Crittall Doors Guide: All You Need to Know
Crittall doors have become synonymous with sleek design and durability. Originating from the iconic Crittall Company, credited with pioneering the development of steel-framed windows and doors, these fixtures are more than just entry points; they represent a style statement.
Known for their slim frames and vast expanses of glass, Crittall doors are versatile for use across various applications, from residential to commercial spaces.
These doors are not only about visual appeal; they also meet high performance standards. By using premium materials and modern manufacturing techniques, Crittall doors provide improved energy efficiency, security, and longevity.
The characteristic grid-like appearance, often an appealing feature in interior design, has also seen Crittall doors being effectively used as interior screens and room dividers, creating open yet defined living areas.
Key Takeaways
- Crittall doors offer a blend of traditional charm and modern performance.
- They are suitable for a wide range of applications, enhancing both the style and functionality of a property.
- These doors are a versatile choice for interior and exterior design, reinforcing space with their distinctive grid-like structure.
History and Evolution of Crittall Doors
Crittall doors have a rich history of blending industrial prowess with architectural elegance, shaping their development from practical beginnings to modern design icons.
Origins and Development
Your understanding of Crittall begins in Essex in the mid-19th century. In 1849, Francis Berrington Crittall, an ironmonger from Braintree, laid the foundations for what would become a cornerstone of the steel window industry.
This era marked the transition of Crittall from a small ironmonger’s shop to an industrial powerhouse, as they began to mass-produce steel windows and subsequently doors, leading the way in the early use of metal in construction.
Art Deco and Crittall’s Historical Significance
The company’s architectural significance heightened during the Art Deco period. Crittall doors became synonymous with this movement, contributing clear, geometric visuals characteristic of the style.
This period saw Crittall installations not just in residential properties but also in iconic buildings and structures, reflecting the Georgian influence of symmetry and proportion in their design.
Innovation and Modern Applications
Crittall continued to innovate, expanding their product range to accommodate modern demands while maintaining the iconic, thin steel frames.
Today, your options include various custom solutions for steel doors that retain the classic aesthetic while offering improved functionality and energy efficiency.
Crittall’s influence endures in contemporary architecture, blending their unique historic charm with cutting-edge design.
Design Characteristics of Crittall Doors
Crittall doors bring a blend of classic style and modern appeal to your home, with various customisation options to ensure a unique and personal touch.
Aesthetic Appeal and Contemporary Relevance
Your home benefits from the aesthetic appeal of Crittall doors, which distinctively combine contemporary design and industrial themes.
Their slender profiles and strong, linear shapes suit a variety of interior styles and allow an abundance of natural light without compromising on durability.
Crittall doors are not merely a trend, but a timeless addition that resonates with modernist and art deco movements, yet remains relevant in contemporary architecture.
Unique Features and Customisation Options
Customisation is a strong suit of Crittall doors.
You can choose from single or double glazing options to enhance thermal efficiency, and these steel doors offer excellent draught proofing to keep your home comfortable.
The robust steel frames are not only durable but also provide design flexibility allowing for minimalist profiles which can be tailored to fit specific spaces and configurations in your home.
Colour Schemes and Finishes
When it comes to finishes, Crittall doors offer a variety of colour schemes that can easily integrate into your home’s design palette.
Their frames typically feature a powder-coated finish, which is known for its long-lasting quality, often enduring 25-30 years before needing redecoration.
This finish not only prevents rusting but is also available in numerous colours ranging from classic black to match other steel doors and windows to custom shades that make a bold statement.
Technical Specifications
In this section, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects that make Crittall doors a superior choice for your project, including material quality, safety standards, and environmental responsibility.
Material Quality and Durability
Crittall doors are acclaimed for their robustness and long-lasting performance.
Constructed from high-quality steel, these doors are treated to resist corrosion and withstand harsh weather conditions.
You can expect durable frames that maintain structural integrity over time, thanks to the premium materials used in their manufacture.
