Best Commercial Doors for Cold Weather

January 31, 2024 | Commercial Doors

Strong doors play a vital role in cold weather. Besides preventing heat loss, they also protect equipment, preserve inventory, and help maintain productive work environments. For businesses in chilly climates, the right door can save thousands in heating costs while also ensuring compliance with government health and safety regulations. To help companies struggling with ice, snow, and winter storms, here are the best commercial doors for cold weather.

Rolling Steel Doors

Nothing withstands extreme weather better than steel. Rolling steel doors are one of the most popular and cost-effective choices for cold climates, due to their:

• Corrosion Resistance. Steel doors maintain their structural integrity even when exposed to high levels of moisture.
• Wind Resistance. When closed, rolling steel slats lock together, creating a nearly impenetrable barrier against wind and cold.
• High Tensile Strength. Sturdy construction allows steel doors to function even under stressful weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy rain, and pelting snow.
• Temperature Stability. Steel has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it expands and contracts very little in high and low temperatures. While other materials might deform in cold weather, steel is almost immune.
• Durability. Freezing temperatures add to the stress commercial doors have to endure, which also include collisions, frequent impacts, and natural wear. But even in the most punishing climates, steel doors can operate for decades without significant degradation.

Sectional Overhead Doors

Made from steel, aluminum, wood, vinyl, or fiberglass, sectional overhead doors provide a tight seal against the elements. Installing sectional doors minimizes drafts, preventing cold air from infiltrating your building and affecting your heating system. What’s more, their sturdy construction allows them to operate smoothly even in icy or snowy conditions.

At the same time, with such a wide range of available materials, they can be readily customized to fit the needs of your business. If problems occur, their sectional design makes them easy to service and repair. Damaged panels can be quickly replaced, restoring the door to its original condition with minimal disruption and expense.

Insulated Service Doors

One of the best commercial doors for cold weather, insulated doors are constructed from foam-filled urethane slats with a steel backing in order to minimize heat transfer. By providing an effective barrier against the cold, insulated doors help maintain a consistent and comfortable environment inside. Because the furnace no longer needs to work as hard to compensate for energy escaping from your building, insulated doors lower heating costs while also keeping employees warm and productive. For companies that ship, store, and manufacture pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, insulated doors also provide an additional safeguard for items that require specific temperature ranges.

They reduce mold and corrosion as well. In cold weather, differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures can lead to condensation. But strong insulation keeps surface temperatures from falling below the dew point, eliminating excess moisture inside your building. It also protects equipment, products, and materials susceptible to the cold, such as motors, electronics, and lubricants.

High-Speed Doors

Also known as high-performance doors, high-speed doors are designed to open and close rapidly. With an average speed of one meter per second, they decrease exposure to outside temperatures and lessen the strain on your heating system.

Thermal Curtain Doors

A cost-effective way to trap heat and prevent drafts, thermal curtains are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a high-strength thermoplastic that prevents the exchange of warm and cold air. Thermal curtains are generally used in high traffic areas. They cover the entire doorway, creating a flexible barrier that permits the movement of forklifts and dollies. Unlike most doors, which have to remain open during loading and unloading operations, thermal curtains create a permeable but permanent barrier during working hours. Combining them with sectional, insulated, or rolling steel doors provides comprehensive protection day and night.

Exterior Door Service and Repair

Doors exposed to cold weather experience an enormous amount of wear and tear. Vortex annual inspections and preventative maintenance programs check and service critical parts before they result in significant downtime. Our technicians not only help your business run smoothly, they can even retrofit and upgrade doors and door components, optimizing their operation and ergonomics. Contact us today to learn more!

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