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What Are Kick Plates and Why You Need Them?

October 4, 2022 | Commercial Doors

swinging door kick platesWhat do you do when you need to open a door, but your hands are full? If you’re like most Americans, you use your foot. In residential homes, this tendency leads to a lot of scuff and scratches. In commercial businesses, however, it can lead to serious damage.

Restaurants, retail shops, warehouses, hospitals, theaters, convention centers, and factories not only deal with higher foot traffic, but also equipment such as carts and dollies. Repeated impacts from staff, customers, and hand trucks can significantly shorten a door’s lifespan, forcing owners to replace them more frequently.

What’s the solution? Kick plates ‒ a simple strip of metal across the bottom rail of the door. They’re normally 10-16 inches high, though they can cover the lower half of the door entirely if waist high impacts are more common. (In hospitals, for instance, as they transport stretchers.)

Kick plates act as armor plating, absorbing impacts in order to protect the door from damage. They’re made mostly from aluminum or steel. Plastic and vinyl plates are also available, though they don’t last nearly as long. Kick plates are always installed on the push side of the door. They’re one of the most affordable cost saving devices you can purchase. A kick plate extends the lifespan of your door by years without any need for maintenance or repair.

Installing Kick Plates in Your Business

Vortex offers a full range of door accessories, including kick plates. Our team can identify which doors will benefit from them most and which type of plate will hold up best. Contact us today for help protecting your doors and your business.

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Claire S.
Eric and Ismael were super kind and efficient. Another company installed a door at our warehouse, poorly, which caused us to shut our business down for a few hours. We called Vortex to come and fix the door for us, within an hour they were here and these guys knew what they were doing, fixed all the issues, and got us back in business quickly. I really appreciate the professionalism, efficiency and knowledge.
Alyssa N.
I cannot sing enough praises about Anthony, the door repair man who came to our rescue when we found ourselves in the midst of a door disaster. From the moment he arrived, it was clear that he was not just an ordinary repairman; he was a superhero in disguise. With his charming demeanor and infectious enthusiasm, Anthony approached our faulty door with unwavering confidence. His passion for his craft was evident as he assessed the situation, providing insightful explanations of the problem and assuring us that he had everything under control. What struck me most about Anthony was his unwavering dedication to his work. He possessed a commitment to excellence and an attention to detail that was truly remarkable. Anthony patiently explained each step of the repair process to us, making sure we understood the intricacies involved. His expertise was unparalleled. It was as if he possessed an innate understanding of doors and their inner workings. With swift and precise movements, he skillfully disassembled and reassembled the door, effortlessly navigating through the labyrinth of springs, hinges, and locks. It was truly a sight to behold. But what truly set Anthony apart was his genuine concern for our safety. As he worked, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure and reliable door, going above and beyond to ensure that our office would be protected from any potential dangers. It was evident that he genuinely cared about the well-being of his clients and took immense pride in his ability to provide them with peace of mind. By the time Anthony finished his work, our door looked and functioned better than ever before. It was a seamless, flawless transformation that left us in awe of his skills. But beyond his technical prowess, Anthony left a lasting impact on us with his kindness, professionalism, and genuine passion for his craft. In the end, Anthony may not have become the firefighter he once aspired to be, but in our eyes, he is a true hero. His ability to rescue us from the perils of a faulty door was nothing short of remarkable. I cannot recommend Anthony highly enough to anyone in need of door repair services. With him, you can expect nothing less than outstanding service, exceptional craftsmanship, and a genuine dedication to your safety and satisfaction. Thank you, Anthony, for being the door repair superhero we never knew we needed.
Josh J.
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Jose was an excellent technician. The door is operating better than it ever has.
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