How to choose the right automatic door for your building

Selecting the correct type of automatic door and automation for your building is crucial for ensuring its safety, efficiency, and aesthetics. Here we will provide you with some valuable tips and insights to help you make an informed decision on what automatic door would best suit your building project.

Different types of buildings will have different automatic door and access requirements

Take a hospital building for example, automatic doors here will require the ability to open and close easily to allow seamless movement for patients, staff, and visitors. These automated doors must also have the ability to be locked in place when needed to ensure patient privacy and security. A hospital will also need an automatic door solutions that is easy to clean and maintain, so that the environment can be kept hygienic at all times.

In contrast, a shopping centre with its constant flow of people, will require automatic doors that can be opened by anyone, including individuals with disabilities or those carrying shopping bags. This will ensure easy access and exit to the building premises and stores within it. The automatic doors specified here should open swiftly and remain open for a sufficient amount of time in order to accommodate the constant stream of shoppers. Not only does this seamless operation of automatic doors ensure smooth traffic flow within retail settings, it also contributes to a positive customer experience.

Whilst an office building will need automatic doors that are secure and can only be opened by authorised individuals. These automatic doors will most likely be fitted with enhanced security measures such as keycards or biometric systems. It is important to choose reliable and durable automatic door systems when it comes to commercial office spaces in order to ensure the protection of occupants and assets while streamlining daily operations.

As you can see, different types of buildings have different access and security needs, and this plays a huge part in deciding which automatic door systems will be best suited for each environment. By understanding and addressing these unique needs, architects and building managers can ensure optimal performance of the specified automatic door systems, whilst enhancing user experience within their buildings.

Explore the three most popular types of automatic doors and what applications each one is most suited to

As already mentioned, there are various styles of automatic doors, each with their own unique advantages. To help you understand their differences, let’s take a closer look at the three most popular automatic door types:

1. Sliding Doors

Automatic sliding doors provide a smooth and quiet operation which is ideal for high-traffic areas. They also offer convenience and space-saving benefits, and can be installed on both the interior and exterior of your building. Available in a variety of styles, including single and double leaf, they are a popular choice for commercial buildings, retail centres, and airports because they offer easy access to customers and employees while still providing security. Considerations for installation and maintenance should include ensuring suitable access control integration, safety features, and regular maintenance.

2. Swing Doors

Automatic swing doors offer a more traditional look and can be customised to match your building’s aesthetics. They are suitable for buildings such as hospitals as they can accommodate high footfall while ensuring smooth and seamless traffic flow. With sensors that detect approaching individuals, these doors open automatically, allowing for easy passage. Reducing congestion in busy hospital corridors, and providing convenient and efficient entry and exit point for patients, visitors, and staff. In emergency situations, the swing doors allow for manual operation which is crucial to ensure swift access for medical personnel and equipment.

3. Revolving Doors

Automatic revolving doors provide elegant entrances and help to manage traffic flow effectively in buildings such as hotels and commercial offices. With multiple compartments that allow people to enter and exit simultaneously to create a seamless entrance experience, even during peak hours. These automatic doors also offer energy savings by minimising drafts and air infiltration. And, in addition to their practical advantages, revolving doors also elevate the overall aesthetic of a building. With various design options and customisation features available, they can create a grand and elegant entrance that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Consider these important factors when choosing an automatic door for your building project

When selecting an automatic door for a building, it is crucial to consider various different factors to ensure that the chosen option meets the specific needs of the project you are specifying. These include:

Building Requirements

First and foremost, understanding the volume and patterns of foot traffic in the building is vital for choosing the right type of automatic door. Buildings with high traffic flow, such as airports, shopping centres, or hospitals, may benefit from sliding doors or wide swing doors that can accommodate a large number of people entering and exiting simultaneously. On the other hand, buildings with more controlled traffic flow, like offices, hotels or residential buildings, may opt for revolving doors or standard swing doors.

Accessibility is another critical consideration when selecting an automatic door. It is essential to ensure that the chosen door complies with accessibility standards and regulations such as Part M to accommodate individuals with disabilities / reduced mobility. Features such as low-energy operation, sensors for detecting approaching individuals, and clear markings for push buttons or contactless entry are key aspects to consider to enhance accessibility for all users.

