 5 pin system and come supplied with a cylinder screw and 3 keys each, lengths are available from 40-100mm with different offsets. Both ISEO and Tigris cylinders can be master keyed. Please contact us to discuss your exact suiting requirements, for complex suites we will then produce a full lock suiting chart for your approval before we manufacture your system. 

If you require any further information on these products, or any of our other products, you can give us a call or e-mail us and we will get back to you.

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The Importance of Fire Doors

Posted on 18th November 2022 by helen

In this blog we will be looking at the importance of fire doors, as well as the importance of meeting fire regulations when ‘fire proofing’ your doors.

Image of a fire door being held open by a fire extinguisher

What is a Fire Door?

A fire door is a door with a fire resistance rating, used to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a building. The frame used around a fire door must also be fire rated. Fire doors should be fitted with fire door signs, or pictograms, on both sides of the door, these usually read ‘fire door keep shut’ or ‘fire door keep locked.’

Hardware for Fire Doors

Fire doors must be equipped with fire rated hardware only. The hardware must be CE marked with a relevant fire certificate.

Door Closers

Almost all fire doors should be equipped with a fire rated door closer, which are designed to always keep doors closed.

Hinges and Hinge Pads

Fire rated hinges and intumescent hinge pads should also be used on fire doors, 3 no. hinges are required for each door leaf.

Intumescent Seals

Intumescent strips and cold smoke seals should be fitted to both the top and sides of all door leaves, these are designed to stop the spread of smoke and fire between parts of a building.

Hold Open Devices

Door hold open devices, such as the Union DoorSense work by holding a fire door open, which improves access around the building. If a fire alarm sounds, DoorSense automatically releases and enables the door closer do its work. Please note, these are not recommended for schools and other places where there is likely to be lots of loud noises, as these loud noises can also trigger the DoorSense to release.

There are also electromagnetic hold open devices, designed to be wired into a fire system and released when a fire alarm sounds. These require a magnet on the wall, such as theGEZE 120012 electromagnetic hold open magnet, and a plate fitted to the door, like the GEZE 115954 Counter plate C & 115956 Counter plate E.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors can also be fire rated, we sell one fire rated pocket system on our sister website; the FD30 – iMpero fire door pocket kit. which comes complete with track, runners, brackets, stops, intumescent fire seals, pre-cut and formed plasterboard sections and cassette. Fire rated pocket door systems must only be fit with fire rated doors, any other door should not be used.

Why must Fire Doors be Kept Shut?

It is important that all fire doors are kept closed as they are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through a building. If fire doors are kept open, fire and smoke will spread through a building a lot more quickly and leave people less time to evacuate safely, it also means that the building is more at risk of being destroyed by a fire.

If you require any further information on fire rated products or any of our other products, don’t hesitate to give us a call or e-mail us and we will get back to you.

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How to Help Keep Your House Warm

Posted on 4th November 2022 by helen

With the cold weather making a return and winter just around the corner, we have put together a list of ideas on how your doors can help to keep your houses warm, without spending a fortune on heating.

Insulate your Doors

Many doors, old or new, could benefit from fitting brush strips between the door and the door frame. Brush strips are cheap to buy and easy to install, they help to keep unwanted draughts out and reduce the breeze between rooms, however they can also be used on external doors to keep the cold air and winds from outside, from getting in.

Keep Doors Closed

This one may seem obvious, but keeping your doors closed and ensuring they are closed properly is another good way of keeping warmth in, even when a room isn’t being used, keeping all doors closed reduces draughts and allows heat to stay in each room.

Cover Key holes

Although key holes may only be small, this doesn’t mean that they aren’t allowing draught in from other rooms. Buy covering your key holes, this is another way of keeping the draught out, escutcheons for lever handles are a good solution for this, they have a metal disc shaped flap which covers the keyhole when a key is not in the door, keeping any wind out – simple, yet effective.

Check your Hardware

Stiff or broken latches or locks can stop doors from fully closing or not hold the door against any seals, so it is also a good idea to check these. If you find that any latches or locks are broken or worn, we can supply replacements for these here.

For commercial properties, it is aways a good idea to ensure that any door closers you may have are properly adjusted, so that they fully close the door each time it is opened.

