Commercial Door Information

Commercial doors are used on nonresidential facilities such as schools, office buildings and retail establishments. While residential doors are chosen based on basic features like security and appearance, commercial door selection is much more complex. Building owners and designers must not only find doors that meet design requirements, but must also balance local building codes with the safety and security needs of the building's occupants.

Types

Commercial doors come in four basic types. The most common are swinging doors, which are hung using hinges or pivots. Sliding doors open to either side of an opening and are commonly found at entrances. Overhead doors coil up towards the top of a doorway and may be used at loading docks or maintenance facilities. Finally, revolving doors are popular at banks and other business establishments, due to their high level of security.

Materials

Buyers looking for commercial doors will find a wide variety of materials available. For interior use, wood or steel are the most common. Wood doors are used on office buildings and other light-commercial settings, while steel is more common in industrial or manufacturing applications. At exterior openings, steel or fiberglass are used for their strength and durability. Aluminum or glass doors are also popular, though these materials are chosen more for their appearance than their security features.

Features

Doors designed for commercial use will often be more durable and long-lasting than residential doors. They often have solid wood or honeycombed cores, while the exterior skin of the door is made from heavier or higher graded materials. In addition, most commercial doors will be equipped with heavy-duty Grade 1 or Grade 2 hardware, which can withstand higher levels of abuse than hardware used in the home.

ADA Requirements

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) dictates certain standards that are applicable to all commercial doors. These ADA standards are designed to allow all individuals to safely and easily operate doors and hardware, regardless of disabilities. Under ADA, all doors in commercial buildings must be at least 32 inches wide and should be free from barriers and obstructions. The door and hardware must be easy to operate, with handles and windows placed at levels where they can be accessed by wheelchair users.

Fire Safety

Commercial door use is also impacted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA develops fire safety standards that are incorporated into local building codes. Under NFPA, all doors designed for emergency egress must swing in the direction of travel. Doors installed in fire-rated walls must have an appropriate fire label included on the door, as well as a mineral core designed to prevent the spread of fire. These doors also must be self-closing and self-latching, and equipped with hardware that has been tested for use in a fire.

References

• ADA Information
• NFPA Standards (Free Log-In Required)
• Door and Frame Standards; Door and Hardware Institute; 2005