For detailed specifications, CAD downloads are often available to provide precise measurements and material data.
Safety Features and Fire Ratings
Prioritizing your safety, Crittall doors offer fire-rated options, creating a barrier against smoke and flames to ensure protection in the event of a fire.
The glazing used adheres to safety glazing standards, which is resilient under impact, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass.
Specific fire rating classifications can be found in downloadable product documentation, which you are advised to consult for compliance with building regulations.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
Your choice of Crittall doors also reflects a commitment to energy efficiency and eco-friendliness.
These doors are engineered to improve thermal performance, which can significantly minimise heat loss, beneficially impacting your heating bills and overall carbon footprint.
The incorporation of thermal breaks and other insulative features means you are investing in doors that contribute to a greener environment.
As part of their commitment to sustainability, Crittall provides detailed information on the energy-efficient attributes of their products for your reference.
Installation and Integration within Spaces
When contemplating the installation of Crittall doors, consider how they will integrate with the existing structure and layout, whether that’s to enrich living spaces or to solve spatial challenges in commercial projects.
Domestic Use in Living Spaces
For your residential spaces, Crittall doors provide innovative solutions to separate yet connect different areas of an open plan home. When installing these doors:
- Assess the Layout: Determine how the inclusion of internal screens or partitions can best optimise the flow within your living space, maintaining an open feel while clearly delineating distinct areas.
- Professional Installation: To ensure precision and maintain the door’s structural integrity, the installation process should be executed by skilled professionals familiar with Crittall products.
Commercial Utilisation and Solutions
Crittall doors can transform commercial spaces by balancing privacy with visual continuity. As you integrate these features:
- Design Versatility: Tailor the doors to meet your project’s needs, whether creating transparent partition systems or enclosing meeting rooms without forfeiting the sense of space.
- Technical Specifications: Take into account the specific needs of commercial projects, which often require compliance with stricter building codes and performance criteria.
Product Range and Accessory Options
When choosing a Crittall door, you have access to a range of systems and hardware, complemented by robust support and informative resources to assist your decision-making process.
Crittall’s Diverse Door Systems
Crittall offers a variety of door systems including the renowned Innervision Sliding Doors.
These doors are designed to deliver maximum levels of interior light with minimal profiles.
Innervision Sliding Doors serve as a flexible solution for your space, whether you prefer an open plan or a more closed off environment.
They feature lightweight construction and soft-close technology, paired with concealed running gear for a sleek finish.
Hardware Choices and Technical Support
Your Crittall door comes with a comprehensive hardware range designed to complement the aesthetics and function of your door system.
From handles to hinges, all the accessories ensure durability and seamless operation.
If you require technical assistance or support, Crittall offers extensive services to guide you through selection, installation, and maintenance processes.
Downloading Brochures and Technical Documents
To facilitate your selection process, you can view and download Crittall’s homeowner brochures and technical documents directly from their website.
These resources provide detailed information about the product specifications, hardware options, and configuration choices for each door system.
Ensure you have all the product insights by downloading the Innervision homeowner brochure which highlights innovative uses for Crittall’s sliding doors and other systems in your home.
Customisation and Creativity with Crittall Doors
Crittall doors offer a distinctive blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, allowing you to manage natural light with style while tailoring door and window configurations to your interior.
Interiors and Light Management
When you integrate Crittall doors into your home, you have a powerful tool to control interior light and enhance natural daylight.
These grid-like, steel-framed doors create elegant partitions that maintain an open feel while managing light flow.
You can create different zones in an open-plan space without the need for solid walls that block light.
Utilising screens made from Crittall doors, you allow for clear vision through spaces, ensuring areas like your kitchen or study benefit from consistent natural light.
Door and Window Integrations
The versatility of Crittall doors enables seamless door and window integrations within your home.
They can function as fixed panels, letting in natural light while providing an industrial aesthetic, or as operable doors that enable access between spaces.
