Automatic Doors Guide: Different Types & Benefits for Commercial Use

Automatic doors are now a staple feature in commercial sites. They feature across all types of commercial buildings, and sites of all sizes, use cases and requirements. 

This is because automatic doors offer a huge range of invaluable benefits. Not only do they make sites accessible for visitors with different needs, but they are also a key part of improving site safety, convenience and traffic flow.  

There are three main types of automatic doors – sliding, swing and telescopic automatic doors. 

In this guide, Access Innovations’ expert team have outlined how these doors work, their most common use cases, and their typical maintenance requirements.

Sliding Automatic Doors

Sliding automatic doors feature one or more panels, which move horizontally along a track. They can be activated by either sensors or push pads (or other access controls, if required), and are designed to easily accommodate high traffic. Plus, thanks to their barrier-free entry, they are ideally suited to ensuring full compliance with accessibility requirements. 

Sliding automatic doors are the most common type of automatic doors used in commercial settings, and they can be configured as single sliding doors, bi-parting doors (where the panels move apart to open), or as fixed side screens with moving panel(s).

What sectors most commonly use sliding automatic doors?

• Retail outlets or shopping centres
• Supermarkets
• Healthcare facilities (including hospitals)
• Airports and other transport hubs
• Office buildings

What are the most common issues with sliding automatic doors?

• Misalignment in the sensors (meaning the doors can open unexpectedly or be delayed in opening)
• Noisy or uneven movements (due to worn rollers or tracks)
• Door panels not fully closing 
• Faults in the power or control units

Note that, by arranging regular automatic door servicing, you can minimise the risks of these issues. Plus, by identifying any signs of wear early, these issues can be tackled proactively, preventing costly repairs or downtime later down the line. 

Swing Automatic Doors

Swing automatic doors operate in the same way as traditional hinged doors, but with automated opening and closing. They use an electric operator to enable the doors to automatically swing inwards, outwards or in both directions (depending on the configuration and the specific requirements of the site).

What sectors most commonly use swing automatic doors?

• Healthcare settings (e.g wards or treatment rooms)
• Care homes and other assisted living facilities
• Offices
• Educational sites
• Secure or controlled access areas
• Sites where existing doorways are being automated retrospectively

What are the most common issues with swing automatic doors?

• The operator or motor wearing over time
• The door not closing fully 
• The sensor or push-plate not working correctly
• Alignment issues 
• Door panels not fully closing 
• Slow or uneven opening

Telescopic Automatic Doors

Telescopic automatic doors are another type of sliding door. But, these open by multiple panels sliding and stacking behind each other.

They are designed to maximise the opening of the door, creating a wide and completely clear entry point. But, because of their more complex design, professional installation is key to ensuring that the panels move in a smooth, synchronised fashion.

What sectors most commonly use telescopic automatic doors?

• Large transport terminals (especially airports) 
• Hospitals (especially sites with high equipment traffic)
• Hotels 
• Large retail sites
• Other commercial buildings that have either space limitations, or high-volume traffic of large items. 

What are the most common issues with telescopic automatic doors?

• Issues with synchronisation between panels
• Wear on tracks and rollers over time 
• Faults with the sensor calibration 

The importance of professional installation and servicing

Whatever your preferred type of automatic door, professional installation is absolutely critical to ensuring all of the door’s mechanisms are correctly calibrated. Without a doubt, this is the most effective way to ensure safe, reliable and efficient long-term performance for automatic doors. 

By arranging professional installation and servicing schedules, your business can: 

• Guarantee compliance with all relevant safety standards
• Ensure the door is correctly calibrated, achieving smooth operation and reducing the risk of the most common faults 
• Identify and address issues early, before they are allowed to escalate
• Minimise the risk of unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs
• Extend the lifespan of your door

At Access Innovations, our expert team of automatic door specialists provide a comprehensive service, including installations of new doors, plus ongoing servicing and maintenance schedules.

With their support, you can ensure dependable long term performance for your automatic doors, and maximise your investment. 

To find out more, get in touch with our team.