Are you looking for durable, stylish, and long-lasting doors for your business? Commercial aluminum doors are a popular choice for many reasons. They offer a modern aesthetic, are incredibly strong, and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for various commercial spaces, including stores, offices, and restaurants.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about commercial aluminum doors, including styles, key features, installation tips, and why they might be the perfect fit for your business.
Why Choose Aluminum Doors for Your Business?
Aluminum stands out as a superior material for commercial doors because it offers a unique blend of benefits:
- Durability and Longevity: Aluminum doors are incredibly strong and resistant to damage from everyday use and harsh weather. They won’t rust or rot, ensuring a long lifespan. If you’re considering options for your garage, comparing aluminum vs. steel garage doors might be a useful first step to determine what suits your requirements.
- Modern Aesthetics: With their sleek and clean lines, aluminum doors give your business a contemporary and inviting feel. They are available in various colors and styles, allowing you to match your brand.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike some materials, alu doors are remarkably easy to care for. They don’t require much cleaning or fixing, saving you time and money.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Aluminum is a recyclable material. Choosing aluminum doors helps your business contribute to sustainable practices.
- Enhanced Natural Light: Many aluminum alloy doors feature expansive glass panels, which maximize natural light and make your business feel brighter and more welcoming. For commercial buildings, the benefits of aluminum doors go far beyond just aesthetics, also impacting energy costs and long-term value.
Exploring Different Styles of Aluminum Doors
Commercial aluminum doors are not one-size-fits-all. Here are common styles to consider:
- Narrow Stile Doors: These doors have thin frames, maximizing glass area for better views and a more modern look. Ideal for businesses seeking an open and airy feel. Understanding the differences between aluminum door types is crucial when making your choice.
- Typical Stile Size: 2 inches
- Max Width: 3’ 6″
- Max Height: 8′
- Medium Stile Doors: Offering a balance of strength and aesthetics, these doors have moderately sized frames and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Typical Stile Size: 3 ½ inches
- Max Width: 4′
- Max Height: 9′
- Wide Stile Doors: With their thick frames, these doors are robust and offer enhanced security, making them suitable for high-traffic or high-security environments.
- Typical Stile Size: 5 inches
- Max Width: 4′
- Max Height: 9′
- Oversized Doors: These doors are custom-made for larger entrances and require reinforced frames to maintain structural integrity.
- Stile Size: Varies depending on door dimensions.
- Width: Varies
- Height: Varies
- Single or Double Doors: Choose between single doors for standard entrances or double doors for wider openings accommodating heavy foot traffic.
- Sliding Doors: These space-saving doors slide horizontally, offering an elegant and functional option for entrances where space is limited.
- Bifold Doors: Perfect for creating flexible indoor/outdoor spaces, bifold doors fold accordion-style when opened, maximizing the opening.
Key Features of Commercial Aluminum Doors
Aluminum doors offer a wide array of features that can be tailored to your business needs:
- Frames: Choose from flush (smooth with the wall), recessed (for a modern look), or projected frames (adding depth to the entrance).
- Glass Options:
- Clear Glass: Provides maximum visibility.
- Tinted Glass: Reduces glare and heat.
- Frosted or Etched Glass: Offers privacy while allowing light to pass through.
- Tempered Glass: Strong and shatter-resistant.
- Laminated Glass: Highly durable with added protection against breakage.
- Insulated Glass: Improves energy efficiency.
- Hardware: Including handles (push or pull), locks (standard, deadbolt, or access control), hinges (offset pivots, butt hinges, or center pivots), and closers (to ensure smooth and secure closing).
- Bottom Rails: Typically 10 inches, adhering to ADA guidelines.
- Weatherstripping: Prevents air and water infiltration, improving building comfort and energy efficiency.
- Panic Devices: For rapid exit during emergencies.
- Customization: Aluminum doors can be tailored in size, color, and finish. Businesses can also add logos or other branding.
- Finishes:
- Anodized: Offers clear and dark bronze finishes for protection.
- Powder Coat & Kynar Paint: Provides a vast array of colors and excellent durability.
- Custom Clad: Including stainless steel and brass cladding for a unique look.
- White: A clean and modern choice.
