Commercial front doors usually fall into two categories: storefront doors and pedestrian doors, also sometimes called man doors. Storefront doors are often automatic and are chosen with a business’ customers in mind. Pedestrian doors are used for the side and back of your business and for industrial settings where functionality is important.

In this blog, we explore these types of commercial doors in detail to help you find the right product for your business.

Types of Storefront Doors

Most businesses favour a steel, solid aluminum or an aluminum and glass storefront door that is power-assisted or automatic and, therefore, can accommodate people with reduced mobility. Here’s what you should know about these two main types of storefront doors.

1. Steel storefront doors
   Steel is an ideal material for entry doors. Though heavier than aluminum, they are built to endure the toughest conditions for both commercial and industrial operations.
   
2. Aluminum with glass storefront doors
   Glass storefront doors with aluminum frames are a popular choice for retail and service-based businesses. A transparent glass door presents several advantages:
   
   • It makes the indoor space brighter and appear larger.
   • It allows passersby to see inside, making the store more welcoming and showcasing its products, interior design and general atmosphere. Glass is a highly esthetic option and can be stylishly embossed with a business’ name and logo

Types Of Glass Storefront Doors

If you opt for a glass door, you again have a choice to make: you can either select a swing door or a sliding door.

• Glass swing doors open and close like a standard entry door and can be power-assisted and equipped with a handicap door operator (the push button marked with the International Symbol of Access). Glass swing doors are sometimes considered a more aesthetic option than glass sliding doors. They also take up less space.
  
  
• Glass sliding doors automatically slide open and close. They’re an ideal option for businesses that get a lot of customers, as they keep the flow of traffic moving. Moreover, they’re a great option for shops, as they allow customers carrying their shopping bags to exit without having to use their hands. Finally, they provide the easiest access for people with reduced mobility and who are visually impaired.

Generally, glass storefront doors — glass sliding doors in particular — are less secure than aluminum storefront doors. However, they can be protected by a grille, shutter, or other barrier for improved security.

Choosing The Right Pedestrian Door

Businesses use pedestrian doors, or man doors, for side door and back door applications. These types of doors are also common in industrial settings such as warehouses and manufacturing buildings.

The most common type of pedestrian door is what’s known as a hollow metal door. This is an industrial-grade door made of robust steel. Most hollow metal doors contain polystyrene and/or polyurethane insulation.

Hollow metal doors may be fire rated. This means they’re designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Fire-rated doors may be equipped with exit devices, also known as crash bars (opening bars that allow the user to open the door by pushing). In some buildings, fire-rated doors are required by law.

Parts and Hardware For Pedestrian Doors

When choosing a pedestrian door, hardware is an important consideration. Here are some of the hardware options you’ll want to pay close attention to.

• Lock set
  Always choose a lock set that’s appropriate for your security needs. Common commercial locks include cylindrical or tubular locks, mortise locks, and auxiliary locks. It’s best to consult with an expert to determine which is the right option for you.

• Trim
  The trim is the material that surrounds the door frame. It should be just as robust as the door itself.

• Threshold
  The threshold is the sill of the door. Thresholds for pedestrian doors are made of metal.

• Hinges
  Pedestrian doors tend to be heavy and to take a lot of abuse, so having sturdy, high-quality hinges is a must.

• Lever handle
  Ditto with lever handles: they also tend to get treated roughly, so choose one that can stand the test of time.

• Door closer
  Door closers are devices installed at the top of doors to control closing force and speed. They ensure that doors close quietly and that they don’t cause an injury due to slamming.

• Brush sweeps
  Brush sweeps form a barrier at the bottom of the door that prevents the infiltration of drafts, moisture, debris, insects, smoke, and fire.

• Weatherstripping
  Quality weatherstripping contributes mightily to your door’s energy efficiency.

Automatic Storefront Doors And Pedestrian Doors In Western Canada

If you need an automatic storefront door or a pedestrian door for your business, trust the team at Creative Door Services. In addition to providing comprehensive services for overhead doors, we also supply, install, maintain, and repair automatic and pedestrian doors. No matter what type of commercial door you have, you can be sure that our experienced technicians can effectively repair and maintain it. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today.