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Guide to Commercial Exterior Doors – Types, Pros, and Cons

By Commercial Door

07/16/2024

Choosing the right door for a commercial building is essential for security, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. A commercial door serves as an entry point, as a barrier against intruders, and contributes to the building’s natural beauty while maintaining an energy-efficient environment.

Exploring the various types of commercial exterior doors, along with their pros and cons, ensures an informed decision for any business.

Best Commercial Doors for Different Applications

Door TypeDescriptionBest ApplicationsMaterials
Entry DoorsMain doors used for the primary entrance.Office buildings, Retail storesSteel, Aluminum, Wood, Fiberglass
Security DoorsEnhanced security features for sensitive areas.Data centers, Financial institutionsSteel, Aluminum, Hollow-metal
Fire-Rated DoorsResist fire and slow its spread.Warehouses, Manufacturing plantsSteel, Aluminum, Wood
Glass DoorsGlass panels, often for aesthetic purposes.Office buildings, Retail storefrontsGlass with aluminum frame, Glass with wood frame
Overhead DoorsOpen vertically, often for loading docks.Warehouses, Distribution centersSteel, Aluminum
Automatic DoorsOpen automatically, used in retail and offices.Retail stores, Office buildingsGlass with aluminum frame, Glass with steel frame
Impact DoorsHigh-traffic areas, also known as traffic doors.Restaurants, WarehousesFiberglass, Aluminum
types of commercial doors

Types of Commercial Exterior Doors

Selecting the best commercial exterior doors depends on the specific needs of the building and the business. Different types of doors offer various advantages in terms of security, aesthetics, durability, and functionality.

Understanding the best applications for each door type ensures that the right choice is made for optimal performance and longevity.

Entry Doors

Entry doors serve as the primary access points to commercial buildings, offering a balance of security, aesthetics, and durability. They are designed to make a strong first impression while ensuring safety and energy efficiency.

Pros

  • Strong and durable, providing excellent security.
  • Available in a variety of materials and styles to match the building’s design.
  • Good insulation properties, helping to maintain energy efficiency.

Cons

  • Can be expensive, especially high-quality wood or custom designs.
  • Regular maintenance required, particularly for wooden doors.

Common Materials

  • Steel: Highly secure and resistant to damage and break-ins. Requires minimal maintenance but has limited design options.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and customizable. Less insulation than other materials.
  • Wood: Aesthetically pleasing with good insulation. Requires regular maintenance to prevent warping and rotting.
  • Fiberglass: Excellent insulation, resistant to dents and scratches. Higher initial cost but long-term energy savings.

Security Doors

Security doors are designed with enhanced security features to protect sensitive areas in commercial buildings. They are typically used in locations where security is a top priority.

Pros

  • Extremely secure, providing high protection against unauthorized access.
  • Durable and resistant to various types of damage.
  • Often come with advanced locking mechanisms.

Cons

  • Limited design options focused on functionality over aesthetics.
  • Higher initial cost due to advanced security features.

Common Materials

  • Steel: Provides the highest level of security, resistant to damage and break-ins.
  • Aluminum: Offers a balance between security and weight, rust-resistant.
  • Hollow-metal: Extremely strong and durable, ideal for high-security areas.

Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors are designed to resist fire and slow its spread, providing critical protection in the event of a fire. These doors are essential in areas where fire safety is a priority.

Pros

  • Meets fire safety regulations, providing vital protection.
  • Available in various materials and designs to fit different applications.
  • Helps to contain fire, protecting property and lives.

Cons

  • Typically more expensive due to specialized construction.
  • Requires certified installation and regular inspections.

Common Materials

  • Steel: Offers excellent fire resistance and durability.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight and fire-resistant but may have lower insulation properties.
  • Wood: Provides good fire resistance when treated, with the added benefit of aesthetic appeal.

Glass Doors

Glass doors are often used for their aesthetic appeal, allowing natural light into the building and creating a modern look. They are commonly used in office buildings and retail storefronts.

Pros

  • Aesthetic appeal, creating a modern and welcoming environment.
  • Allows natural light to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
  • Customizable with various finishes and features.

Cons

  • Less secure than other materials, depending on the glass type.
  • Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the glass clear.
  • Not suitable for all applications, particularly high-security areas.

Common Materials

  • Glass with aluminum frame: Combines the strength of aluminum with the aesthetic appeal of glass.
  • Glass with wood frame: Offers a warm, natural look with the benefits of glass.

Overhead Doors

Overhead doors open vertically, often used for loading docks and commercial garages. Loading docks provide easy access for large vehicles and equipment.

Pros

  • Efficient use of space, allowing for easy vehicle access.
  • Durable and strong, able to withstand heavy use.
  • Available in insulated versions to improve energy efficiency.

Cons

  • Can be noisy during operation.
  • Requires regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation.

Common Materials

  • Steel: Strong and durable, ideal for high-traffic areas.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for various applications.

