Astragals for Steel Doors | Enhance Security & Prevent Break-Ins

When it comes to securing commercial steel doors, astragals play a crucial role in reinforcing security, improving durability, and preventing forced entry. Whether you’re installing steel doors in a warehouse, office building, or industrial facility, astragals add an extra layer of protection against intrusions, drafts, and fire hazards.

What Is an Astragal?

An astragal is a metal strip installed along the meeting edge of double doors or the latch side of a single door to cover the gap between the door and the frame. These strips help prevent unauthorized access by blocking pry bar attacks, tampering, and forced entry.

Types of Astragals for Steel Doors

✔ Overlapping Astragals – These are designed to cover the gap between paired doors, providing an extra layer of security. By eliminating the space between doors, they reduce vulnerabilities to prying and forced entry attempts. Many businesses choose overlapping astragals for double-door systems to enhance protection and maintain structural integrity.

✔ Interlocking Astragals – Offering superior resistance against forced entry, interlocking astragals create a secure bond between the door edges. Their design makes it significantly harder for tools, such as crowbars, to gain leverage. These astragals are ideal for high-security environments, including warehouses and government facilities.

✔ Flat Astragals – Often used for fire-rated steel doors, flat astragals help maintain compliance with building and safety codes. Their slim design ensures a seamless fit while still providing essential security benefits. In addition to enhancing fire resistance, they also improve the door’s structural stability.

✔ Security Astragals with Anti-Pry Features – Engineered to block tools from accessing the latch, these astragals offer advanced break-in prevention. The reinforced design minimizes gaps, making them particularly effective against forced entry attempts. Businesses in high-risk areas or those storing valuable assets benefit greatly from these heavy-duty astragals.

For more information about types of astragals

Key Benefits of Using Astragals on Steel Doors

🔒 Prevents Forced Entry

Astragals eliminate the vulnerable gap between the door and the frame, making it significantly harder for intruders to pry open doors using crowbars or other tools.

🔥 Enhances Fire & Smoke Protection

For fire-rated steel doors, astragals create a seal that helps prevent the spread of smoke and flames, meeting NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and local building codes.

🌬️ Improves Weatherproofing & Energy Efficiency

By sealing off door gaps, astragals help reduce air leaks and drafts, improving insulation and lowering heating and cooling costs in commercial buildings.

💪 Increases Door Durability

Steel doors endure significant wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. Astragals help reduce stress on the door edges, extending the lifespan of the door and hardware.

📜 Ensures Compliance with Building Codes

Many fire-rated and security doors require astragals to pass building inspections. Installing the right astragal ensures compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and local fire codes.

Why Every Commercial Facility Should Use Astragals

Commercial properties face constant security threats, from break-ins to forced entries using crowbars and prying tools. One of the best ways to enhance door security is by installing astragals. These metal strips seal gaps in steel doors, blocking unauthorized access. They are especially useful for businesses in high-crime areas, warehouses with valuable inventory, and offices handling sensitive data.

Beyond security, astragals reinforce door frames and reduce wear from repeated use. This added strength extends the lifespan of steel doors and lowers maintenance costs. Fire-rated astragals also play a crucial role in safety compliance. They seal gaps to contain smoke and flames, buying valuable time in an emergency.

Investing in astragals can also lead to financial benefits. Many insurance companies recognize their security value and may offer lower premiums for reinforced doors. By integrating astragals into a security plan, businesses improve safety, comply with regulations, and protect valuable assets.

Why Every Commercial Facility Should Use Astragals

Commercial properties constantly face security threats, including break-ins and forced entries with crowbars or prying tools. Installing astragals is one of the most effective ways to reinforce doors and prevent unauthorized access. These metal strips seal gaps in steel doors, making them essential for businesses in high-crime areas, warehouses storing valuable inventory, and offices handling sensitive data.

Beyond security, astragals strengthen door frames and minimize wear from repeated use. This reinforcement extends the lifespan of steel doors while reducing maintenance costs. Additionally, fire-rated astragals help meet safety regulations by sealing gaps that could allow smoke and flames to spread. In an emergency, they buy valuable time for evacuation.

Businesses can also benefit financially by installing astragals. Many insurance providers recognize their security advantages and may offer reduced premiums for reinforced doors. By incorporating astragals into a security plan, businesses enhance safety, comply with regulations, and protect their assets.

Best Practices for Using Astragals

✔ Select Durable Materials – Opt for stainless steel or aluminum to ensure long-lasting performance and resistance to wear. High-quality materials enhance both security and durability.

✔ Check for Proper Fit – Proper alignment is essential to prevent door misalignment and operational issues. A well-fitted astragal ensures smooth functionality and maximum security.

✔ Secure with Tamper-Resistant Fasteners – Using specialized fasteners prevents unauthorized removal, making the door more resistant to break-ins. This added layer of protection strengthens overall security.

✔ Verify Fire-Rated Compatibility – For fire-rated doors, selecting a fire-rated astragal is crucial. This helps maintain compliance with safety regulations and prevents fire and smoke from spreading.

✔ Enhance Security with Additional Measures – Strengthen protection by pairing astragals with deadbolts, latch guards, and door closers. A comprehensive security system minimizes vulnerabilities and deters unauthorized access.

See how Dutch Door Hardware can install an astragal

Why Every Commercial Facility Should Use Astragals

Commercial properties constantly face security threats, ranging from break-ins to forced entries using crowbars and prying tools. To mitigate these risks, one of the most effective solutions is installing astragals. These metal strips effectively seal vulnerable gaps in steel doors, making unauthorized access significantly more difficult. In particular, businesses in high-crime areas, warehouses storing valuable inventory, and office buildings handling sensitive information benefit greatly from this added layer of security.

Beyond their security benefits, astragals also reinforce door frames, reducing wear and tear caused by frequent use. As a result, steel doors last longer, lowering long-term maintenance costs. Additionally, for businesses that require fire-rated doors, astragals are often a necessity to meet building safety codes. By sealing gaps, fire-rated astragals help contain smoke and flames, buying valuable time in an emergency.

Moreover, investing in astragals can lead to financial advantages. Many insurance companies recognize their security benefits and may offer lower premiums to businesses using reinforced steel doors. Ultimately, by integrating astragals into a comprehensive security strategy, commercial property owners not only enhance safety but also ensure compliance and protect valuable assets from both human threats and environmental risks.