10 Things You Should Know Before Buying Pivot Doors

Pivot doors in a home are grand statement pieces. While still expensive, they are more widely available for use in exterior residential applications.

Are you considering pivot doors for your home? Before you buy pivot doors for your home, read our list of ten things you should know about pivot doors. We'll cover the advantages of pivot doors, their flaws, and more.

10 Things You Should Know Before Buying Pivot Doors

Pivot doors aren’t a common choice. But if you're looking for something a little more interesting than the mainstream hinged doors, then it may be the statement piece that you're after.

Use the links below to skip ahead:

1. What Are Pivot Doors?
2. Are Pivot Doors Better Than Hinged Doors?
3. What are the Advantages of Pivot Doors?
4. What are the Disadvantages of Pivot Doors?
5. Do Pivot Doors Need a Lot of Maintenance?
6. What are Pivot Doors Made of?
7. Are Pivot Doors Dangerous?
8. Are Pivot Doors Expensive?
9. Are Pivot Doors Air Tight?
10. How Big are Pivot Doors?

1. What Are Pivot Doors?

While discussing door systems with your contractor or door retailer, you want to be on the same page regarding expectations of a pivot door.

A pivot or swivel door is a door that functions on a central point on which a mechanism swivels. A pivot door is different from a hinged door in that visible hinges on the side do not restrain the door; instead, it swings on a concealed axis a few inches from the opening frame.

2. Are Pivot Doors Better Than Hinged Doors?

It all comes down to preference and styling. Hinged doors are standard in many homes, but if you're looking for something stylish, you may fall in love with a pivot door. Pivot doors can be more costly than hinged doors, but customizing a hinged door to suit your home aesthetic can equal the expense.

Hinged doors are a more popular choice for interior doors, while pivot doors are more prominent and suited for generous openings. However, you can still use a pivot door for an interior space.

3. What are the Advantages of Pivot Doors?

Here's why you should choose a pivot door:

• Door panels can be built wider than side-hinged doors 
• They make great use of space
• It can be sized to fit large entrances
• Uninterrupted outdoor views when opened 
• Highly customizable
• Can operate silently
• It can be built to swing in, out, or both
• Simple hardware

4. What are the Disadvantages of Pivot Doors?

Here are some negatives to consider, although not dealbreakers if you choose an exceptional brand and installation company that provides top-quality work:

• Pivot doors do not have a frame and may not be as airtight as hinged doors 
• Difficult to weatherstrip
• Vulnerable to warping (some warranties cover this)
• Poorly installed doors can eventually drag and become difficult to open
• It doesn't always suit humble or old home designs 
• Costly

5. Do Pivot Doors Need a Lot of Maintenance?

Large pivot doors can be weighty. Over time, the gravitational pull can cause loosening on the top hinge, causing a drag on the floor. Some lifting, tightening, and weatherstripping may need attention after some time. The primary maintenance required may depend on the material choice of your door. For example, timber may need a touch-up varnish, and glass doors need cleaning.

6. What are Pivot Doors Made of?

Think outside the box when it comes to swivel doors. Grand pivot doors are available in various materials, allowing you to choose a finish that suits your modern home. For example, do you love warm, heavy, and secure timber? Or maybe a steel-framed glass pivot door for a clear view of the landscape that's beyond? Some companies have even used marble for their swivel doors.

There are many options, from minimalist and clean, to rough and textured.

7. Are Pivot Doors Dangerous?

Any door, whatever the style, has a crush zone for little fingers. For pivot doors, while the danger is there, there is a longer delay time for your pet to escape or child to move out the way before the space surrounding a pivot door shuts. In addition, pivot doors naturally close slower, so a gentle closure would decrease the impact on vulnerable extremities should they get in the way.

8. Are Pivot Doors Expensive?

Pivot doors are generally more expensive than hinge doors, although many variables affect cost. Material choice, size, weight, hardware, etc., all determine the number on your quote. The positioning of your door axel and the functionality of how it swings can also affect the budget.

9. Are Pivot Doors Air Tight?

Since pivot doors do not shut on a door frame, weatherstripping and sealing are never as good as a hinged door. As a result, water and air infiltration problems are possible, especially if the door is not balanced correctly. For this reason, it's best to fit a pivot door under an overhang for increased protection against the elements.

10. How Big are Pivot Doors?

Pivot doors can make a bold statement. These doors are custom-made and a suitable choice for vast openings. You can also get double pivot doors for a greater indoor and outdoor connection. Pivot wall configurations are a modern option for patio spaces and are made up of multiple pivot doors in a row.

Pivot Doors - Stylish and Grand

Pivot doors are more than just a functional item in a home. They're an architectural element that can cover grand openings. If you're looking for a stylish finishing touch for your home, pivot doors offer elegance. To avoid flaws and premature replacement of your door, choose a door expert that provides a "warp-free” guarantee and excellent installation.