With Crittall-style doors:
- Your interior/exterior transitions can be made almost invisible, with slim frames minimising visual obstruction.
- Custom configurations can include combinations of doors and adjacent windows, expanding your vision and enhancing natural light ingress.
Purchasing and Customer Support
When choosing to purchase Crittall doors, expert consultation and comprehensive after-sales support are vital to ensure that your investment meets both aesthetic and practical requirements.
Consultation with Crittall Specialists
Before making a purchase, you should seek advice from a Crittall Specialist Partner.
These professionals provide invaluable guidance tailored to your specific needs. They are knowledgeable about both commercial and residential options.
You can expect customised service that includes:
- Assessment of architectural requirements
- Product selection that aligns with both function and design
- Detailed explanations of the technical aspects of Crittall doors
When you contact a Crittall Window Specialist, they will assist with pricing and installation queries as part of their customer support.
To start the consultation process, locate the nearest specialist and use their ‘Contact Us’ page or reach out through the provided enquiry form.
Enquiries and After-Sales Service
Once your Crittall doors are chosen, the Crittall Commercial Specification Team offers continued support. Their service includes:
- Post-installation care advice: Guaranteeing your doors maintain quality and function
- A robust after-sales service: Prompt assistance with any follow-up queries or concerns
For enquiries post-purchase, the enquiry form is a straightforward channel for communication with the customer support team. It ensures any additional assistance you require is addressed promptly and professionally.
You can also call directly if your matter is urgent or requires immediate professional attention.
Installation and Maintenance
In this section, you will learn about the precise steps for installing Crittall doors as well as how to maintain them to ensure their longevity and performance.
Professional Installation Procedures
When installing Crittall doors, it is imperative that you follow professional standards to guarantee optimal functionality and durability.
- Site Preparation: Ensure that the area of installation is clean and level.
- Measurement: Take precise measurements to ensure that the door will fit perfectly in the designated space.
- Frame Assembly: Assemble the frame carefully, making certain it is square and true.
- Glazing: Fit the glazing correctly, in accordance with Crittall’s specifications, to maintain the doors’ energy efficiency.
- Securing the Door: Use the appropriate tools and fixtures to secure the door firmly in place.
Crittall doors, known for their robust Crittall design which often includes hot-dip galvanised steel, must be installed by professionals due to the precision required in the installation process.
Maintenance Guidelines and Longevity
Your Crittall doors are designed to be durable, but proper maintenance is key to their longevity.
- Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean the door frames with mild, non-abrasive soap and water to keep them free of dirt and debris.
- Hardware Check: Periodically inspect and tighten any loose hardware and lubricate moving parts.
- Galvanization Inspection: For doors made from hot-dip galvanized steel, check for signs of wear or corrosion and touch up if necessary.
By adhering to these maintenance guidelines, you will preserve the functionality and aesthetic of your Crittall doors for years to come.
Innovations and Future of Crittall Doors
Crittall doors are at the cusp of innovative design, blending tradition with leading-edge features for sustainability and efficiency. They remain at the forefront of style trends, often seen in today’s modern architectural designs.
Trends and Future Prospects
Crittall doors have undergone significant advancements to maintain a strong presence in future architectural design. Recognisable for their slender steel frames and expansive glass panels, the contemporary Crittall design continues to evolve.
- Innovations: Your Crittall doors now incorporate advancements in thermal technology, making them more energy-efficient than ever. Incorporating insulated glazing and thermal break technology, they provide better insulation—crucial for eco-friendly buildings that aim to reduce energy consumption.
- Steel Door Innovations: Current trends in steel doors, including Crittall, are not just about aesthetics but also functionality. Improved locking mechanisms and robust materials enhance security without compromising the classic design. Steel doors are increasingly customisable to meet specific requirements for fire safety and acoustic insulation.
- Eco-Friendly: Your focus on sustainability can be met with these doors as they increasingly use recycled materials and offer improved longevity and recyclability at the end of their life cycle.
