Selecting the Right Commercial Exterior Door:
When choosing commercial exterior doors, building owners should ensure they select the best option for their specific needs. This decision is critical due to the prevalence of low-quality, unsecure doors in the market.
Diverse Door Technologies: Modern commercial doors have evolved, offering a range of technologies. This means that the traditional "one size fits all" approach is no longer sufficient.
Material and Compliance Choices: From fiberglass doors that resist rust to hardware changes for safety, the material and design choices are endless. It's important to consider how each option aligns with your operational needs.
Frame Considerations: Often overlooked, the condition of the door frame is crucial. Replacing or repairing frames that are separating, twisted, or not aligned with the opening is vital for the door's security and longevity.
Quality and Durability: Assured Security focuses on providing high-quality doors, frames, and hardware. Our goal is to ensure longevity and reduce the need for frequent servicing or replacements.
Experience and Innovation: With a strong background in replacing and repairing doors in various complex scenarios, Assured Security brings innovative solutions to each project.
Advanced Exterior Business Door Solutions
Assured Security distinguishes itself as a leader in providing superior exterior business door solutions in the Twin Cities. Our approach is grounded in our experience, which includes:
- Expertise in Door Replacement and Repair: We specialize in replacing and repairing doors and frames in various challenging settings, ensuring each installation is precise and secure.
- Innovative Solutions for Complex Installations: We often encounter complex scenarios, such as installations where minimizing damage to surrounding wall material is crucial, or adapting doors and frames to fit unique structural requirements. Our problem-solving skills and use of high-quality materials enable us to effectively tackle these challenges.
- Carefully Vetted Manufacturers: The manufacturers we partner with have been thoroughly vetted and tested by us for quality. This ensures that the doors and frames we provide are not only reliable but also solve the common quality-related problems we encounter in the field.
- Exceptional Customer Communication: We believe in going above and beyond in our communication with customers throughout the installation process. This includes managing expectations regarding installation duration, access during the process, and addressing any weather-related issues.
- Efficiency in Installation: While we typically aim to complete installations within a day, we ensure the site is securely closed off if the project extends beyond a single day.
Commercial Exterior Doors and Frames: Understanding the Basics
What is a Commercial Exterior Door and Frame?
Commercial exterior doors and frames stand out for their robust construction and specific design features. Commonly made from materials like steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, these doors are designed for durability and security.
Unlike typical residential doors, exterior commercial doors are not usually made of wood. Some commercial doors might include glass for visibility or aesthetic appeal.
They are often installed in block openings and come in standard sizes like 3’ X 7’ or 3’ x 6’8”, adhering to ADA minimum requirements, but they can be larger to accommodate commercial needs. The thickness of these doors starts at 1.75 inches, contributing to their sturdiness.
Distinctive Features Compared to Non-Commercial Options
Commercial doors differ significantly from residential doors in size, thickness, material, and technology. Residential doors are typically made of wood or steel-clad materials, with common sizes around 2’8” x 7’. They have a thickness ranging from 1 3/8” to 1.75”. Residential frames usually consist of thinner wood compared to the more robust frames used in commercial settings.
Differences from Interior Doors and Frames
The primary difference between commercial exterior doors and interior doors is in the frame material. While the door material might be similar, with wood being more common, the frames for commercial doors are often metal, offering enhanced durability and security compared to interior doors.
The Installation Process of Commercial Exterior Doors and Frames
- Pre-Installation Inspection and Planning: The installation begins with a thorough pre-installation inspection. This involves meeting with the client, surveying the door opening, and providing a quote, typically handled by a lead installer or installation manager. Expectation setting is crucial, with quotes usually provided within a week of the survey.
- Selection Process: Based on the initial survey, a recommendation is made, considering the specific needs of the opening. This may include factors like the door's purpose (e.g., delivery, front entry), ADA compliance needs, door swing adjustments, or structural changes to the opening, such as expanding for a double door setup.
- Execution of Installation: Installation day is planned with contingencies for weather, as a tent can be used for rain or snow conditions. Since most items are not readily available in stock and need to be ordered, same-day installation is rare. In emergency situations, temporary door installation might be feasible.
- Project Completion and Checks: The installation typically takes a day, with multiple checks to ensure the door functions properly. It’s vital to have the client inspect and approve the work before completion.
- After-Installation Support: Post-installation support includes addressing any issues with the door, frame, or hardware. This service is usually offered at no charge if problems arise due to installation or workmanship.
Assured Security’s Approach: Going the Extra Mile
Assured Security stands apart in the realm of commercial security solutions by offering a comprehensive one-stop-shop service. This method recognizes that security management can be complicated, involving elements such as doors, locks, alarms, cameras, and access control systems.
We Simplify: We combine our understanding of your unique needs with our capability to innovate, simplifying the management of security threats and accessibility for you.
We Care: By getting to know you and your business, we provide tailored service and solutions that align perfectly with your specific requirements.
We Solve: Staying ahead of evolving security threats is crucial. We use our experience to continuously develop new and improved security products and services, ensuring you're always a step ahead.
Commercial Exterior Doors and Frames Options
When it comes to commercial exterior doors and frames, the choices are diverse, catering to different functional and aesthetic requirements.
Commonly Used Options
- Paint and Insulation: Frames and doors are typically primed and ready for painting in a color of your choice. Insulating the frames is a standard practice, enhancing energy efficiency.
- Material Thickness: Increasing the thickness of the material (e.g., using 16-gauge frames with 18-gauge doors, or even 14-gauge for enhanced robustness) adds to the door’s sturdiness and security.
- Door Insulation and Soundproofing: Insulation within the door varies based on R-rating needs, with polystyrene being a common choice. For soundproofing needs, such as in recording studios, doors with higher Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings are available.
Expert-Recommended Options
- Security Enhancements: Recommendations often include full-length latch guards against prying, heavy-duty door closers for durability, and exit devices for safe and easy egress.
Uncommon but Unique Options
- While not as common, doors can be customized with unique features like logos or graphics upon request, catering to specific branding or aesthetic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Exterior Door Be Installed in the Winter?
Yes, exterior doors can be installed in winter. Special measures, such as using a tent for rain or snow, ensure the installation process is not hindered by weather conditions.
Can an Exterior Door Be Installed on the Interior of a Building?
Yes, an exterior door can be installed inside a building if needed.
Are Exterior Commercial Doors More Expensive than Interior Commercial Doors?
The cost varies depending on the material and size. Exterior doors are not necessarily more expensive; it depends on the specifications.
Do Frames Need to Be Replaced When a Door Is Replaced?
Replacement of frames is not always necessary. It is recommended only if the frame’s longevity is questionable compared to the new door.
Can an Exterior Commercial Door be Repaired Instead of Replaced?
Repair is often a viable option. Techniques such as adding a continuous hinge for broken hinge pockets, welding a new bottom to a rotted frame, or installing a wrap plate for damaged lever/lock areas are common repair methods.
