Picking an automatic door style for your commercial space means finding something aesthetically pleasing but also functional and accessible. The door you select affects customer experience as well as security and efficiency. Learn how to choose the right automatic doors for your commercial space.

Understanding the Style Options

An interior view of the lobby of a large office building. The lobby has an automatic revolving front door.

There are several automatic door styles, each featuring unique advantages suitable for different commercial spaces. Seek a style that meets the needs of your business and keeps up with the flow of traffic of both employees and customers.

Revolving Doors

Revolving doors are popular for businesses looking to manage high traffic volume efficiently. These doors maintain indoor temperatures by minimizing air exchange with the outdoors, making them an energy-efficient option. Revolving doors also add a touch of sophistication and can direct foot traffic smoothly. However, they require more space and may not be ideal for every entrance. If your commercial space experiences heavy foot traffic and your focus is on energy conservation, revolving doors could be the right fit.

Swinging Doors

Swinging doors are versatile and work well in various settings, especially with open spaces. These classic doors are available in single and double configurations, making them particularly useful in environments such as hospitals or grocery stores where ease of access is crucial. Automatic swinging doors open with sensors or push buttons, providing convenience and safety. Consider swinging doors if your commercial space needs flexible access without compromising style.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are sleek and modern and are ideally suited for commercial spaces with limited room for door swings. They glide open smoothly, providing a discreet, welcoming, efficient entryway. These doors are excellent for retail outlets and office buildings, as they maximize space while offering effortless accessibility. If you want to create an inviting and space-efficient entrance, sliding doors might be the ideal solution for your business.

Folding Doors

Folding doors are an innovative choice for businesses that require wide openings without sacrificing space. They fold neatly to the side, allowing maximum use of the entry area. These doors are perfect for venues such as restaurants or conference centers with large open spaces. Folding doors deliver a functional contemporary design that is versatile enough to work for any workspace. Use folding doors for a flexible, modern approach to commercial automatic doors.

Factors To Consider

When choosing the best automatic doors for your commercial space, it’s essential to consider the following key factors.

Maintenance Requirements

Hiring a professional to maintain automatic doors in a commercial space is essential for ensuring their reliable and safe operation. Professionals have the expertise to diagnose and address complex issues, perform regular inspections, and conduct necessary repairs, all while adhering to safety standards. Their specialized knowledge helps prevent costly breakdowns and minimizes downtime, which is crucial for maintaining smooth and secure access for both employees and customers. By investing in professional maintenance, businesses can avoid unexpected disruptions, extend the lifespan of their automatic doors, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Compliance with Local Building Codes

A blue and white accessibility symbol indicating the way to an automatic door for handicapped individuals.

The automatic door you choose must meet local building regulations, including fire safety standards. A fire-rated door certification means that it can withstand high temperatures and will prevent the spread of flames.

Furthermore, your door should also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Meeting ADA standards ensures that all customers, including those with disabilities, can use the doors comfortably. Noncompliance can result in serious repercussions.

Level of Automation

Evaluate your specific operation needs. For instance, sensor-activated doors facilitate hands-free entry, enhancing convenience for customers carrying multiple items or those with mobility challenges. Additionally, remote control capabilities should be a factor for managing access in certain situations, such as after-hours or restricted access periods. This level of control can enhance security and streamline operations, allowing businesses to adapt to varying demands.

Door Materials

Door materials significantly affect durability, aesthetics, and overall performance. For example, robust materials like aluminum and stainless steel are corrosion-resistant and ideal for use in environments that are subject to extreme temperatures or other harsh weather conditions. On the other hand, glass doors can provide a sleek, modern look that aligns with a brand’s image while offering visibility. However, balancing your automatic doors style with environmental challenges is essential.

Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is crucial and determines material choice. Some materials withstand environmental conditions, including rain, snow, and temperature fluctuation, better than others. Weather-tempered automatic doors are functional throughout the year and minimize the potential for environmental exposure damage. Look for weather stripping and insulated frames that help maintain energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and enhance user comfort.

Noise Reduction

In many commercial spaces, excessive noise can detract from the customer experience. Choosing automatic doors with sound insulation can significantly improve the atmosphere, particularly in busy environments such as restaurants, hotels, or retail stores. Acoustic-rated doors can help dampen outside noise, creating a more serene atmosphere.

Security Features

Security is crucial for any business to protect physical assets, employees, clients, and sensitive information. Automatic doors with safety features ensure your business stays safe to work and shop in.

Reinforced Frames

These add a layer of durability to doors and windows, making it significantly harder for intruders to break in. A solid, reinforced structure can deter potential threats and reduce the likelihood of forced entry, ultimately safeguarding your premises.

Locking Mechanisms

Using smart locks or multi-point locking mechanisms enhances security by making unauthorized access more difficult. Strong locks are essential for protecting sensitive areas within your business.

Surveillance Compatibility

Integrating your security system with surveillance cameras lets you monitor activity in real-time. Having a robust surveillance system deters criminal activity, enhances accountability, and fosters a sense of safety for both employees and customers.

Safety Features

There are safety features to consider, such as automatic sensors to detect obstacles in the door’s path. Also, slow-closing mechanisms guard against doors slamming shut. Emergency decals on automatic doors are essential because they inform people of the door’s function and alert them that the doors can move by themselves. Safety marker indicators show how the door is activated, such as via a button or a push/pull mechanism, and they may also indicate where not to stand as the door operates. These features protect people and minimize liability for businesses.

Making Your Decision With Professional Guidance

Navigating the array of options available for automatic doors can be overwhelming. Always seek professional advice to ensure your choice meets all your business requirements. Consulting with an expert clarifies technical specifications and installation processes, saving time and potential future costs.

Let Same Day Door Service Handle Your Automatic Door Installation

We are proud to offer automatic commercial door installation services at Same Day Door Service. We’ll help you choose the right automatic doors for your commercial space and install them to meet building codes and standards. Rely on us to provide the expertise and support necessary to transform your commercial space with the perfect automatic doors.