Choosing the right commercial doors is not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality, security, and compliance with local regulations. But when trying to pick and choose between so many options, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know what is best for your business.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various types of commercial doors available, their benefits, and how to select the best option for your specific business needs.

Types of Commercial Doors: The Basics

There a many types of commercial doors available. Here is a basic list of their types and what makes them unique.

Overhead Doors

Also referred to as sectional doors or commercial garage doors, they are made up of panel sections connected with hinges. As the door opens and closes, wheels at the edge of each panel roll inside a vertical track on each side of the door opening. 

These doors are commonly made from steel, making them strong and durable options for businesses. They also come in a variety of sizes to accommodate anything from forklifts to semi-trucks.

Rolling Doors

Rolling doors, also known as roll-up doors, consist of numerous horizontal slats that roll up into a coil at the top of the door opening. These doors are ideal for businesses with limited ceiling space because they take up much less space than traditional commercial overhead doors.

They come in a variety of configurations, such as rolling grilles for security and airflow or insulated rolling doors for better protection from the elements.

Metal Doors

Metal doors encompass a wide variety of commercial doors and are by far the most common door choice for businesses. They include hollow metal doors, a lightweight and durable door solution, as well as steel doors, and more.

Metal doors are unique for their limitless customization options. They can be fixed with windows, louvers, push bars, specialty locks, and much more.

Glass Doors

Glass doors are typically an aesthetic choice for storefronts, offices, restaurants, and more. They can be made from glass only or fitted with aluminum hardware for better durability and insulation. 

Glass doors for businesses are an inviting choice that opens up your space and lets in lots of natural light. And, despite being made of glass, they can also be fixed with security features to prevent any issues or break-ins.

Impact Doors

Impact doors, also traffic doors, are a hand-free access solution. When pushed, these doors open both ways and offer an easy-to-use door that is perfect for a variety of businesses. They are commonly found in restaurants, hospitals, and warehouses in areas where employees need hands-free access to doors.

They also come with customization options like windows, bumpers, and finishes that suit different needs and types of traffic going through the doors.

Automatic Doors

Automatic doors are a perfect option for customer and client-facing businesses that want an accessible, inviting entrance. They may handling heavy foot traffic a breeze and can also help keep your building energy efficient.

Specialty Door Options

With any commercial door, there are a myriad of custom options available that can tailor your door to your specific needs. Here are a few:

• Locking Mechanisms and Security Features: Such as electronic locks, keypads, fob scanners, and more.
• Hinge Options: For more lightweight or heavy-duty applications.
• Door Closers: To keep doors closed on their own without needing to manually close them.
• Stops and Bumpers: To protect walls around doors from impact.
• Air Curtains: For preventing the entrance of pests, un-conditioned air, and debris.
• Insulation: Options that help your doors insulate spaces from the outside or other areas in your building.
• Fire-Rated Materials: To help prevent the spread of fire in a building and keep occupants safe.

Automation: To keep doors accessible to those with disabilities, allow for hands-free entry, and accommodate anything from foot traffic to equipment.

Benefits of Carefully Selecting Your Commercial Doors

You may be wondering why researching commercial door options is important for your business. Here are a few reasons why research and careful selection of your doors is beneficial:

1. Enhanced Security: The right door will offer the perfect balance of protection and accessibility to areas of your business. 
2. Improved Energy Efficiency: Some doors come with better energy efficiency properties and insulation than others, which can help cut energy bills and maintain the temperature of your building.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: When aesthetics are important for appeasing customers or clients, making the right choice for your doors goes a long way.
4. Durability and Longevity: Some businesses need doors that will last long and be able to withstand heavy use or harsh weather conditions. 
5. Maintenance Awareness: Different types of doors require different levels of maintenance at different frequencies. Proper research allows you to be aware of what a door needs before you choose it.