Crittall Doors in Residential and Commercial Design
Crittall doors offer a blend of versatility and robust design, perfectly suited for both modern living spaces and practical commercial environments.
Enhancing Living Spaces
In your home, Crittall doors transform living areas into bright, expansive spaces. They allow for open-plan living while still providing the option of creating distinct zones or partitions.
They serve as an eye-catching feature in interior design, especially when you’re looking to merge the outdoors with the indoor living space, flooding rooms with natural light.
Furthermore, they add a touch of industrial design to a home, offering a stylish and contemporary alternative to traditional patio or French doors.
Features in Residential Spaces
- Aesthetic Appeal: Bold frames with a minimalist flair
- Flexibility: Configurable to various sizes and shapes
- Durability: Made with robust materials for longevity
Office Spaces and Industrial Designs
For your commercial projects, Crittall doors provide practical yet stylish solutions.
Their slim profiles and glass panes allow for transparent partitions, maintaining an airy feel in office environments.
They support industrial design themes in commercial settings, contributing to a functional yet aesthetically pleasing workspace.
These doors are also suitable for high traffic areas, offering durability and easy maintenance.
Advantages in Commercial Projects
- Space Maximisation: Facilitate the feeling of open and connected spaces while providing necessary divisions
- Light Enhancement: Promote the entry of light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting
- Consistency: Maintain a unified look across diverse spaces with bespoke door solutions
Pricing and Availability
In considering Crittall-style doors for your property, you should be aware that prices can vary widely depending on specifications, and the availability may depend on the manufacturers’ lead times.
Cost Considerations
For residential or commercial Crittall-style doors, the cost will be influenced by several factors, such as dimensions, material, and customisation options.
Generally, aluminium alternatives to traditional steel Crittall can be more cost-effective.
As an example, quotes for Crittall-style aluminium doors and windows from manufacturers like Marlin Windows and Clearway Windows & Doors could be competitive.
These usually involve three full-height panels or windows at about 2.1 metres and doors covering a total width of 4.8 metres.
- Material: Traditionally, steel is used but aluminium may be cheaper.
- Size: Full-height panels cost more due to more material usage.
- Customisation: Specific design requirements may incur additional costs.
To obtain exact pricing for your project, you should directly contact qualified suppliers for bespoke quotations.
Lead Times and Delivery Options
Crittall-style doors are often made to order, which can result in varied lead times.
It’s critical to plan your project timeline accordingly to accommodate the manufacturing process.
- Residential Orders: May have shorter lead times depending on scale and customisation level.
- Commercial Orders: Larger orders typically involve longer lead times.
Most suppliers offer delivery options that can influence your lead time.
Be sure to enquire about availability and how soon they can commence your order.
Some manufacturers may also provide installation services, which could affect the delivery schedule.
When placing your order, clarify delivery dates and options to ensure they align with your project timeline.
Legal and Compliance Aspects
When considering the installation of Crittall doors in your property, understanding the legal and compliance aspects is crucial. This ensures your doors are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet essential safety and performance standards.
Standards and Regulations
Crittall doors, like all construction elements, must comply with Building Regulations in the UK.
These regulations cover aspects such as thermal efficiency, safety, and accessibility to ensure that the installations are fit for purpose and safe to use.
The key regulations that you should be aware of include:
- Part L (Conservation of fuel and power): Crittall doors should provide adequate thermal insulation and meet certain energy efficiency standards.
- Part B (Fire safety): If the door is used as a fire exit or located in a fire compartment, it should conform to the necessary fire-resistance levels.
- Part M (Access to and use of buildings): Doors need to allow for easy access, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Ensure that your Crittall door supplier provides products that adhere to these standards.
Warranty and Guarantees
The manufacturer typically backs Crittall doors with a warranty.
While warranties can vary, they generally cover:
- Material defects: This is a commitment that the doors are free from material defects from the date of manufacture.
- Workmanship: Assurance that the doors are constructed according to industry standards.
