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Commercial Storefront Door

How to Design a Commercial Door Entryway

02/09/23
by Wayne Foreman

Your company's front door is an opportunity to make a good first impression on your customers, clients, and visitors. Since you only get one chance to make a first impression, you might as well make it a good one. The more welcoming your entrance is, the more comfortable your patrons will feel inside your space.  A commercial door entryway is essential, but you'll also need to know that your door won't leave your building vulnerable to break-ins and other threats. When designing your commercial door, you'll want to find a balance between inviting and secure. 

Selecting an Inviting Commercial Door Entryway

When picking out your door, you’ll want to choose a color you like while ensuring that it’s inviting and blends in with the rest of your property. A glass window will allow patrons to look inside your business, which can convert window shoppers to paying customers!

You must also make sure the door you choose is ADA-compliant unless you have multiple entrances. Then, only one must be accessible, with proper signage to indicate the difference. 

A logo is more than a decoration. Your customers can quickly identify your space when it’s visible in your entryway. Adding decorative elements like plants will create a visual reference. Combining these features will tell your customers you care about your business and image. 

Top Commercial Door Materials For Security  

Choosing the right material for your commercial door is one of the best ways to guarantee that your entryway is secure. The specific material you need depends on your enterprise’s security needs.

Wood

Wooden doors are a good choice for commercial entryways due to their solid core and resistance to wear and tear. Commercial wooden doors may have fire-rated cores for additional protection against fire. 

Metal 

Metal is the best option when security is a top priority. These doors are fire-resistant, capable of withstanding the elements, and effective at deterring break-ins. They’re also harder to damage than other materials, and their hollow cores help regulate heating and cooling costs. 

Additional Commercial Door Security Features 

After you've decided on a material for your door, you'll want to consider additional security features to enhance its overall safety. There’s a wide variety of security features to choose from, so it’s essential to consider the specific level of protection the door requires.

Alarms 

Entryway alarms have been around for decades and have been proven effective against break-ins. Some alarms emit a loud, continuous noise, while others are silent, alerting emergency services of incidents without creating an uproar or tipping off the criminal.

RFID Locks

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) scanners differ from standard keyed locks in that they’re compatible with smartphones and keycards and only open when the correct electronic tag is used.

Biometric Scanners 

Biometric scanners can be combined with other security features to provide additional security. For instance, fingerprints and face scans create biometric keys that only allow authorized users to unlock the door. This method is more secure because biometric information cannot be stolen or copied, unlike keys and passcodes.

Door Security Hardware 

Door material and alarm systems aren’t the only safety measures you should think about — the right hardware can also serve to reinforce your commercial door.

Hinges 

Hinges hold doors in place and allow them to open and close. You can enhance the security of your door by using a butt or ball-bearing hinge. 

Butt hinges are among the most types of common door hinges. They work well with heavy doors, as they’re more durable (and therefore secure) than surface hinges. 

Ball-bearing hinges are more resistant to wear and tear. This type of hinge has permanently lubricated bearings that make them capable of withstanding regular use without damage.

Locks 

The lock is every door’s first line of defense against unwanted entry. You can choose from the following options:

These devices can add an extra layer of protection to your commercial door.  

Closers 

A door closer allows your door to close completely without manual guidance. These devices come in many options. If security is a key concern, consider a high-security, tamper-proof electronic device that will reduce door closure speed and deter intrusions. 

Safeguard Your Business with a New Commercial Door 

Trust the experienced team at CDF Distributors to help you choose the best door to protect your business. Contact us today!

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