In terms of panic hardware or similar, if you find the hardware is not holding your door closed properly, it may be due to the keeps. These can be bought as spares, rather than having to replace an entire system, which saves money and reduces waste.

If you require any further information, technical advice or you would like to purchase anything mentioned in this blog, you can contact us by phone or e-mail and we will be happy to help.

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Outside Access Devices

Posted on 7th October 2022 by helen
image of different outside access devices

In this blog, we will be looking at outside access devices; What are they? What are they compatible with? What are the different types? Most people often ask us questions about these, so we are hoping this blog can help.

What are Outside Access Devices?

Outside access devices (OAD’s) are used alongside compatible panic hardware, they are designed to allow access through emergency exit doors, such as fire doors, from the outside of a building without compromising the security of the building.

Panic Hardware Compatibility

Different OAD’s are designed to be used with different panic hardware series, all panic hardware and outside access devices that we sell are EXIDOR, however it is important to check you are buying the correct OAD for the series of panic hardware you are using.

Types of Outside Access Devices

Most OAD’s are operated with a key, which allows access from the outside of a building when unlocked, these will require the key to relock them as well, as they do not lock on their own.

There are also mechanical digital lock OAD’s, which do not require any batteries or power, so therefor they will still work in the event of a power outage. Once a correct code has been entered, a lever is used to open the door and once the door has been closed again these devices relock automatically, and the code will be required again to gain entry, unless the unit has passage function, which is only available with the ‘CL2’ model.

Heavy duty OAD’s are also available, these allow access with keys and can only be used on 700 series panic hardware. Our heavy duty OAD’s are also suitable for use on fire doors.

Comparing Advantages & Disadvantages

One advantage of using mechanical digital OAD’s is that the doors can be opened by anyone with the combination code, and a key is not required to open them, this means if a key was lost, or someone with they key was not available, the door can still be opened.

A disadvantage of mechanical digital OAD’s is that after time, buttons can become worn, so if the same code is input over and over, it may become obvious as to which numbers or letters make up the code, due to wear. You can change the code by taking the device off the door, which can avoid the same numbers being worn down.

If you require any further information on outside access devices or any of our other products, don’t hesitate to give us a call or e-mail and we will do everything we can to help you.

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Different Types of Bolts

Posted on 9th September 2022 by helen

In this blog we will be looking at the different types of bolts; what makes them different, how they work, etc.

There are 4 main types of bolts that we stock. Barza bolts, flush bolts, barrel bolts and neck bolts, each of these have differences.

Barza Bolts

A barza bolt is one of the most secure bolts, originally designed for Hackney council as a high security bolt. They do not have any visible screws which anyone could unscrew with a screwdriver, and it can only be removed with a special remover tool, which works by sliding in behind the bolt and releasing it from the plate.

The bolt itself slides on to a plate which attaches to the door, and will not slide back off, it just allows a small amount of movement in order for the bolt to function.

Barza bolts are traditionally used in schools and colleges, however there is a growing demand for barza bolts in healthcare and sheltered accommodation. They are particularly suitable for those with dexterity problems, as they have a large knob, used to function the bolt.

Flush Bolts

Flush bolts are designed to be cut into the edge of a door, so that they are ‘flush’ to the surface. Flush bolts are suitable for use on timber doors, however adding an intumescent pack allows these bolts to be used on fire doors too. Flush bolts come supplied with a keep to catch the bolt.

The Bolt is operated with a lever action, which causes the bolt to move either up or down, this secures the door from moving.

Barrel Bolts

Barrel bolts are a straight bolt which are good for going into a floor or a thick frame, when there is enough space, in this case you would not use the keep and would cut in to the frame or floor. Alternatively, you can use the keep which sits in line with the bolt and is attached to the surface with screws which are visible.

Neck Bolts

Neck bolts function in the same way as a barrel bolt, however they have a cranked bolt and work better with different fixing points, such as the header or a frame around a gate or door. The keep is recessed, so that the bolt fits in to a hole in the frame, neck bolts do not come with a surface keep.

If you have any further questions or require any more information on our other products, do not hesitate to give us a call or e-mail us.

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