How to Choose the Right Door For Your Business

Assess Your Business Needs

Consider the primary function of the door. Does it need to be highly secure, fire-rated, or visually appealing? Assessing your specific business needs will help you narrow down your choices. Make a list of your top priorities and concerns for your doors and see what checks all the boxes.

Consider Location and Environment

The location of your business plays a crucial role in your choice of door. For instance, businesses in areas prone to severe weather might require doors that are robust and can withstand such conditions. Different materials, door types, and hardware options can vary in their durability.

Consult with a Professional

It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional before making a final decision. Commercial door experts can provide insights into the best products on the market and help tailor a solution that meets your needs and budget.

Consider Your Budget

Determine your budget for the purchase and installation of the door. Keep in mind that investing in a higher-quality door might save you money in the long run due to lower maintenance costs and better durability. Typically, investing more into your doors upfront saves your money over time in terms of energy bills, maintenance, and repairs.

Conclusion: Research Goes a Long Way When Choosing Commercial Doors

Choosing the right commercial door involves understanding your business’s unique needs, the benefits each door type offers, and the environment in which your business operates. By following this guide, you can make an informed decision that will enhance the functionality, security, and appearance of your business.
If you’re looking for commercial door services in Norman, Tulsa, or Oklahoma City, get in touch with our team at Commercial Door. We offer full-scale commercial door services such as free quotes, installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us today to get started, take a look at our list of services, and learn more about us and our values.

In the dynamic landscape of business security, overhead rolling grilles can be essential, protecting storefronts and businesses. These grilles are tailored for a myriad of commercial spaces, from chic retail outlets to sprawling public buildings, providing a resilient barrier against unauthorized entries. In this post, we’ll explain overhead rolling grilles, shedding light on their varied types, applications, benefits, and indispensable practices for their upkeep.

Understanding Overhead Rolling Grilles

Overhead rolling grilles are synonymous with security and flexibility. Constructed from a series of interconnected metal bars or rods, these grilles roll up neatly when not in use, making them a space-efficient solution for any setting. Available in manual or automatic configurations, they cater to diverse operational needs, ensuring spaces are secured without compromising on airflow or visibility.

Types of Overhead Rolling Grilles

The diversity in rolling grille designs and materials caters to a broad spectrum of security and aesthetic requirements:

1. Steel Grilles: Renowned for their study structure, steel rolling grilles are durable and made to last.
2. Aluminum Grilles: These are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for moisture-prone environments. Aluminum grilles are a good solution for manually operated grilles in specific environments.
3. Stainless Steel Grilles: These merge durability with defense, resisting rust and corrosion while keeping your access points secure.
4. Polycarbonate Grilles: Polycarbonate prioritizes visibility, suitable for retail spaces needing security without obscuring the view.

Applications and Benefits of Security Grilles

Security grilles are most commonly found in retail establishments, outdoor spaces, and service window units that require security during closing hours.

Their primary function is security and deterring any unwanted access from a space. Rolling grilles, whether automatic or manually operated, offer a lightweight security option that keeps unwanted trespassers out of an area and protects goods or areas behind the grille. They are also quite compact and make for a great security solution that doesn’t take up too much space.

Rolling grilles also offer visibility for both staff and those passing by. Staff can see what is happening outside of an area while working within or closing up a store or area. This helps to keep them safe. This visibility also allows those passing by to see merchandise inside the store, such as items available for purchase in a retail store during off hours.

Lastly, rolling grilles also offer a unique security feature for specific applications. They can be better suited for outdoor or windy areas due to their materials and design. Air can easily flow through these grilles, and most are resistant to corrosion and wear from weather events.

Who Needs Security Grilles?

