Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Commercial Door

Within any facility, there are a number of features and components that while seemingly insignificant, have a major impact on the business’s functionality, security and efficiency. Not the least among these features is a facility’s commercial door.

Naturally, a commercial door is not a one-size-fits-all solution – the right door for a business must be designed for specific functions and applications. While factors such as size and weight are important for decision-makers, other critical factors must be weighed by companies evaluating their options. In this post, we’ll review the key considerations in choosing the right commercial door.

Speed

In some settings, the speed at which a commercial door operates is a critical component of its effectiveness. For example, hospitals may require doors that open and close quickly to contain harmful germs and prevent the spread of bacteria and infectious diseases. In these cases, quickly securing an area could literally mean the difference between life and death.

Speed is also often of critical concern in climate-controlled settings, such as food and beverage production and storage. If a door is opened frequently, a mechanism must be in place to ensure the temperature is efficiently and effectively regulated. Regulating temperature is important from a food safety and preservation standpoint, as well as in terms of operational efficiency and cost.

High-speed interior fabric doors often provide a good solution for speed-conscious users, as they reach opening speeds of up to 70 inches per second and closing speeds of 40 inches per second.

Function

In his acclaimed book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen Covey’s habit #2 is “Begin with the end in mind.” This is sound advice when it comes to selecting a commercial door.

While there are numerous factors businesses should consider when selecting a commercial door, none is more important than function. The purpose and intended use of the door should be considered first and foremost. Function should ultimately inform all decisions around the door to ensure it is meeting your company’s needs.

Making decisions around function may also require trade-offs and establishing the most important function of the door. For example, a door that features multiple windows may be desirable to allow natural light into the facility. However, the nature of the business, location, etc. may also place a high priority on security. In this scenario, it is unlikely that a commercial door exists that truly provides both, so a more secure option – such as steel – would likely win out over a door with more windows and vulnerabilities.  

Cycle life

Cycle life is another key consideration in choosing a commercial door. Traditional doors are designed for 10,000-20,000 cycles, while higher-performance doors are often rated up to hundreds of thousands of cycles. If downtime is a significant concern for your facility, careful consideration should be given to cycle life in order to determine what solution is best for your business.

Aesthetics

While function is king, businesses should be careful not to overlook the importance of aesthetics in selecting a commercial door. A door is often a customer’s first interaction with, and impression of, a business or brand. For example, if it is important that your brand or facility conveys a sense of openness and accessibility, a solid, fortified door may not be the best choice. Consider what you want your door to say about your business and balance this consideration with function and other key factors.

The bottom line

Choosing a commercial door is an important decision that can net positive results for your business – from curb appeal to operational efficiency. By remembering the key considerations outlined here, you can ensure you’re making the right choice for your company.

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