Maybe you’re still unconvinced about investing in one of those commercial doors? In fact, are heavy-duty commercial doors even worth the price tag? In a year of unprecedented inflation, businesses are scrambling to find ways to reduce costs. But what if we told you that investing in a high-quality commercial steel door in 2023 could be a real game changer? This article will explore the many benefits of investing in a commercial steel door this year!
What are Commercial Doors?
Commercial doors aka hollow metal steel doors and more, are specifically designed for use in commercial and industrial settings, such as office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. These doors are constructed with durability and security in mind, as they need to withstand high traffic, heavy usage, and potential security threats.
Unlike non-commercial doors, which are typically used in residential settings, commercial doors are built to handle the demands of a busy environment and provide enhanced protection. They are made from high-quality materials like steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, which offer superior strength and resistance to wear and tear. We also got to mention that high-quality commercial doors often come with advanced features like reinforced frames, robust locking mechanisms, and fire-rated options to ensure safety and compliance with building codes.
Now Let’s talk Benefits to your Business!
Alright, now that you know a little bit more about commercial doors let’s cover some of the key benefits they may have to your business.
1. Enhanced Security
Let’s talk steel and how it can keep you safe! Yes, an excellent high-quality heavy metal commercial door is guaranteed to enhance security in most settings.
Firstly, the use of high-quality steel material makes these heavy metal doors highly resistant to forced entry and tampering. The strength and durability of steel make it difficult for intruders to break through, providing an added layer of protection for your business premises.
As well, reinforced steel doors often come with advanced features such as reinforced frames and robust locking mechanisms. These features further enhance security by making it even more challenging for unauthorized individuals to gain access.
Furthermore, heavy metal steel doors offer superior security and safety due to their ability to withstand high traffic and heavy usage. They are designed to endure the demands of a busy commercial environment, making them highly reliable and long-lasting. This durability ensures that your doors remain intact and functional, reducing the risk of security breaches.
In terms of safety, steel doors can also be fire-rated, meaning they have been tested and certified to provide a certain level of fire resistance. But, don’t worry, we’ll talk more about this later!
2. Energy Efficient
Now what if we told you that investing in a commercial door can help you save money on your monthly electricity bills? Sounds great right?
Well, commercial heavy metal doors are energy efficient due to their excellent insulation properties. Of course, these doors are designed with materials like steel, which have high thermal resistance. This means that they can effectively prevent the transfer of heat between different areas, helping to maintain a consistent temperature inside the building.
By minimizing heat transfer, commercial heavy metal doors reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption and cost savings. They can help businesses maintain a comfortable indoor environment while reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.
As well, some commercial heavy metal doors are equipped with weatherstripping and seals, which further enhance their energy efficiency by preventing drafts and air leakage. This helps to keep the interior space well-insulated and reduces the loss of conditioned air.
3. Fire-rated commercial doors keep the occupants of your building safe
Do you recall the conversation we had about security? By law, commercial businesses are obligated to make sure exits (doors) are fire-safe. So, what exactly is a fire-rated door?
A fire-rated hollow metal steel door is specifically designed and tested to provide a certain level of fire resistance. These doors are constructed with materials that can withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire for a specified period of time.
Fire-rated doors are made using a combination of fire-resistant materials, such as steel, gypsum, and vermiculite boards. The door frame, as well as the door leaf, are manufactured to meet specific fire safety standards.
During a fire, the fire-rated hollow metal steel door acts as a barrier, preventing the flames and smoke from spreading to other areas of the building. It helps to compartmentalize the fire and provides occupants with a safe means of escape.
The fire resistance of a fire-rated door is measured in terms of its fire rating, which indicates the duration for which the door can withstand exposure to fire. Common fire ratings include 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes.
To achieve a fire rating, fire-rated doors undergo rigorous testing procedures conducted by certified laboratories. These tests evaluate the door’s ability to withstand fire, heat, and smoke, as well as its structural integrity during a fire event.
It’s important to note that fire-rated doors should be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and maintained regularly to ensure their effectiveness in case of a fire. Additionally, building codes and regulations may require the installation of fire-rated doors in specific areas of a commercial or industrial building to comply with safety standards.
The legal and safety requirements for commercial doors
There are many codes and standards that influence the commercial steel door industry, from building regulations used during the planning and construction stages to fire codes that guarantee the safety of everyone in the building over its lifetime.
Referenced standards contain precise regulations regarding different areas like fire doors, accessibility, windstorm, energy efficiency, and sustainability. These codes and standards must be implemented by the state or local authority to be applied and, frequently, the state or local authority adds variations to the model code or standard that must be adhered to, in addition to the core document.
Below we have listed only a few important codes and standards that dictate the legal and safety requirements of commercial doors.
- The IBC (International Building Code): The purpose of the International Building Code (IBC) is to provide a set of regulations and standards for the construction and maintenance of buildings. It ensures the safety, health, and welfare of occupants by establishing minimum requirements for building design, construction materials, fire protection, accessibility, energy efficiency, and more. The IBC serves as a comprehensive guide for architects, engineers, contractors, and code officials to ensure that buildings are constructed in a safe and sustainable manner.
- The IFC (International Fire Code): The purpose of the International Fire Code (IFC) is to establish minimum regulations and standards for fire prevention, fire protection, and life safety in buildings. It aims to ensure the safety of occupants by addressing various aspects such as fire prevention measures, fire suppression systems, emergency exits, fire alarms, hazardous materials storage, and other fire-related hazards. The IFC provides guidelines and requirements for building design, construction, operation, and maintenance to minimize the risk of fire incidents and promote the overall fire safety of buildings.
- The NFPA 80: The aim of NFPA 80 is to provide regulations and standards for the installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire doors, windows, and other opening protectives. It focuses on ensuring the proper functioning and effectiveness of these fire-rated assemblies to enhance fire safety in buildings.
4. Durability and Longevity
Yes, commercial metal doors are highly durable. They are typically made from high-quality materials such as steel, aluminum, or fiberglass. These materials increase longevity and require little maintenance for several reasons.
Firstly, steel is known for its strength and durability. It is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for commercial environments with high traffic and heavy usage. Steel doors can withstand constant opening and closing without deteriorating, ensuring they remain intact and functional for a long time.
Also, the use of high-quality materials like steel, aluminum, and fiberglass enhances the overall strength and resistance of commercial doors. These materials are less prone to damage from impacts, weather conditions, and other external factors. They can withstand harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and exposure to sunlight, without warping or deteriorating.
Moreover, the materials used in commercial doors are chosen for their low maintenance requirements. Steel, aluminum, and fiberglass are all known for their durability and resistance to corrosion, rust, and rot. This means that commercial metal doors do not require frequent painting, staining, or sealing to maintain their appearance and functionality. They can withstand the elements and retain their structural integrity with minimal upkeep.
Take Away
When it comes to investing in a heavy-duty commercial steel door for your business, the advantages are undeniable. From increased security and protection to improved energy efficiency and cost savings, investing in a commercial steel door is a wise decision that could significantly benefit your business in 2023 and beyond. If youโre ready to make the jump and invest in a commercial steel door this year, then contact us today, and let us help you find the right door for your needs!