There are a few types of businesses and spaces that can benefit from overhead security grilles:

1. Retail stores: Perhaps the most common example, retail stores benefit from the security and visibility of rolling grilles. They help supplement the limited security of a locked door while allowing those passing by to see the merchandise inside.
2. Malls and shopping centers: In larger retail areas like malls and shopping centers, rolling grilles can help section off certain areas of the stores while maintaining an open-air feel.
3. Parking garages: Parking garages require ventilation, and security grilles can help keep offices and other areas secure without compromising that.
4. Schools and universities: Rolling grilles are commonly used to safeguard equipment and facilities in communal areas without impeding visibility. They can also be used in campus dining areas or to secure tools and equipment for different departments.
5. Hospitals and healthcare facilities: You can find rolling grilles in hospitals keeping restricted areas secure, protecting pharmaceutical storage, and keeping patients and visitors away from important areas.

Security Grille Maintenance

To ensure longevity and optimal performance, regular maintenance is crucial for rolling grilles:

1. Regular Cleaning: This prevents dust, debris, and buildup from hindering the door’s ability to move and function.

2. Lubrication: Lubrication keeps your door operating smoothly, whether your rolling grille is automatic or manually operated. This also prevents strain on moving parts to avoid damage from friction.

3. Inspection: Inspections are crucial for any type of commercial door. A professional inspection lets a commercial door expert inspect your rolling grille for any signs of damage. This prevents issues before they become major problems.

4. Professional Servicing: Along with inspections, regular maintenance from a commercial door professional also helps keep your rolling grille in top shape for the best security possible.

Adherence to these maintenance practices extends the grille’s lifespan and ensures it remains an effective security measure.

How to Get Rolling Grilles for Your Business

Overhead rolling grilles are a stellar choice for businesses seeking to marry security with aesthetics. By understanding the different types available and committing to regular maintenance, businesses can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their premises are well-protected. Invest in overhead rolling grilles and ensure your business benefits from this blend of security functionality for years to come.
If you need overhead rolling grilles installed at your business, call us at Commercial Door. We service Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa for all your commercial door needs. Give us a call today, or visit our contact page and tell us what you’re looking for. Check out our full range of services, and visit our gallery for some examples of our previous work.

Commercial automatic sliding doors are easy to come by these days. They are a critical component of a business’s operational efficiency, accessibility, and energy conversation. These doors provide not only convenience but also an enhanced aesthetic appeal to many types of businesses. In this post, we’ll look at the various types of commercial automatic sliding doors and some of their applications in different settings. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about them so you can learn more about automatic doors.

Types of Commercial Automatic Sliding Doors

When you think of commercial automatic doors, you likely think of the two-door kind that slides open when you approach it. There are actually a few different types of automatic sliding doors, each with different perks and benefits for different applications.

Single Sliding Doors

Single sliding automatic doors consist of one moving panel that slides open to one side, often used in narrow entrance spaces. They work well in spots with limited space that still require ease of access for employees and visitors alike. They can also make accommodating higher traffic in a smaller area easier due to their sleek and minimal design that takes up less space.

Bi-Parting Sliding Doors

Perhaps the most common type of automatic sliding door, bi-parting sliding doors feature two panels that open in the middle and slide apart to each side. This type is common at busy entrances such as retail stores or malls for their excellent traffic management. They are great for larger entrances that need to accommodate high traffic while also keeping up the energy efficiency of the building.

Telescopic Sliding Doors

Telescopic sliding doors are less common than other sliding doors, and they have multiple panels (more than two) that slide and stack compactly on one another. This allows for a larger opening in confined spaces. Instead of one or two large panels taking up space on the side of an automatic door, the telescopic panels stack into a smaller space to allow for a larger entrance. These doors are great for areas that need larger entrances but have limited wall space.

Curved Sliding Doors

Curved sliding doors offer a more modern look with panels that slide into a curved track. They are often used in luxury hotels, corporate buildings, and high-end retail stores and are less common than other types of automatic sliding doors. They offer a more dramatic look and make for great entrances that stand out.

Applications for Automatic Sliding Doors in Commercial Settings

Automatic sliding doors are a staple in many businesses, and there’s no shortage of ways they can improve your commercial space. Here are some common use cases where automatic sliding doors are the perfect commercial entry solution.