Automatic Doors

Automatic doors open automatically, providing convenience and accessibility in retail and office environments. Commercial automatic sliding doors enhance the user experience by allowing hands-free entry.

Pros

  • Provides convenience and improves accessibility.
  • Ideal for high-traffic areas, reducing bottlenecks.
  • Enhances the modern look of a building.

Cons

Common Materials

  • Glass with aluminum frame: Durable and modern, commonly used in retail settings.
  • Glass with steel frame: Provides additional strength and security.

Impact Doors

Impact doors, also known as traffic doors, are designed for high-traffic areas such as restaurants and warehouses. They can withstand frequent use and harsh conditions.

Pros

  • Highly durable and resistant to damage.
  • Allows for easy passage, even with hands-free operation.
  • Customizable with features like windows and bumpers.

Cons

  • Limited design options focused on functionality.
  • Can be more expensive than standard doors.

Common Materials

  • Fiberglass: Durable and resistant to dents and scratches, ideal for high-traffic areas.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, suitable for various environments.

Material Breakdown

Understanding the different materials used in commercial doors helps in choosing the right option for your specific needs.

Each material offers unique benefits and drawbacks that can impact their functionality, durability, and maintenance requirements.

MaterialDescriptionProsCons
Steel DoorsStrong and durable, often used for security.Highly secure, resistant to damage and break-ins, low maintenance, fire-resistant.Limited design options, heavy, higher initial cost.
Aluminum DoorsLightweight and rust-resistant.Easy to install, customizable finishes, corrosion-resistant.Less insulation, prone to dents, potentially higher cost for custom features.
Wooden DoorsAesthetically pleasing with natural insulation.Warm, natural look, good insulation, versatile design options.Requires regular maintenance, can warp or rot, higher cost for quality wood.
Fiberglass DoorsDurable and energy-efficient.Excellent insulation, resistant to dents and scratches, long-term energy savings.Higher initial cost, colors and finishes may fade over time.
Glass DoorsModern and allows natural light.Aesthetic appeal, customizable, reduces need for artificial lighting.Less secure, requires regular cleaning, not suitable for all applications.
Hollow Metal DoorsExtremely strong and secure.High durability, fire-resistant, customizable for added security.Can rust if not maintained, heavy, requires proper sealing and painting.

Steel doors are known for their high security and low maintenance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Aluminum doors provide a lightweight and corrosion-resistant option with customizable finishes, although they offer less insulation.

Wooden doors bring natural beauty and good insulation but require regular maintenance to prevent warping and rot.

Fiberglass doors are durable and energy-efficient, offering excellent insulation and resistance to dents and scratches, though they come with a higher initial cost.

Glass doors provide modern aesthetics and allow natural light to enter, but they require regular cleaning and are less secure.

Hollow metal doors offer extreme strength and security, making them suitable for high-security applications, though they need proper sealing and painting to prevent rust.

specialized commercial doors

Specialized Commercial Door Solutions

Choosing specialized doors for specific applications in a commercial building can improve both functionality and security. Different types of doors are suitable for various needs, including galvanized steel doors for high durability and interior doors for office settings.

Door Types

  • Galvanized Steel Doors: Highly durable, perfect for areas experiencing the most damage.
  • Interior Doors: Available in various styles and finishes to suit any office decor.
  • Sliding Doors: Offer space-saving benefits and a modern look.
  • Folding Doors: Ideal for flexible space management.
  • Swing Doors: Versatile and commonly used in many commercial settings.
  • Revolving Doors: Facilitate smooth traffic flow in high-traffic areas.

Features

  • Fire Rating: Ensuring doors meet safety standards.
  • Custom Sizes: Tailored to fit unique spaces.
  • Intermediate Rail and Kick Plate: Enhance durability and functionality.
  • Top Coat: Protects against wear and tear, extending the life of the door.
  • Door Closers and Mortise Locks: Improve security and ease of use.

Applications

  • Office Space: Creating efficient and stylish interiors.
  • Warehouses and Industrial Areas: Using durable doors to withstand harsh conditions.
  • Bathrooms: Using appropriate bathroom doors for privacy and hygiene.
  • Meeting Rooms: Installing soundproof doors for confidentiality.
commercial door pricing

Pricing Comparison

Selecting the right commercial exterior doors involves considering not only their functionality and aesthetics but also their cost. Each type of door has different initial and long-term costs associated with it.

Understanding these costs can help make an informed decision that balances budget with the necessary security and durability for your commercial building.

