You thought we only handled big doors, huh? Well, we have the lowdown on pedestrian and storefront doors too. The industry professionals at United Door and Dock know all there is to know about all doors, big or small! We’ve got you covered whether they’re your storefront doors or the pedestrian doors inside or out of your building, hollow metal to cooler and freezer doors.

Ready? We’re about to embark on an informative journey that will elevate your business’s curb appeal while ensuring maximum functionality and safety!

Doors, Doors, and More Doors!

  • Hollow Metal Doors

    Hollow metal doors are a real crowd-pleaser in the world of commercial and industrial settings, and they reign supreme for their robust design and durability. Constructed with a sturdy steel frame, these doors feature steel panels affixed to both sides, adding an extra layer of toughness. But what’s inside, you ask? Despite their name, they aren’t entirely hollow; these doors often contain a core filled with insulating materials, contributing to their soundproofing and fire-resistant capabilities. They’re also often associated with increased security, which is paramount in business environments. The result is a door that’s not only a stalwart against potential security breaches but also capable of gracefully standing the test of time, handling wear and tear. So, if you’re after longevity, durability, and security, you can’t go wrong with a hollow metal door. Although they may seem boring, you can change them up by adding a small window or louver.

  • ADA Automatic Sliding and Swing Doors

    Automatic doors are not just a fantastic, efficient way to usher customers into your business; they also stand as a beacon of accessibility, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They’re common in retail, healthcare, and hospitality venues, where quick and effortless access is essential. Here’s where the magic lies: these doors not only reduce energy consumption, potentially bringing down those annual heating and cooling costs, but they also offer unparalleled convenience for all your customers, especially those with mobility impairments. But it doesn’t stop there – the safety of your employees and customers is also heightened. In new facilities, at least 60% of public entrances need to be wheelchair-accessible, and this extends to each accessible entrance, every leased space in multi-business buildings (think malls), entrances linking buildings with parking structures, and along required emergency escape routes. The cherry on top? There’s an array of ADA-compliant automatic door options, including swinging, folding, sliding, and rotating doors. It’s a one-stop solution for accessibility, efficiency, and safety!

Automatic Pedestrian Door
  • Fiber Glass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Doors

    Unlike wood, which demands a complete beauty regimen, or hollow steel and aluminum doors that rust, FRP storefront doors practically laugh in the face of maintenance. They may have a higher initial price tag than their metal counterparts, but their longer lifespan and
    low-maintenance nature make them a cost-effective choice. They even give a nonchalant shrug to chemicals that would tarnish stainless steel and aluminum, making them an excellent choice for specialty doors in settings like hospitals and laboratories. Lighter than aluminum or steel, yet stronger and more durable, our FRP doors promise all the security you need without weighing you down.

  • Aluminum Glass Doors

    Aluminum glass doors and frames are a hot pick in the commercial world, even more so than wood, fiberglass, or steel. Why, you ask? Let’s dive in. First up, they’re drama-free when it comes to warping. Unlike steel doors that can expand and contract when the sun decides to turn up the heat, aluminum doors remain chill. Plus, the looks, nothing jazzes up a storefront quite like a shiny, extruded aluminum door etched to perfection and sporting a clear, dark bronze or black coating. That’s not just good looks; that’s longevity right there. While steel doors surrender to the sun and bow out, aluminum stands tall, ready for more. Now, if you’re thinking about the installation, don’t worry. Aluminum doors are a breeze to work with. So, yeah, aluminum glass doors – they’re quite the package!

Revolving Door
  • Revolving Doors

    Typically made of aluminum and glass, revolving doors are standard in many commercial buildings and offer a blend of practicality and elegance. Constructed with three or four panels, these doors are positioned around a central axis and rotate in a circular motion. Their ingenious design creates an airlock, significantly reducing drafts and heat loss, making them an energy-efficient choice for businesses. Moreover, they offer a smooth traffic flow, allowing multiple people to enter and exit simultaneously, which is particularly advantageous in high-traffic areas. However, they require careful use, as improper entry or exit can cause jams. Despite this minor caveat, revolving doors’ architectural beauty and efficiency make them an enduring choice for modern buildings.

  • Walk-in Cooler and Freezer Doors

    Oh, the importance of freezer and cooler doors! Usually crafted from sturdy stainless steel, but sometimes with aluminum, they have an insulating layer of polystyrene or polyurethane (high-density foam) tucked in between. Think of them as gatekeepers – they hold back the warm outside air while keeping the chilly atmosphere contained. Now, imagine a tiny hole in a blanket on a cold winter night, letting all the warmth seep out – same idea if your freezer door isn’t up to par. The loss of cold air means your cooler or freezer has to work extra hard, which isn’t good for energy efficiency or the overall health of your cooler/freezer. These doors really do hold the fort and keep everything running smoothly! Besides ensuring a solid seal to thwart moisture and ice buildup, quality doors are durable, withstand wear and tear, and are easier to maintain. Not just a pretty face, they’re also key to meeting health and safety regulations.

Common Challenges

While pedestrian and storefront doors are vital to your business, they are also much more susceptible to issues. These doors are in high-traffic areas, being used constantly, exposed to the elements, and sometimes have the potential to be vandalized. At United Door and Dock, we do everything we can to prevent these problems from happening and fix them if they do! Here are some of the most common inconveniences your doors can give you:

  • 1
    Door Alignment Problems: This is one of the most common issues and can cause a door to stick, not latch correctly, or even let drafts in, affecting energy efficiency. Misalignment can happen due to wear and tear or even because of changes in temperature and humidity.
  • 2
    Wear and Tear: Given their high usage, these doors experience a lot of wear and tear. Hardware like hinges, handles, and locks can loosen over time, impairing functionality and security.
  • 3
    Glass Damage: Storefront doors often have large glass panels susceptible to scratches, cracks, or shattering due to impact. Not only does this look unattractive, but it can also pose a security risk.
  • 4
    Automatic Door Issues: If your storefront has automatic doors, problems can arise with the sensors not working correctly, leading to doors not opening or closing properly. This can be a significant inconvenience to customers, especially those with disabilities.
  • 5
    Inadequate Weatherstripping: Over time, the weatherstripping on your doors can degrade, leading to drafts, leaks, and higher energy costs.
  • 6
    Aesthetic Issues: Since these doors contribute to the first impression of a business, any aesthetic issues, such as peeling paint, tarnished hardware, or outdated design, can detract from the overall appearance and brand image.
  • 7
    Security Concerns: Finally, doors that don’t close or lock properly can pose a significant security risk, potentially allowing unauthorized access to the premises.
Cooler Door
United Door and Dock Technician Working on ADA Storefront Doors

Every Door Tells a Story

Your doors are more than just a physical barrier or an entrance – they reflect your business. A stylish and well-maintained door can tell a story about who you are as a company and what you stand for.

And as we’ve discovered, a wide array of doors are available, each suited to different needs and aesthetics. From charming storefront doors that welcome your customers to sturdy man doors that withstand daily use and abuse, each one has its own unique purpose and persona. Choosing and maintaining the right doors may seem like a minor detail, but it can significantly impact your business. It affects not only the security and energy efficiency of your facilities but also the overall impression your business makes.