Exploring Key Aspects to Consider When Specifying Automatic Doors

What the key factors that need to be taken into account when selecting and specifying automatic doors for different building environments? Automatic doors play a vital role in enhancing accessibility, convenience, and safety within buildings. Whether it’s an office complex, retail store, hospital, or public facility, specifying the right automatic doors requires careful consideration of various aspects. What the factors that need to be taken into account when selecting and specifying automatic doors for different building environments:

Traffic Flow and Usage Patterns: Understanding the traffic flow and anticipated usage patterns is crucial when specifying automatic doors. Factors to consider include the number of people entering and exiting the building, peak hours, type of user (trained traffic, vulnerable users, etc._, directional flow, and potential congestion points. This information will be key to determine the most suitable door types for each entrance, sliding, swing, or revolving doors, and their configurations to optimize traffic management.

Building Codes and Accessibility Compliance: Compliance with building codes and accessibility standards is essential to ensure inclusivity and adherence to regulations. Doors should be designed to accommodate wheelchair access, consider height and width requirements, incorporate tactile warning indicators, and meet minimum clearance standards. All FAAC Entrance Solutions specialists are Authorised EN16005 Technicians as awarded by the ADSA, as well as experts in the Access and Equality Act 2010 and Document Part M, so they can assist with your specification requirements.

Safety and Security Considerations: Automatic doors must prioritize safety and security for building occupants. Key factors to consider include safety sensors to prevent entrapment or collisions, emergency egress functionality, fire-rated options, and integration with the building’s security systems. It’s essential to ensure the selected automatic doors align with safety standards and are equipped with features like presence detection, motion sensors, and emergency override controls.

Environmental Factors: The environmental conditions within a building play a role in the selection of automatic doors. Consider the presence of wind, stack pressure, extreme temperatures, and humidity levels when specifying door systems. High wind areas may require doors with enhanced wind resistance, while extreme temperature environments may benefit from door systems and glass with thermal insulation properties. Additionally, energy efficiency should be considered to minimize heat loss or gain through the door system, as well as to contribute towards minimising operational carbon.

Aesthetics and Architectural Integration: Automatic doors should harmonize with the building’s aesthetics and architectural design without compromising on safety. Consider the desired materials, finishes, and overall appearance. FAAC Entrance Solutions portfolio options will allow you to choose an entrance that seamlessly integrates into the building’s style and contribute to an aesthetically pleasing environment. Customization options like glass types, frame finishes, and panel designs offer flexibility to achieve the desired look.

Maintenance and Serviceability: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the long-term performance of automatic doors. When specifying these doors, consider the ease of maintenance and serviceability. Opt for doors with accessible service panels, modular components, and diagnostic features that simplify troubleshooting and reduce downtime. FAAC Entrance Solutions offers a range of service packages and a 24h 365 helpline to ensure all your doors are maintained and repaired with minimal impact to your building or business.

In summary, specifying the right automatic doors for buildings involves considering various factors ranging from traffic flow and compliance with accessibility standards to safety, aesthetics, and environmental considerations. By carefully evaluating these aspects and collaborating with reputable manufacturers and suppliers, building owners and designers can ensure the selection of automatic doors that enhance functionality, safety, and overall user experience within the building environment.

FAAC Entrance Solutions UK have an expert Specification Team that will simplify the task for you, just get in touch with your requirements and let us do the work! architect.esuk@faactechnologies.com

@BlytheValleyPark images courtesy of IM Properties.