How doors for commercial buildings can be functional and look great too

All commercial buildings need to have levels of safety and security for their staff, customers, and visitors whilst on the premises – but installing and providing this security does not necessarily mean that your building needs to be presented as an industrial fortress. You will want commercial doors that offer the necessary protection, whilst also presenting a pleasing aesthetic appearance to all -here are some considerations when choosing security doors for commercial buildings:

Security fire doors material

There are different materials used in the construction of commercial security fire doors – steel, wood and even glass are used for different styles and environments – and often combinations of these materials. Galvanized steel is the most favoured material for exterior security doors for commercial buildings as this material offers protection against rust. Cold-rolled steel does not offer that same hardiness against weather conditions but is a very popular choice for internal security fire doors.

Timber doors are an increasingly popular choice for security doors – they can offer the strength and security but present a more aesthetically pleasing look that may better suit the ambience and other existing internal features of the building. There is a risk of warping due to temperature fluctuations and moisture, but today’s treated timber security doors have reduced that element.

Glass will sometimes be used for interior doors and strengthened glass will offer substantial security but not in the same manner as steel or wood – they do, however, offer a great look aesthetically and allow light into the internal rooms and other areas, giving the illusion of space and comfort. You will see many office locations displaying security doors of glass combined with steel or wood – these offer a very attractive, professional, modern, and stylish appearance whilst offering the fire and security protection required for commercial properties.

Door choice is usually aligned with type of business

The commercial doors you choose will usually be dictated by the business arena in which your company operates – for example, a warehouse, storage facility or factory requires a strong and industrial style door, whereas an office building will look much better with a more decorative and ‘subtle’ door appearance, whilst still needing to provide that security and strength.

Professional installation is a must

Any style of security doors for commercial buildings will need to be installed professionally by a relevantly qualified and competent person – the steel or timber door manufacturers supplying your security doors will be able to advise and guide you properly on the installation of the doors and all the associated hardware that accompanies them. A poorly or incorrectly fitted security door will not be fit for purpose and will not necessarily offer that vital fire protection or attempted criminal breaches of your property.

Security and safety

As stated, these doors for commercial buildings are to provide safety against undesirable intrusion along with the legally required fire safety. These fire-resistant doors must offer protection against all the harmful elements of a fire outbreak, including the potentially fatal smoke and flame, by containing the fire in the initial outbreak site for a specific time to allow a safe evacuation of occupants.

These fire doors are manufactured and tested to offer this protection for specified minimum periods – an FD30 fire door offers 30 minutes protection, an FD60 fire door for 60 minutes and so on.

All businesses care about aesthetics

Any company, whatever its business, wants to offer a professional and pleasing image to customers and passers-by alike – your exterior security doors present that initial ‘kerb-appeal’, so you should consider this aspect when choosing your doors for commercial buildings. The different options for security doors available today should allow you to furnish your corporate premises with both the appearance and safety aspects you require. Consult with experienced steel and timber door manufacturers for professional guidance on fire and safety security door options.  

Enfield Doors

If you would like to find out more about commercial doors or fire door safety in the UK, we can help. Our team of experts is on hand to guide you and give you sound and pragmatic advice based on years of experience and successful installations.

If you would like further information on our company, please contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible. We look forward to helping you.