Guide to Commercial Doors

Choose commercial doors that provide safe, secure and welcoming work environments

By Selena Chavis, Owner, SC Communications, LLC

1. Tips for choosing the best commercial entry doors to match business needs.
2. How various interior and exterior commercial doors add value to business operations.
3. Ideas for creating one-of-a-kind looks with custom glass commercial doors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the strongest, most secure commercial doors

The material make-up of a commercial door will impact the level of security it can provide as well as the maintenance and upkeep it will require. Commercial steel doors offer the most security, but many business owners find wood doors and commercial glass doors more aesthetically pleasing.

I recommend: The Next Door Company offers a variety of commercial steel doors. Fiberglass commercial entry doors, such as those offered by Therma-Tru, are typically guaranteed against cracking, splitting or denting. Consider companies like Masonite, Pella Corporation and Dawson Doors for both fiberglass and steel framed doors. Lee & Cates Glass offers hurricane strength glass. Business.com offers a list of vendors specializing in fiberglass doors, metal doors and glass doors.

Choose roll-up commercial doors for added security

Roll-up commercial doors are appropriate in demanding environments requiring maximum durability and security, such as loading docks or retail environments. Because of minimal backroom, headroom and sideroom requirements, roll-up commercial doors are able to fit in tight spaces.

I recommend: Raynor Garage Doors offers several options of commercial roll-up doors, including a line of grille doors offering contemporary looks and unobstructed views of displays and merchandise. Steelbuilding.com offers commercial roll-up doors from leading manufacturer DCBI.

Automatic sliding commercial doors provide ease of access

Consider the benefits of automatic sliding commercial doors in environments where customers have to push shopping carts or carry items inside and out. Automatic doors also cater well to handicapped patrons.

I recommend: Horton Automatics offers an extensive line of automatic sliding commercial doors as well as other options. Incorporated Door Systems is a provider of quality automatic sliding doors and AAADM Certified Installers.

Install impact commercial doors in high traffic areas

Commonly used in the restaurant industry, impact commercial doors swing both ways to allow traffic to flow in and out easily. These swinging doors also make a good choice for commercial entry doors for loading docks.

I recommend: : All-Rite Dock & Door Systems provides a line of quality industrial, commercial and retail impact commercial doors. Aleco provides options for clear, flexible and rigid impact commercial doors.

Try revolving doors for climate control

Revolving doors can keep your lobby climate controlled and can also control traffic by limiting the number of people entering the building at once.

I recommend: For a variety of revolving doors, try Crane Revolving Doors, Eastern Door Service or International Revolving Doors.

Create custom looks for exterior commercial doors

While commercial entry doors certainly have a functional component, aesthetics should also play a role as they create the first impression for customers.

I recommend: Dawson Doors offers custom retail aluminum and steel storefronts that can create one-of-kind appeal for your business. Steiner offers a unique line of commercial doors and custom storefronts.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep safety of staff and customers at the forefront when considering commercial glass doors. Consider the need for fire and impact resistance.
• •  Choose commercial door options based on how they can improve traffic flow, security or energy costs.
• •  With custom exterior commercial doors or storefronts, you can incorporate your company logo or a unique design.