Carefully review the warranty details so you understand the duration of the coverage and any exclusions that might apply.
Authentic Crittall products come with a guarantee that assures you of quality and performance.
For non-authentic ‘Crittall-style’ products, check the supplier’s terms to know what protections you have.
Crittall Style Doors - Cheaper Alternatives
When looking to infuse your home with the allure of Crittall style doors but are constrained by budget, you have viable alternatives that can still achieve the desired aesthetic without the premium cost associated with genuine steel.
Crittall vs Other Brands
Steel Alternatives Offered by Other Brands
If your budget does not stretch to genuine Crittall doors, brands like Aluspace offer a steel look with their range of aluminium doors.
These alternatives mimic the narrow profiles and distinct grid-like design that are characteristic of Crittall, but are more economical.
Cost-Effectiveness
Typically, non-Crittall branded steel doors are also a cost-saving option.
Though slightly higher in price than aluminium, they still present a more affordable choice compared to Crittall while allowing more light penetration due to their stronger, slender frames enabling larger glass panels.
Material Comparisons
Aluminium vs Steel:
- Aluminium: Highly popular due to its lower cost and light weight, making it easier to install. Aluminium doors can be coated to resemble steel and usually feature thicker frames.
- Steel: Offers a thinner frame for a more authentic Crittall style at a higher cost than aluminium but still less than original Crittall doors.
Timber:
- Timber is less common for Crittall-styled designs, often lacking the sleek industrial appearance. However, it’s an option for those preferring a warm, natural look.
Popular Queries Addressed
What are Crittall doors and windows?
Crittall doors are known for their slim metal frames and distinctive look. They’re usually characterised by a black iron or steel frame with horizontal bars. This style extends to Crittall windows, which share the same elegant design and robust construction.
How durable are Crittall-style doors?
Crittall door frames are typically galvanised to prevent rusting. They can also withstand warping when exposed to outdoor environments. The powder coating on these doors negates the need for painting. This contributes to their longevity with a finish that can last between 25 to 30 years.
Are Crittall doors energy efficient?
Despite the metal framework, modern Crittall-style doors and windows can be energy efficient. They are often fitted with insulating glass to reduce heat loss, which meets contemporary energy standards.
Can you customise Crittall doors?
Yes, Crittall doors are highly customisable. You can choose from various styles and finishes to suit your individual space and design preferences.
Where can Crittall-style doors be installed?
Crittall-style doors suit various applications. They’re suitable for external use as front or back doors. Internally, they can be used as room dividers or shower screens. Their versatility is a plus in both traditional and contemporary homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the specifics of Crittall-style doors is simpler with key questions addressed. This section focuses on their cost, differences between internal and external doors, exterior sliding door options, locating suppliers, purchasing considerations, and colour choices.
Crittall-style doors are premium products, and their costs can vary substantially. Typically, expect to pay a significant amount. These are high-quality, bespoke steel frames with a distinct aesthetic and long lifespan.
Internal Crittall-style doors are mainly used as partitions to separate interior spaces without compromising on light flow. In contrast, external Crittall-style doors are robust. They’re also equipped with weatherproofing features and often contain glazing units with greater thermal efficiency to cater to exterior exposures.
Yes, Crittall-style sliding doors can be utilised externally. They must be constructed with suitable outdoor materials to withstand the elements. They also need to feature necessary sealing and insulation to ensure energy efficiency and durability.
To source reputable Crittall door suppliers, check for manufacturers that comply with ISO 9001 standards. Research local businesses, ensure they offer customisation, and look for reviews or portfolios of their work to ascertain quality and service reliability.
Before purchasing, consider the architectural style of your home, the natural light in your space, and energy efficiency needs. Ensure that the door’s structural requirements align with your property and that you’re prepared for the investment these statement pieces entail.
The common colour for genuine Crittall products is the classic black finish. However, there are various custom colour options available. These can be tailored to suit the design scheme of your home, from subtle greys to bold statement hues.