Retail Stores and Shopping Malls

For larger stores and malls, having an accessible entrance that allows for heavy traffic flow is essential. Automatic sliding doors are not only perfect for this, but they also offer an inviting entrance that is easy for anyone to use and allows for easy traffic flow on busy days.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

From urgent care clinics to large hospital complexes, automatic doors are commonplace in healthcare facilities. They offer easy access for healthcare professionals transporting patients or equipment on the property, make access easier for those with disabilities, and make entrances appear more open and inviting. Automatic doors are also hands-free, making them a great choice for places that need to mitigate the spread of germs.

Airports and Transportation Hubs

Telescopic and bi-parting automatic doors are perfect for areas like this. Automatic doors help manage heavy traffic flow, and transportation hubs like airports need doors like these to manage the flow of people and their luggage. With telescopic automatic doors especially, small areas that need doors can still maintain efficient access points without sacrificing space.

Hotels and Hospitality Venues

Luxury and convenience are two key traits of automatic doors that dining and hospitality businesses can benefit from. They also help improve the efficiency of your building by ensuring your doors stay closed. This helps keep your energy costs low and your guests comfortable by helping maintain the temperature of your building. 

Office Buildings

Curved, single, and bi-parting automatic doors all work well for office buildings that see a lot of traffic. They elevate the look and feel of corporate office buildings while also benefiting the energy efficiency of your building. Automatic doors also make managing the traffic of your building easy with no need for manual movement of the doors.

Commercial Automatic Sliding Doors: FAQs

How Are Automatic Sliding Doors Energy Efficient?

Aside from being made with insulating glass and metals, automatic doors are designed to open and close quickly. This minimizes the amount of time the door remains open. It also reduces the amount of conditioned air that can escape your building and prevents your doors from being left open accidentally. This makes them more energy efficient than other types of entry doors and therefore they’re the best commercial exterior doors for certain applications.

Are Automatic Sliding Doors A Safe Option?

Yes, most automatic doors are quite reliable and don’t pose any safety hazards. So long as the doors are well maintained and looked after, they rarely pose any issues for function or safety. 

Can Automatic Sliding Doors Be Customized?

Yes, but usually not as much as other commercial doors can. With automatic doors, you can sometimes customize the metal finishes, types of glass, or opening mechanism to suit your building. Automatic doors can also be customized to fit the specifications of your building in some cases.

How Do I Maintain My Automatic Doors?

Routine maintenance for most automatic doors includes cleaning the tracks, checking the functionality of sensors, and ensuring all of the mechanical parts are functioning correctly. Some parts can also benefit from being lubed every few months. With automatic doors, it’s always a good idea to have them inspected annually by an AAADM-certified professional or as specified by the manufacturer of your automatic door.

What is the Lifespan of an Automatic Sliding Door?

The lifespan of your automatic door can vary depending on what type of door it is, how often is it used, and how often it undergoes maintenance. Most automatic doors can last 20 years or more. Plus, proper maintenance and timely repairs are key to ensuring you get the most out of your automatic door.

Getting Commercial Automatic Sliding Doors for Your Business

Commercial automatic doors offer a blend of functionality with a sleek look and greater energy efficiency for your building. They are a preferred choice for many commercial buildings and businesses. Different types suit different spaces and needs, so talk to a commercial door professional to find your perfect option.

If you’re looking for AAADM-certified commercial door technicians in Oklahoma City, Norman, or Tulsa, look no further than Commercial Door! We work on, repair, and install commercial automatic doors for all types of businesses in Oklahoma. Give us a call, check out all of our services, and get in touch with us today for a free estimate on your automatic sliding doors.

Your storefront doors are often an important part of your first impression for customers visiting your business. A good door not only invites visitors in, but it can also provide functional benefits for both you and your customers.

