Guide to Automatic Doors

Automatic doors are becoming somewhat standard on commercial buildings. Customers may be carrying bags or pushing a cart. Or, they may be handicapped. Having an automatic sliding door makes it easier for everyone to get in and out of your building.

Electric doors also serve a second purpose. They can add to the aesthetics of your businesses. For instance, golden-colored revolving doors sure make a statement in front of a hotel. Some are true showpieces.

In this guide, you'll learn:

1. How to choose the right kind of door for your business needs.
2. Tackle the issue of handicap door openers.
3. How to pick an automatic door company that will back its product and service.

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

Decide what kind of automatic doors your business needs

You may want an automatic sliding door to greet customers as they walk into your business. Or, perhaps you need automatic garage doors for your trucks. Outline your needs before you start looking through the styles of automatic doors.

I recommend: Automatic Doors.com sells several types of electric doors. There are sliders, swingers, revolvers and folding doors. Planet Mobility sells swinging arms and push buttons for your handicap door.

Look at some examples before making your selection

Automatic doors come in many different looks. You can buy wood or steel electric doors. For a touch of class, there are also gold-colored automatic doors on the market.

I recommend: Sierra Automatic Doors has brochures on their website of the close to dozen automatic doors they have for sale. Stanley Access Technologies has several automatic door options right in the middle of their homepage.

Install a handicap door opener

Handicapped accessibility is a must. Handicap door openers make it possible for everyone to enter and exit your business. Choices include those that operate with a push button on the wall or electric doors that respond to a remote control.

I recommend: Free Ship Medical sells a commercial handicap door opener that uses an operating arm with a roller. That means that non-handicapped people can open the door without activating the handicap door. Open Sesame Doors sells handicap doors that operate with a remote control.

Choose a company with a reputation of quality service

Imagine having automatic doors installed then having something malfunction. You need service technicians at your disposal to perform automatic door repair.

I recommend: Incorporated Door Systems has been in the business of automatic doors since 1977. Their technicians are certified and their products are reliable. Eastern Door Service has skilled technicians to service automatic sliding doors and other electric doors throughout New Jersey.

Prepare to drop money on automatic doors.

Automatic door prices can be quite high. Think about it--they are high tech automatic door systems made of durable materials. Get an estimate before ordering because automatic door prices vary depending on the style and size you choose.

I recommend: PrivateDoor.com's automatic door prices range from $600 to about $1000. Gentleman Door prices range from $400 to $1000.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Make sure a warranty comes with your purchase of automatic door systems.

The official source of Automatic Doors is the Automatic Doors page at Business.com