This blog post will focus on how important it is that you choose the right type of commercial door for your needs as well as how to maintain it.
Commercial doors are not just made for any type of company, but they should be appropriate to the location as well. For example, if you want to place one in front of an office building or a hospital, there could be legal guidelines that affect what door model you can use.
What to Look for When Buying Commercial Doors
Now that you have decided on what type of door would work best for your business, make sure to consider the following:
Security
The most important thing to consider when buying commercial doors is security. Can it withstand weather conditions? Does it provide adequate safety against theft or vandalism? You can do this by checking out its locking system or considering its thickness. Do take note that the heavier the door, the pricier it will be – so take your decision wisely.
Make sure to have a finished surface
When polished or painted, doors can provide you with an aesthetically pleasing appearance along with other benefits like insulation and soundproofing. Maintenance is also easier when the door has a finished surface. Commercial doors can come in different materials like aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and PVC.
Style of the entrance
The type or style of your establishment will help determine what model you can go for. For example, deciding on a glass door for a retail shop while opting for a steel door if it’s an office building you’re after.
Intended use
It’s not just the surface or style that you should take into consideration, but also what it will be used for. If there is a lot of traffic going in and out, choose one with an easy operating system. If you want to use it as a fire door for emergencies, opt for one with proper fire ratings.
Weather exposure
Different commercial doors have different resistance to the elements. If you want a door that will last over time, go for one with good weather resistance. On the other hand, if you’re opting for a wooden door, choose a model that can be treated against insects.
Building materials
The material of the building will also affect what type of door you can install. Stone or brick walls require sturdier models while wood is best with wooden doors.
Ease of opening/closing
Typically, commercial doors are made of either steel or aluminum. The material you choose should also depend on the building where it will be installed. Steel is more durable and has great weather resistance, but aluminum is lighter and can be used where security isn’t an issue.
If you want to choose the right type of commercial door for your business, consider these factors before making a purchase – it all depends on what you need when accessing your establishment. The right choice will ultimately lead to greater convenience when entering or exiting the premises.
Location of Business
You will want to determine the type of door you need depending on where the business is located. For example, if it’s a retail shop you’re dealing with, you might want to go for a glass door because people can easily see inside. On the other hand, if it’s an office building or hospital that we’re talking about, you will most likely need a steel door that will be able to withstand the elements and provide security.
Different commercial doors can also come with a variety of operating systems. If it will be installed in a very busy location, you might want to choose one that comes with an easy-to-use function – allowing people to quickly go in and out without too much trouble.
User’s Capacity
Another factor to consider is how many people usually go in and out of the business location, especially if there is a lot of traffic every day. If it’s an office building, for example, your employees should be able to open the door without too much hassle. There should also be ample space to accommodate both adults and children so if you have a high volume of visitors, it’s best to go for one with wide openings – at least 36 inches or more when opened.
Type and Layout of Entrance
The type and layout of your business entrance will give you an idea of what kind of door you should choose. If you have limited space in front of your door, then a glass sliding one would be perfect since they are easy to install and don’t take up too much space. On the other hand, if there’s already enough room in front of your business entrance, an automatic swing-type commercial door is most suitable.
Building Material Type
The material of walls surrounding your business entrance also affects the type of door model you should choose. If you have wooden walls, for instance, it would be best to install a wooden door model. Stone or brick walls are better with steel ones.
Your choice will also depend on what kind of materials were used in constructing the building where your business is located – stone, concrete, steel, or wood. For example, if you’re installing a steel door in front of an aluminum building, all of your efforts will be for nothing because the metal is not sturdy enough to withstand pressure.
Security Requirements
The security of your business location will depend on where it’s located. For example, if it’s near the border or there are often illegal immigrants passing through, you should choose a model with extra security features like one that is solid, comes with thick reinforced steel bars, and has locks with pins that are impossible to pick.
Type of Clientele
You can also determine the type of door you should choose by considering who your customers are. If they’re mostly adults, for example, it would be best to invest in a commercial door with an automatic closing feature, which will sometimes be accompanied by sound effects to alert people – especially those who are hard of hearing.
Price Range
The last factor is the price range. Your budget will determine what you can get in terms of quality and features for each commercial door model. The more expensive ones come with high-security features and might even have a fingerprint or retina scanner.
