The Difference Between Man Doors and Automatic Doors

Pedestrian doors, such as man doors and automatic doors, can be used for a variety of commercial and industrial applications. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.


How Are They Different?

Man doors and automatic doors are both types of pedestrian doors that allow people to access the front, side, or back of a building, including fire escapes as well as staff and customer entrances.

Man doors rely on manual operation and are often made of heavy-duty materials that can withstand demanding work conditions. They can be fire-rated and built to be blast, bullet, and hurricane resistant.

Automatic doors, on the other hand, feature motion sensors, keypads, and other electrical components to provide hands-free operation. Depending on the needs of your facility, you can choose either an automatic swing or slide system. In addition, automatic doors usually feature large glass panels and stylish hardware.

Decision Time: What to Look For

If it’s time to upgrade the pedestrian doors in your commercial facility, it’s important to consider the four following factors to help you determine which type of door is right for you.

1. Maintenance

Man doors are easier to service and maintain than automatic doors because they have fewer moving parts and don’t rely on complex electrical components to operate. This means that you can save time and money on inspections and repairs. Consequently, if you need to install several doors on your property and are looking to reduce maintenance costs, man doors might be the best option.


2. Accessibility

Unlike man doors, automatic doors make it easy for customers and employees who have their hands full, or who may have limited mobility or dexterity, to easily enter and exit your facility. These doors can also be programmed to intelligently respond to pedestrian traffic to help improve workflow. Therefore, if you have a large business with many people who come and go throughout the day, automatic doors are a good solution.

Learn More: Manual vs Automatic Pedestrian Doors

3. Security

Both automatic and man doors can be outfitted with advanced access control and locking systems, such as mortise locksets, electrified panic hardware, and maglocks. Unlike automatic doors that often have large glass panels and decorative finishing, man doors are typically made of durable, weatherproof, and fire-resistant materials that are less likely to be tampered with or kicked in. Therefore, if you own an industrial business that requires increased protection, a man door may be the best option.

4. Style

Although man doors come in a range of sizes and colours, typically they aren’t as stylish as automatic doors. In fact, automatic doors tend to feature large windows and sleek hardware that can give your facility an upscale look. Therefore, if you want a door that will reflect your business’s professionalism, an automatic door may be a good option. However, if you’re solely focused on function, a man door may be the better way to go.

If you need help determining which pedestrian doors are right for your business, the team at Creative Door ServicesTM can help you assess your needs and come up with a plan. We’re happy to provide you with expert advice on which door material, type, and features will work best for your facility.

Sign Up for Planned Maintenance

Once you choose a pedestrian door for your facility, it’s important to ensure it remains in good working order. Fortunately, Creative Door ServicesTM offers a comprehensive and flexible planned maintenance program to help you stay on top of all ongoing care. Our trained technicians will inspect your door system and let you know if there’s anything that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Man Doors in Western Canada

Whether you need a man door or automatic pedestrian door for your facility, Creative Door ServicesTM has you covered. We have one of the most extensive product catalogues in Canada and carry only industry-leading brands. We’ve been providing businesses with industrial and commercial doors for nearly five decades and are the go-to source for businesses in Western Canada. We provide smart, friendly service and are always happy to answer your questions about our products.

If you want to learn more about us or request a free quote, contact us today at one of our eight locations. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.


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