It’s all too easy to take your pedestrian doors for granted. However, as a business owner, you likely know that overlooking even the smallest detail of your enterprise can lead to a costly disruption in the flow of your operation. Since pedestrian doors are key access points that help improve the safety of your business, it’s essential that they be as efficient and functional as possible. With this in mind, here are three indicators that it may be time to replace or upgrade your commercial pedestrian doors.

1. The safety standards in your region have changed

You may need to upgrade or install a new pedestrian door on your commercial property if the safety regulations in your area have recently been updated. For example, the building code in some provinces necessitate that pedestrian doors come equipped with certain accessibility features. In addition, depending on where your pedestrian door is located, it may have to comply with specific fire regulation standards. As such, the door may require a minimum fire-rating, as well as automated swing and latch features, to help ensure the safety of all occupants.

2. The needs of your business have changed

If the way in which your operation functions has been altered, you may want to consider upgrading your pedestrian doors to better suit your needs. Here’s a look at three types of materials you may want to consider as a replacement:

• Steel. Commercial pedestrian doors made of steel are strong, durable, and provide superior insulation. They’re also usually fire and blast-resistant for added protection. In addition, they’re resistant to warping, shrinking, and swelling. Upgrading to a steel door may be the best choice if you need an affordable option that can meet high-traffic demands.
  
  
• Aluminum. Pedestrian doors made of aluminum are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. They offer a clean appearance and generally feature large, insulated glass windows. Consequently, if you’re looking for a durable yet stylish upgrade for your pedestrian door, aluminium may be the right choice.
  
  
• Wood. Commercial pedestrian doors made of wood are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and can be fire-rated with mineral-filled materials. Wood naturally absorbs sound and can effectively block noise from entryways, hallways, and stairwells. In addition, wood offers a more welcoming and elegant appearance than metal. If you want a versatile door with added safety features, wood could be a good fit.

Additionally, you may want to replace or upgrade your pedestrian door to streamline your work processes. For example, upgrading to an automatic pedestrian door could help improve your workflow and increase productivity.

3. The condition of your door has deteriorated

If your pedestrian door is starting to look a little worse for wear, here are some signs it may be time for an upgrade or replacement:

• It’s dented, cracked, or scratched. Dings, dents, and scratches aren’t always cosmetic. In some cases, these markings can compromise the integrity of your door and cause it to malfunction or fail completely. If your pedestrian door is looking worn, you may want to consult a professional to determine if there are any deeper issues or repairs that are needed. In some cases, you’re better of replacing the entire door.

• It’s difficult to open and close. If your pedestrian door is difficult to open and close, it’s a sure sign that it needs to be repaired. For example, the hinges may have seized as a result of exposure to the elements, or there may be delamination along the edges due to excessive heat from the sun. A trained technician may be able to repair the welds on the door hinges, install reinforcement or surface mounted continuous hinges, or replace the pivots. However, if the troubles with your door involve more than a faulty hinge, the whole thing may need to be replaced.

• It’s ill-fitting. Light or air seeping in from underneath or around the edges of your pedestrian door often indicate a poor fit. Before replacing the entire door slab, a professional repair technician can try to shim the door hinges to ensure it fits more securely in its current opening. In addition, you can look into purchasing new weatherstrip or sweeps. Furthermore, investing in an automatic door bottom could help provide a better seal. However, a door that doesn’t sit flush against its frame is not only a safety hazard but could also lead to higher heating and cooling bills. In this case, it might be better to replace the entire door.

Not all deteriorated doors need to be replaced. In many cases, a repair conducted by a professional technician can resolve the issue at hand. That’s why Creative Door Services™ offers a planned maintenance program. Our expert technicians are available to conduct regular inspections to ensure your pedestrian door delivers safe and efficient performance.

Commercial Pedestrian Doors In Western Canada

If you’re considering replacing your pedestrian doors, you can trust the experts at Creative Door Services™ to get the job done right. In addition, if you’re thinking about upgrading the features of your pedestrian door, we carry a variety of parts and accessories including push, pull, and kick plates.

For a free quote on a repair or replacement of a pedestrian door, contact us today. We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.