In this post, we’ll go over some types of storefront doors, their parts, their uses, and how they can benefit you!

Types of Commercial Storefront Doors

When it comes to storefront doors, there are many configurations for different purposes. Depending on your needs, there is a door out there for you!

1. Full Glass Doors: Full glass storefront doors are made primarily of glass with a few pieces of hardware to affix the door in place. They offer a lot of visibility and let lots of light into the building. They appear very modern and sleek compared to other door types.
2. Aluminum Glass Doors: These doors are made up of an aluminum frame and a center glass pane. This design perfectly balances aesthetics and durability by protecting the glass pane while still allowing for an open, inviting appearance.
3. Metal Doors: Metal doors are a large category with many uses and configuration options. Perhaps the most customizable type of door, they are great for storefronts with specific needs, as well as security.
4. Automatic Sliding Doors: Automatic doors reign supreme when it comes to accessibility and ease of use. They add the ultimate modern touch to any business and make any storefront more inviting.

Parts of a Storefront Door

While door configurations vary, here are a few basic parts of a storefront door.

Door Leaf

The door leaf is essentially what we think to be the whole door. It is the panel affixed to the door frame that swings (or slides) when prompted. The leaf is easily one of the most customizable parts of a door, and some types of leaves can be filled with insulation for better energy efficiency at your entry and exit points.

Hinges

We’re all familiar with door hinges! These are the parts that connect your door (or leaf) to the door frame and allow it to swing open and closed. You won’t find hinges on an automatic door, but just about every other type of door needs them to function! 

Handles, Push Bars, and Pull Bars

Most doors would be difficult to use without a way to open them! Door handles, push bars, and pull bars give users a way to open the door. They also often offer leverage for the user to make it easier to operate a heavy door. 

Locks

Locks are essential for almost any door, especially in a commercial space like a storefront. They also offer a variety of features for different security needs. From a traditional lock and key to a keypad or access scanner, there are many types of locks out there.

Threshold

Usually installed on exterior storefront doors, a threshold offers a seal at the bottom of your door between the inside and outside of your building. This piece sits at the bottom of your door frame so that when shut, the door is sealed all around. 

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is most commonly found on exterior storefront doors as well, and it acts as another layer of protection from temperature differences and weather conditions. This special material seals gaps around a door and prevents drafts and water leakage around the door.

Closers

Some storefront doors require closers to ensure your door is not left open by employees or customers. Closers work with springs or hydraulics to slowly pull a door closed after it has been opened. They can be fitted to various swinging doors and are great for maintaining energy efficiency and security in your building.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Storefront Doors

Whether your building is old or new, it may be time to upgrade your storefront for something more inviting and professional-looking. Here are a few ways new storefront doors can elevate your business:

1. Better Branding: New doors give you the opportunity to add vinyl or other decals to add branding to your business. This can make it easier for customers to find you.
2. Energy Efficiency: Modern doors, even those with glass, come with better insulation materials. This ensures your heating and cooling remain inside, leading to energy savings.
3. Security: Now doors with upgraded locking systems protect your business and keep your store secure after hours.
4. Accessibility: Newer storefront doors are designed with accessibility in mind, especially automatic doors that allow hands-free entry for everyone.
5. Durability: With newer materials, you’ll get a much better lifespan out of your storefront doors and better protection from harsh weather. They hold up well to daily wear and tear as well as severe weather conditions.

Storefront Doors: Conclusion

In summary, your storefront doors are a crucial part of your business when it comes to customer impressions, accessibility, and functionality of your business. Between the many types of storefront doors and their customization options, you’re sure to find a configuration that’s perfect for your business.

If you’re thinking about installing new storefront doors, such as automatic doors, glass aluminum doors, or full glass doors, give us a call at Commercial Door. We repair and install all types of commercial doors in Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and surrounding areas. Get in touch with us for a free estimate on your next project, and see more of our commercial door services.