Choosing the right type of commercial door for your business is easy once you have considered these factors – after all, it’s what makes doing business convenient and hassle-free. A little research can go a long way so study up on all aspects before making a purchase.
The correct choice will ultimately lead to greater convenience when entering or exiting the premises. And choosing the right type of commercial door for your business is easier when you know the different types and their specifications and what they can be used for.
Types of Commercial Door
There are five types of commercial doors: swing, passage, roll-up, overhead, and sliding.
Swing-type commercial doors – this type is usually used for standard storefront entrances although it can be used in other situations as well. It is typically hinged at the top and opens by swinging in a horizontal direction.
Passage-type commercial doors – these types of commercial doors open automatically and provide access to spaces like hallways, walkways, foyers, elevators, garages, etc. These are best used when you want to limit access in certain areas.
Roll-up doors – this type can be stored when not in use, allowing plenty of space in between the door and the frame. This is a type of commercial door that consists of one or two panels that roll up into the ceiling instead of swinging horizontally as most types do. It can be manually or automatically operated and generally comes with a metal casing. These doors work best for garages and other parking structures.
Overhead-type commercial doors – also known as overhead rolling steel doors, this type is usually applied to garages or similar types of structures. They run on tracks that are installed at the top of the garage opening. This type of commercial door is best used when there’s plenty of space available in front to accommodate it. It has a large, boxy design and is commonly made from wood or metal.
Sliding-type commercial doors – the most common type of commercial doors for shops and eateries because these have glass panels that usually slide horizontally. These types of commercial doors are best used when there’s plenty of space available in front to accommodate it. It can be manually or automatically operated and consists of one or two panels that slide horizontally, which is why sliding-type commercial doors are more commonly used for restaurants.
Why Door Maintenance is Important
Another important thing to remember is to maintain your commercial doors. It is crucial to ensure that they will serve you well for years.
Keep your commercial door in good condition at all times by regularly checking the following: the hinges, track, locks, and casing; while also making sure that there are no water or moisture seepage. Checking how well your commercial doors are fixed is another way of making sure it’s on top condition.
Another reason why maintaining your commercial doors is important is because it can prolong their lifespan. Commercial doors with faulty parts – such as the weather seal, strikers, locks, motors, etc. – may wear out in just a few short years. On the other hand, commercial doors that are well maintained can last for more than twenty years.
A well-maintained commercial door will last longer and work better wherever it’s installed for years to come, which is why it pays to invest in the right types of doors and hire people who can provide routine maintenance on them.
A durable commercial door may last for years but it will require some maintenance to keep it in good working condition.
How to Maintain Commercial Doors
If you want to make sure your commercial door will give you service for many years to come, regular maintenance is crucial. Just like any other type of door, it should be lubricated periodically using a specialty lubricant. Doing so will ensure that the tracks and hinges will run smoothly and avoid squeaking sounds at all times.
Commercial doors are often left unattended when it comes to maintenance, which can adversely affect their lifespan and security. Here are a few things you should do to maintain your commercial door:
Check the hinges – many commercial doors have fittings on both sides of the door. It is very important that these fittings are connected well and work independently because the door will not be able to open properly if there’s a problem with either one of them.
Remove any debris – it is important that the tracks are kept clean at all times, which is why you shouldn’t skip checking them regularly. If your commercial door has rollers or wheels in between the wheels, ensure that these are also well-lubricated at least twice a year.
Lubricate the hinge pins and tracks – use lubricant on hinge pins at least once every month. If you have an automatic type, remember to put it on more often so that it will stay operational even in adverse conditions. Lubricating the tracks is also essential because debris can gather there which can
Check for water damage – you should also check the weather seal of your commercial door regularly because this is important in maintaining its good condition at all times. If there are signs of cracks or leaks, make sure to get them checked right away by a professional to avoid further damage.
If you’re looking for an experienced team who will work with you every step of the way when getting new commercial doors, contact Pros On Call today at (888) 601-6005!
When you need to find the right commercial door for your business, there are many things to consider. From the type of door that best suits your needs to how often it should be maintained or even installed in the first place, choosing a commercial door can be overwhelming. Fortunately for you, our company specializes in supplying and installing durable doors made from high-quality materials with expert installation services.