Security features play a significant role in the selection of automatic doors for buildings. Access control systems, such as keycard readers or biometric scanners, can enhance security by restricting entry to authorised personnel only. Additionally, incorporating emergency exit capabilities in automatic doors is essential to ensure a safe evacuation in case of emergencies. Features like panic bars, breakaway doors, or easily accessible manual override controls should be included to facilitate swift and safe egress during critical situations.

Energy Efficiency

Different types of automatic doors have different levels of energy efficiency, therefore selecting the right type of automatic door can result in significant energy savings and environmental benefits for your building. Therefore, one of the primary factors to consider is the impact of the door type on overall energy consumption.

Sliding doors, for example, have the potential to be more energy-efficient compared to swing doors because they open and close quickly, minimising the amount of time the door remains open. This helps prevent unnecessary air exchange between the interior and exterior of the building, reducing heating or cooling loss, and saving on energy costs.

Additionally, looking for specific energy-saving features in automatic doors can further enhance their efficiency. Some automatic doors come with a low-power mode, which reduces energy consumption during periods of low or no use. This is particularly useful in buildings during off-peak hours or when foot traffic is minimal.

The choice of glass used in the automatic door can also make a significant difference in energy efficiency. Opting for energy-efficient glass panels, such as those with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings or double-glazed options, can provide improved insulation properties. Using this type of glass in your automatic door can help to reduce heat transfer, keeping the interior spaces cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather.

Insulation options for the automatic door, including the door frame and surrounding structures, should also be considered. Doors with good insulation properties can minimise heat transfer through the door assembly, reducing the workload on heating and cooling systems in the building.

It is worth noting that proper installation and regular maintenance of automatic doors are essential for optimal energy efficiency. Inspecting seals, weather-stripping, and other components regularly can help identify and address any potential energy leaks or issues.

Aesthetics and Design

The aesthetic appeal of your automatic door should match the overall architecture of your building to enhance its curb appeal. And one of the key considerations is the customisation options available for the automatic door. Look for options that allow you to match the frame colour of the door to the existing façade or desired design theme, to seamlessly integrate the automatic door into the overall aesthetic of the building.

Another important aspect to consider is glass design. here are many options available to choose from, including clear, frosted, textured, or even decorative glass patterns. The type of glass you choose can add a touch of elegance and style to the entrance. Additionally, frosted or textured glass can provide privacy while still allowing natural light to enter the building.

Branding elements can also be incorporated into the design of the automatic door. This could include things like your company logos, signage, or any other visual elements that align with your brand. Customising the automatic door with branding elements helps to create a cohesive look and reinforces the brand image for visitors and all those who pass by.

When tailoring your automatic door to your specific design preferences it’s important to speak with an automatic doors specialists who can guide you through the available choices, and help you select the design elements that best suit your building’s architectural style.

Purchase your automatic door from a reputable supplier, and ensure it is properly installed and maintained

• Reputable Supplier – It’s important to buy your automatic door from a reputable supplier as it ensures the quality of the product and provides the assurance of a comprehensive warranty. Choosing a reputable supplier like KCC Group means you can be confident in the fact that the automatic door you are purchasing meets industry standards and has undergone rigorous testing for durability and functionality.
• Professional Installation – Professional installation is crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of your automatic door. Look for reputable automatic door installers with experience and expertise to ensure a smooth installation process. They will be familiar with industry best practices, and will also ensure that the automatic door is installed in compliance with safety regulations and building codes.
• Regular Maintenance – Perform routine inspections and cleaning of your automatic door to keep it in optimal condition. Regular lubrication of moving parts and timely troubleshooting of common issues can prevent major problems. Implement a maintenance schedule to extend the lifespan of your automatic doors. Consider our Service Level Agreement option for a reliable preventative maintenance solution.

KCC Group Automatic Door Specialist

Choosing the right automatic door for your building is essential. By considering factors such as building requirements, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and maintenance, you can make an informed choice. At KCC Group, our automatic door specialists are on hand to help you specify the right automatic door solution for your building project. Get in touch!