Three things you may not know about automatic doors

Like most of the unassuming things in life, there’s more to automatic doors than meets the eye. That’s why we’re highlighting three things you may not know about automatic doors.

1: Automatic doors can boost your ADA compliance

Automatic doors are the unsung heroes of accessibility. Each and every day, they provide access for everyone – including people with limited mobility and those with disabilities.

Because of this, installing an automatic door at your facility can help you meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into US law in 1990, the ADA has a variety of requirements based on the building and the door type. A few of the categories include:

·       Clear opening width

·       Threshold height

·       Push force and closing speed

Regardless of what your unique requirement is, automatic doors are a great solution. Chances are, they will help you meet code and provide customers with the easiest form of access. Win-win!

If cost concerns are holding you back, many states offer grants and/or tax incentives for organizations who actively pursue ADA compliance. To learn more, check out this Legislative Update Index, published and updated by the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM). 

2: Automatic doors are complex machines (but we make it simple).

One of the things that people appreciate about automatic doors is their ease of use. But even though they look simple on the outside, inside every automatic door is a set of intricate mechanisms that makes it function.

Why does that matter? Several reasons:

Choosing the right door. When it comes to choosing automatic doors, the devil is in the details. Automatic doors aren’t one-size-fits-all, and finding your perfect match is all about asking the right questions. Building occupancy, environmental conditions, and code requirements are just a few factors you should be considering.

Want a rundown of the right questions to ask? Click here.

Door upkeep. Keeping your automatic door clean is like putting your best foot forward, since it’s one of the first things your customers see when they visit your business. Still, because doors are complex machines, there are some important dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning. For example, you should always avoid power washing your door… water can damage the mechanics inside the header. 

For more of a deep dive into how to clean your automatic door, read this blog post.   

Servicing your door. When your door needs a repair, be sure that your service provider is well-versed in the complexities of equipment repair and local code. After all, you wouldn’t call a plumber to fix your electricity.

Need a repair? Request service from our 24/7 on-demand service team here.

3: Automatic doors have their own holiday

That’s right! Every year on March 19^th, we celebrate Automatic Door Day.

It’s a chance for us to stop and appreciate how much automatic doors really do impact our lives… from protecting us from germs to providing access for all.