How to Install Commercial Aluminum Doors
Proper installation is essential for the long-term performance of your aluminum doors. Here’s a basic process:
- Precise Measurement and Planning: Measure the door opening accurately, considering the dimensions and any necessary electrical or plumbing work.
- Secure Framing: Ensure the door frame is strong, level, and straight, providing proper support.
- Weatherproofing: Use high-quality weatherstripping, thresholds, and seals to prevent drafts and water leaks.
- Hardware Installation: Install handles, locks, hinges, and closers correctly, following manufacturer instructions.
- Finishing: Add trim, signs, and logos to complete the desired appearance.
- Rough Opening Calculation: Remember to add 1/4 inch to both the door frame width and height for the rough opening:
- Rough Opening Width = Door Frame Width + 1/4 Inch
- Rough Opening Height = Door Frame Height + 1/4 Inch
Maintenance for Long-Lasting Performance
Maintaining your aluminum doors is simple:
- Regular Cleaning: Use mild soap and water for cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals. Clean glass with a soft cloth.
- Damage Inspection: Check for dents, scratches, or cracks and address them promptly.
- Hardware Lubrication: Keep moving parts like hinges and locks lubricated.
ADA Compliance for Accessibility
Ensure your doors comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by paying attention to these rules:
- 10-inch Smooth Bottom Rail: Provides easy access for wheelchairs.
- Threshold: No more than 1/2 inch high.
- Doorway: Minimum 32 inches wide (requiring at least a 36-inch door).
- Door Height: Minimum 6’8″ (80 inches).
- Closing Time: At least 5 seconds to close.
- Opening Force: Maximum 8.5 lbs of force for exterior doors.
Common Types of Commercial Aluminum Doors
- Storefront Doors: Primarily used in retail, with large glass areas to showcase products.
- Entrance Doors: Designed for main building entrances, offering both security and appeal.
- Full-View Doors: Maximizing glass for an open feel, common in restaurants and car dealerships.
- Sectional Doors: Panel-based doors, ideal for spaces with limited clearance.
- Hollow Metal Doors: Robust doors suitable for high-traffic areas in schools and hospitals. Before making a decision, consider the differences between aluminum vs PVC doors to see which material better suits your needs, particularly when dealing with environmental conditions.
Comparing Aluminum Doors to Other Materials
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lightweight, rust-resistant, easy to install, customizable, recyclable | Less insulation, can dent, may be more expensive for customization |
| Steel | Very strong, secure, fire-resistant, low maintenance | Limited design options, heavy, can rust if not maintained, more expensive |
| Wood | Good looks, insulation, versatile designs | Requires regular maintenance, can warp/rot, more expensive |
| Fiberglass | Durable, energy-efficient, good insulation, dent and scratch-resistant | More expensive upfront, colors may fade over time |
| Glass | Modern look, lets in light, customizable | Less secure, regular cleaning needed, might not suit all applications |
| Hollow Metal | Very strong, secure, fire-resistant, customizable for security | Can rust if not maintained, heavy, proper sealing and painting necessary |
Understanding the Cost of Aluminum Doors
The cost of commercial aluminum doors can vary, depending on:
- Door Type: Sliding, bifold, or custom doors can be more costly.
- Door Size: Larger doors tend to have a higher price.
- Features: Special glass, hardware, or finishes will increase the cost.
- Customization: Custom designs will impact the overall cost.
It’s beneficial to consult with reputable manufacturers like Hotian – a company renowned for quality and reliability in the field of commercial aluminum doors. we can provide detailed quotes and guide you through the selection process. Get multiple quotes to ensure the best price. Consider the long-term benefits of low maintenance and energy savings when evaluating costs. A commercial aluminum door buying guide can provide you with more insight into the factors influencing pricing and quality, ensuring a worthwhile purchase.
Future Trends in Commercial Aluminum Doors
- Smart Technology: Expect features such as keyless entry and remote controls.
- Sustainable Materials: Look for more use of recycled and eco-friendly materials.
- Custom Designs: Increased options for bespoke colors, finishes, and designs.
Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Your Business
Commercial aluminum doors are a smart investment for any business, providing durability, aesthetic appeal, and easy maintenance. By understanding the styles, features, installation steps, and available options, you can confidently choose the right aluminum doors to enhance your business’s appearance, security, and functionality.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
