Welp MagazineDoors provide your business with everything from aesthetic to accessibility. They’re the first thing that customers see, and the first thing that customers use. If you’re renovating an existing storefront, building one from scratch, or just need to replace an outdated entryway, you’re probably pondering what kind of doors you should install. This might seem like a simple and straightforward decision, but there are many factors to consider when choosing new commercial doors for your business. Here’s how to choose the best doors for your business, whether you’re getting them for the interior, the exterior, or both.
Manual or Automatic
The first question you might ask is whether you want manual or automatic doors. Manual doors have their charm, but automatic doors come with a variety of benefits that make them hard to resist. They provide better accessibility, security, energy efficiency, and even aesthetic quality. Of course, your business doesn’t need to use the same doors for everything. You might decide to install an automatic door at the entrance while using manual doors or open archways throughout the interior.
The Right Material
Both manual and automatic doors can feature a variety of different materials. The right kind of material can make all the difference when it comes to the appearance and functionality of your doors. Common materials include wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and steel, among others. Wood can provide a beautiful, rustic look to any building, but it’s also notorious for warping. Fiberglass is durable and low maintenance, but expensive. Aluminum is sleek and modern, but lacks fire resistance. Steel is the strongest material you can get, but its factory-like appearance might put a damper on your business’s curb appeal. Ultimately, the right kind of material comes down to your personal preferences and the needs of your business.
Safety and Security Considerations
Taking safety and security into consideration is another tip on how to choose the best doors for your business. The main role of doors is to allow customers and employees to access the building, but their secondary role is to keep your business safe from unexpected blazes, crafty robbers, and more. To protect against fire, you’ll need fire-resistant commercial doors. A 20-minute fire rating is the recommended minimum. This gives everyone roughly 20 minutes to evacuate the premises in the event of a fire. Your business’s doors should also prove strong enough to prevent break-ins. You can get doors that are resistant to impact damage, chemicals, and even bullets.