MaterialInitial CostLong-Term CostsOverall Value
Steel DoorsHigher initial investment due to durability and security features.Low maintenance costs, durable, long lifespan.Excellent value for high-security and high-traffic areas.
Aluminum DoorsModerate initial cost with design flexibility.Potentially higher costs for custom finishes and features.Good value for lightweight, corrosion-resistant needs.
Wooden DoorsHigher cost for high-quality wood and custom designs.Regular maintenance costs to prevent warping and rot.Aesthetic appeal and insulation value, but higher maintenance.
Fiberglass DoorsHigher initial cost due to excellent insulation properties.Low maintenance, long-term energy savings.High initial cost offset by energy efficiency and durability.
Glass DoorsHigher cost for custom designs and features.Ongoing maintenance costs to keep glass clean and clear.Modern aesthetic and natural light, but requires maintenance.
Hollow Metal DoorsModerate to high initial cost depending on customization.Low maintenance costs, long lifespan.Excellent value for high-security applications and durability.

Steel Doors

  • Initial Cost: Typically range from $300 to $700 per door.
  • Long-Term Costs: Minimal maintenance costs, approximately $50 to $100 per year.
  • Overall Value: High-security, durable, and long-lasting, making it a cost-effective choice for high-traffic areas.

Aluminum Doors

  • Initial Cost: Generally range from $400 to $1,200 per door.
  • Long-Term Costs: Maintenance costs can range from $100 to $200 annually, especially if custom finishes are included.
  • Overall Value: Good balance of cost and design flexibility, ideal for lightweight and corrosion-resistant applications.

Wooden Doors

  • Initial Cost: High-quality wood doors range from $800 to $2,000 per door.
  • Long-Term Costs: Regular maintenance costs around $150 to $300 per year to prevent warping and rot.
  • Overall Value: Offers aesthetic appeal and good insulation but requires higher maintenance.

Fiberglass Doors

  • Initial Cost: Typically range from $500 to $1,500 per door.
  • Long-Term Costs: Low maintenance costs, approximately $50 to $100 per year, with significant energy savings.
  • Overall Value: High initial cost is balanced by low maintenance and energy efficiency, making it a durable choice.

Glass Doors

  • Initial Cost: Custom glass doors range from $1,000 to $2,500 per door.
  • Long-Term Costs: Maintenance costs can range from $100 to $200 annually for cleaning and upkeep.
  • Overall Value: Provides modern aesthetics and natural light but requires consistent maintenance.

Hollow Metal Doors

  • Initial Cost: Typically range from $300 to $800 per door.
  • Long-Term Costs: Minimal maintenance costs, approximately $50 to $100 per year.
  • Overall Value: High durability and security make it a cost-effective choice for high-security applications.
commercial door maintenance

Maintenance Insights

Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of commercial doors in various commercial buildings. Different types of doors such as steel doors, aluminum doors, wooden doors, fiberglass doors, glass doors, and hollow metal doors require specific upkeep to maintain their functionality, security, and natural beauty.

Proper care helps these doors withstand weather conditions, high traffic, and other factors, ensuring they continue to provide security and energy efficiency.

Steel Doors

Steel doors are highly durable and resistant to damage, but regular maintenance is essential to keep them in optimal condition. Regular checks and upkeep ensure steel doors continue to provide security and energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly check for rust and repaint as needed
  • Lubricate hinges and locks to ensure smooth operation
  • Inspect weather stripping and replace if worn

Aluminum Doors

Aluminum doors are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them a popular choice for commercial doors. Proper maintenance ensures they remain energy efficient and visually appealing.

Maintenance Tips

  • Clean with mild detergent and water to avoid corrosion
  • Check for dents and repair promptly
  • Regularly inspect and tighten hardware

Wooden Doors

Wooden doors provide natural beauty and good insulation, but they require regular maintenance to prevent warping and rotting. Proper care will keep these commercial doors looking and functioning well.

Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly paint or stain to protect against moisture
  • Inspect for signs of warping or rot and address immediately
  • Apply sealant to maintain finish and protect against weather

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors are durable and resistant to dents and scratches, but they still need regular maintenance to ensure longevity and performance in commercial buildings.

Maintenance Tips

  • Clean with non-abrasive cleaner to maintain appearance
  • Inspect for scratches or dents and repair as needed
  • Regularly check weather stripping and replace if necessary

Glass Doors

Glass doors offer a modern look and allow natural light into commercial spaces. Regular maintenance is required to keep the glass clear and the doors functioning properly.

Maintenance Tips

  • Clean glass regularly with a glass cleaner
  • Inspect frames for damage and repair any cracks
  • Ensure hardware is tight and functioning correctly

Hollow Metal Doors

Hollow metal doors are known for their strength and durability, but metal doors require regular maintenance to prevent rust and ensure they continue to provide security in commercial buildings.

Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly paint to protect against rust
  • Lubricate locks and hinges
  • Inspect for alignment issues and adjust if needed
choosing perfect commercial doors

Choosing the Perfect Commercial Doors for Your Business

By understanding the various types of doors and their materials, you can make an informed decision that best suits the specific needs of your business. Consider the pros and cons of each option, including their initial and long-term costs, maintenance requirements, and suitability for different applications.

For professional assistance and reliable solutions, trust OK Commercial Door for all your overhead door maintenance and servicing needs in Norman, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact us today to discuss your needs and explore our wide range of customization options.

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