Access Door Specifications You should Understand

Access doors are so commonplace we can easily overlook the basic requirements. Doors are used so frequently that their function is taken for granted. So when you are designing a new building or looking to replace your door, what exactly should you look for? What requirements should be fulfilled? Use the following guidelines and you will create functional success for your access doors.

Purpose

The first thing you should ask yourself is – what is the purpose of this door? Perhaps this is the door your customers will be using to gain access to your building. Maybe it is a bay door that opens to allow trucks to deliver product. Or maybe it is the front door to a residential dwelling. The type of door you choose will depend on its function. For example, if you are creating a store front the door must be user friendly while still meeting safety standards. Adding windows or having glass doors can also be a good solution because it allows customers to look inside your store and build their interest in your product. No matter what type of building it is, knowing the purpose of the door will guide you in your search of the most optimal access door.

Safety Requirements

Another aspect to consider for access doors are the safety requirements. Doors are the entry and exit point for rooms and buildings therefore different safety requirements are necessary for different access points. For example, doors into workshops need to be fire rated, as per the building code. This means they must fully close on their own and be able to withstand the heat of a burning fire. Other requirements could include shatter-proof glass or doors with windows that allow for sight lines to what is on the other side. Safety requirements are enforced by both building codes and individual business needs. Before you install a new door check with your local building code and make sure the door meets the safety needs of your business.

Aesthetic Appeal

Doors are the entry point to your business or home. While their function is paramount, so is the aesthetic appeal. Whether you are looking to retrofit a door onto an existing building or match a new door to a new building keeping with the design of the building itself is extremely important. A door that does not match the building it’s affixed to stands out, and not in a good way. When choosing the door think about what color the building is, what material it’s made of and the size of the building. For example, large buildings should have large doors. Scale is important. A small door on a huge building looks odd. Just as a large glass door on an old wooden building does not look right. The viewer cannot always pick out exactly what is wrong with the design, but their brain can register that something just doesn’t work. Aesthetic appeal matters. The building your business is housed is in a part of your marketing. If you have a run-down or odd-looking building, people will associate those eccentricities with your business. So, do yourself a favor and choose a door that matches your building style.

Material

Like other elements of the door, the material it’s constructed from matters greatly. Numerous factors should go into choosing the correct material for the door. As previously mentioned, the design of the building itself should be a factor. For example, a wood door fits well with a timber-sided building, a steel door on a contemporary building, a glass door on a building filled with windows – the list goes on. The safety requirements of the door should also be a factor when choosing the material. For example, a door needs to be made of glass so that sights lines can be maintained, whereas another door may need to be fire-rated. Each type of material will dictate what sort of door can be installed and what functions it can provide.

Climate

Depending on where your building is located, your access door will need to withstand different pressures. For example, a building in British Columbia will need the door to be able to put up with constant rain. By comparison, the city of Ottawa deals with frequent changes in weather and a significant freeze/thaw cycle. Your access door will need to be able to deal with the expansion and contraction that comes with these cycles. When you are considering what climate your door needs to withstand, you should also consider the climate inside your building. Is the door for a restaurant, where there will be constant heat from the kitchen? Or a plant nursery, where the temperature is quite high and the air is humid. Or maybe your building is a cold storage warehouse that contains a large refrigeration unit. Climate both indoors and outdoors matter when selecting your door.

Choosing the best access door for your building requires many different factors. The purpose of the door will affect what kind you choose and the material it’s made from. Any safety requirements outlined by the building code will also affect the type of door that is installed. As will the climate in which your building resides. Finally, the aesthetics of the overall building will need to be taken into consideration. When choosing your new door, do not underestimate the value of each of these factors. The right door gives your business the right access.

Discover the perfect doors that fulfill your specific requirements and cater to your unique needs at Best Access Doors. Our extensive inventory offers a wide range of options, from sturdy steel to lightweight aluminum bases, as well as fire-resistant and soundproof variants. Take a moment to browse through our diverse collection of products to explore the possibilities.

If you find yourself uncertain or have any questions, our dedicated team of knowledgeable client service representatives is standing by, eager to assist you. We understand that selecting the right door can be a critical decision, and we are here to provide the guidance and support you need. Whether you prefer the convenience of online communication or prefer a personal conversation, we are just a click or phone call away.

At Best Access Doors, we prioritize your satisfaction and strive to ensure that you have a seamless experience from start to finish. Trust us to help you find the ideal doors that align with your vision and meet your project's requirements. Contact us today and let us assist you in making the right choice for your needs.