Basics Of A Commercial Door

By Author: Jenni Brown
Total Articles: 2
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Let us start with basics. What is a door first of all? An unstationary structure used to open and close an entrance, which typically comprises of swinging panels on hinges, one that slides or rotates is called a door. Doors help in ventilation of air and passage of light, along with the main purpose of proving protection for the premises. Commercial doors are used in offices, garages, schools, malls, hospitals, and many other commercial buildings where security and durability is a must.

Commercial doors however come in a large variety depending on the type of business, size, place, and last but not the least style. The are many types of commercial doors such as Roll-up doors, Fire rated doors, Overhead doors Hollow Metal Doors, and Sectional Doors, just to name a few. Each one offers features and functionality specific to the building’s aesthetic need and physical requirements. Commercial doors can be made from a variety of materials such as glass, steel, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass.

Roll-up doors can be built in many widths, lengths, colors, and materials. There are different types of roll-up doors as well ...
... which include Counter roll-up which tend to be smaller, Sectional roll-ups which roll up but do not roll into a canister, and there are roll up grilles, often see in parking lots.

Professional commercial door companies typically offer free on-site surveys to discuss the various options for building security needs.
Fire Rated Doors require specific fire resistant materials and air tight sealing to ensure fire and smoke security when needed. In areas of buildings exposed to dangerous chemicals or fuels, these doors should be used to reduce the risk of injury to workers to minimum, in case of fire emergency.

Overhead doors are conventional doors that come in two type, sectional and canopy. Overhead doors are most suitable for garages or warehouse applications. Their advantage is that they are cost effective and reliable, as it gets rolled upward or swings up overhead, out of the way. Generally speaking these type doors can impede light shining from overhead lights above the area where the door rests in the open position, however these type doors are very cost effective to make up for this slight inconvenience.

Scissor Gates are generally used in store fronts that are mostly glass to show off the store contents during business hours. For extra security a scissor gate is to deter robbers from breaking the glass and easily entering the business. These expandable gates are generally stowed in corners when open, providing clear view of the premises through the during business hours. You will see scissor gate used at jewelers, malls, banks, and also commercial applications like warehouses and loading docks. Scissor gates are constructed from high quality steel with pivot bushings to ensure maximum durability to secure commercial buildings long term.

When choosing a vendor for commercial doors or gates, keep few things in mind. You can check with your local better business bureau to insure they are a reputable company. It’s also a good idea to use a company that’s been in business a long time in case you need warranty service. Recommendations from neighboring businesses are a good way to get a sense of confidence the work will be a quality job that will last.

Sometimes special situations require special doors due to building age or architecture. It should be noted that many commercial doors can be built in customized sizes and shapes to meet special requirements, it just takes a little longer for the fabrication. So before calling just any commercial door company, take the extra time to qualify the company and resume of jobs they have done. Ask them how long they’ve been in the commercial door installation and repair business. Also, clarify how the company charges for their services. A good company with the right tools in their truck can install a commercial door in one trip, minimizing multiple trip charges. Make sure to get a free estimate up front so you know what to expect for the door type, quality, cost and timeframe.