Choosing The Right Automatic Door For Your Business: A Complete Guide

By Author: UK Doors and Shutters
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When it comes to choosing the right automatic door for your business, there are a number of factors to consider. Whether you’re operating a retail shop, office, or industrial facility, selecting the right door system can enhance the overall functionality, security, and aesthetic appeal of your premises. In this guide, we will help you choose the perfect automatic door by outlining the different types, their benefits, and how to make an informed decision.

Types of Automatic Doors

Sliding Automatic Doors
Ideal for high-traffic areas, these doors are often used in shopping malls, airports, and hospitals. They open and close by sliding horizontally along a track.
Swinging Automatic Doors
Suitable for both residential and commercial applications, swinging doors are a more traditional option that opens and closes automatically.
Revolving Automatic Doors
Perfect for commercial buildings with heavy foot traffic, revolving doors allow for smooth movement while controlling the internal climate and energy efficiency.
Folding Automatic Doors
These doors are typically used in ...
... locations with space restrictions but still require automatic operation. They fold open and are great for larger openings in industrial settings.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Automatic Door:

Traffic Flow: Determine how often the door will be used. For high-traffic locations, sliding or revolving doors might be ideal.
Security Needs: Consider automatic doors with advanced security features like motion sensors, access control, and locking systems.
Energy Efficiency: Many automatic doors are designed to be energy efficient, reducing air leakage and maintaining internal temperature.
Aesthetic Appeal: Choose a design that aligns with your building’s aesthetics. Automatic doors come in a variety of finishes and styles, from sleek and modern to more traditional designs.
Automatic Shop Front Doors: Benefits and Key Features for Retail Businesses

Automatic shop front doors are becoming a standard feature in many retail businesses. They not only provide convenience but also enhance customer experience, security, and energy efficiency. Here are some key benefits and features of automatic shop front doors.

Key Benefits:

Enhanced Customer Accessibility
Automatic doors open seamlessly, making it easier for customers, especially those with disabilities or heavy loads, to enter and exit your store.
Energy Efficiency
Automatic doors help minimize the energy costs associated with heating and cooling. By limiting the amount of time the door stays open, they prevent heat from escaping, maintaining your internal temperature.
Improved Security
Modern automatic doors come equipped with safety sensors and access control systems, ensuring that your store remains secure while allowing easy access for authorized personnel.
Increased Foot Traffic
Automatic doors enhance the welcoming atmosphere of your store. They offer an elegant and modern appearance that can attract more customers.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Automatic doors are typically low-maintenance and durable. With regular upkeep, they can last for years without issues, reducing repair costs in the long term.
Why Automatic Doors Are a Must-Have for Commercial Buildings: Benefits Beyond Convenience

Automatic doors offer several advantages that go beyond just convenience. They are becoming a staple in commercial buildings for their ability to enhance accessibility, security, and energy efficiency.

Key Benefits:

Enhanced Accessibility
Automatic doors are ideal for people with disabilities, providing an easier way to access your building without requiring physical effort. This is particularly important in commercial spaces where you need to meet accessibility standards.
Improved Hygiene
In areas like hospitals and food processing plants, automatic doors are essential in preventing contamination. They can help maintain a hygienic environment by eliminating the need to touch door handles.
Energy Savings
By preventing unnecessary exposure to outside temperatures, automatic doors help regulate indoor climates, cutting down on heating and cooling costs.
Reduced Foot Traffic Congestion
Automatic doors offer a smooth flow of traffic, reducing bottlenecks and improving the efficiency of movement in and out of buildings.
Safety Features
Many automatic doors come with integrated safety sensors, ensuring the doors stop or reverse if something is in their path, preventing injuries and damage.
Maintenance Tips for Automatic Doors: Keep Them Running Smoothly Year-Round

Regular maintenance is essential to extend the lifespan of your automatic doors and avoid costly repairs. Here's how you can ensure that your doors continue to function smoothly.

Routine Maintenance Tasks:

Clean the Sensors
Ensure that the sensors on your automatic doors are clean and free of dust or debris. Dirty sensors may cause the door to malfunction or fail to open properly.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Regularly lubricate the hinges, tracks, and other moving components of your automatic door to prevent wear and tear, ensuring smooth operation.
Inspect the Door’s Mechanism
Periodically check the door's mechanism for any signs of malfunction or wear. Look for rust or cracks that might indicate damage.
Check the Door’s Alignment
Ensure that the door is properly aligned. Misalignment can cause uneven opening or closing and lead to premature wear.
Test the Emergency Systems
Test the emergency override and safety features regularly to make sure they are functioning as expected.
Common Issues with Automatic Doors and How to Extend Your Door’s Lifespan

Automatic doors are designed to provide long-term service, but like any mechanical system, they can encounter issues. Here's how to identify common problems and prolong the lifespan of your doors.

Common Issues:

The Door Does Not Open or Close Properly
This could be due to a malfunctioning sensor, a misaligned door, or a power issue. Ensure that the sensors are clean and there’s no obstruction in the path.
Slow Response Time
If your automatic door is slow to open or close, it might be due to dirt on the tracks, a need for lubrication, or a mechanical failure in the drive system.
Noisy Operation
Noises like squeaking or grinding can indicate that parts need lubrication or that components are misaligned.
Faulty Safety Sensors
If the safety sensors are not working properly, they could fail to detect obstructions, which could lead to injuries or property damage. Regularly inspect the sensors and their wiring.
Extending Your Door’s Lifespan:

Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
Have a professional technician inspect your doors every 6-12 months to catch issues before they become major problems.
Adopt Preventative Measures
Implement preventative maintenance by keeping the tracks and sensors clean, and ensure that no one uses the doors improperly.
Address Problems Promptly
If you notice any malfunction, don’t delay repairs. Timely action can prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs.
Book All Doors and Shutter Servicing Online

At UK Doors & Shutters, we offer a comprehensive range of installation, repair, and maintenance services for all types of doors and shutters, including automatic doors. Whether you need a new installation or professional servicing, we’re here to help.

Call us today at 01204 918991 to book your service. Alternatively, visit our contact form to schedule your service at your convenience.

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UK Doors and Shutter we specialise in the supply and fit of high quality security shutters, roller shutters and garage roller shutters. We have a dedicated servicing division for all roller shutters & all types of doors.To book your service online and to get a free no obligation quotation 01204 918 991