Now more than ever, automatic doors are playing an important role in many commercial businesses as well as the customer experience. The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the importance of contactless solutions like automatic entry doors. When deciding which automatic door solution is best for your business, you have three main options. 

Automatic Sliding Doors

Automatic sliding doors make a good option for a few main reasons. For one, they allow two-way traffic, both entry and exit, in one door. Additionally, they have what’s known as a “breakaway” or “breakout” feature which allows them to swing open when pushed during an emergency. This is especially important when finding a door for your location if it requires emergency exit capabilities. All automatic sliding doors include either a sensor or control mat that helps control their open and close functionality. 

Automatic Folding Doors

Folding doors are perfect when space is an issue. They provide automatic door functionality but take up less space than other options. Automatic folding doors have two or more panels that slide along a guide. When activated, they fold, or collapse, into a sort of “V” shape. Ensure that your automatic folding door is equipped with an emergency swing feature if used as a primary entry or exit option. 

Automatic Swinging Doors 

Automatic swinging doors usually come in pairs–one for entry and one for exit to allow two-way traffic. Typically one door swings inward (for entry) and the other outward (for exit) depending which side of the door you are on. It’s important with automatic swinging doors that they are labeled correctly to note the direction of traffic. 

Regardless of which automatic door solution you choose for your business, the important thing is that they provide a safe, contactless entry and exit option for your employees and customers. It is important that you ensure the Technician is AAADM Trained and Certified (American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers) to ensure the doors and installation are up to current ANSI 156.10 Safety Standards. If you think your business or building could benefit from the convenience of an automatic door, contact us. Request your free estimate here or contact us at 800-698-6783.