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:
- Enhanced Security: The right door will offer the perfect balance of protection and accessibility to areas of your business.
- 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.
- Aesthetic Appeal: When aesthetics are important for appeasing customers or clients, making the right choice for your doors goes a long way.
- Durability and Longevity: Some businesses need doors that will last long and be able to withstand heavy use or harsh weather conditions.
- 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.
