Added Security Features for Commercial Doors
Safety is often one of the key concerns clients will have when finding doors for their offices and buildings. With so many products on the market, it is important to evaluate your security options for commercial doors.
When choosing commercial door locks, hardware and door materials, examine each one for the right cost value and security effectiveness. Selecting the commercial security features that suit your needs provides clients with the peace of mind they are looking for and allows you to deliver quality services at the right price.
Before selecting security features for your doors, you first need to define your security needs. Ask yourself:
-
What type of space is the door located in?
-
How much traffic will the door see?
-
What kind of access is allowed?
-
What safety requirements are necessary?
Once you understand the security needs for your doors, you can decide what features and hardware are ideal.
Commercial Door Materials
Door material and door cores are the first steps in choosing the right level of security for a door. The specific door material you want depends on what the door will be used for and the security needs of the area it will be in. Evaluate your door requirements to ensure you have the product your client needs.
Need a New Interior Wooden Door?
Wood Doors
Wood doors are a robust and sturdy choice of door. They have a solid core and are highly durable, resisting wear and tear. Commercial wood doors come with or without fire-rated cores for added protection against fires, and they come in many veneer options for added customizability.
While wood is a hardy, secure material, it can warp and bend over time if exposed to outdoor elements. Its strong build, easy maintenance and versatile look make it an excellent choice for interior applications in hotels and apartments.
​
Laminate Doors
Laminate doors are a good choice for outdoor or high-traffic placement. Their plastic covers make them durable and resistant to moisture and stains. The composite core of laminate doors consists of fire-retardant material, making them a safe and affordable option. Laminate is a sound, cost-effective material that works well in hospitals and is more resistant to damage than wood.
​
Metal Doors
Metal doors are the most secure option of door material. Metal is resistant to fire, natural elements and even break-ins. These doors are more difficult to damage than other types of doors, and their hollow cores are heating and cooling cost-effective as a bonus. Metal doors are easy to repair and maintain and have excellent structural security, making them a safe and affordable option for anyone.
​
Door Cores
If you are considering a non-metal door material, the door core will affect the security and strength of your door, as well. There are many options of door cores available, so choose the one that fits your requirements to create a safe and cost-effective entrance:
-
Fire-rated: Fire-rated cores that can be added to most door styles. Core options can be rated for 20, 45, 60 and 90 minutes and have been tested against pressure, flame and harsh smoke. Fire-rated doors are often made with a non-combustible mineral core and help your doors meet safety standards for their buildings.
-
Structural composite lumber (SCL): SCL core is made of wood and plastic and is fire-rated at 20 minutes. Its composite makeup makes it a durable and damage-resistant material that does not compromise security or affordability.
Commercial Door Security Features
Once you have selected your door materials, you need to look at protective features to boost the security of your commercial doors. With security features, you should consider the cost and the level of protection required for the entry to find the ideal fit for your clients. Options for security features include:
-
Alarms: Alarms are a time-tested security method that act as deterrents for break-ins. There are many alarms on the market, and options range from emitting a loud, continuous noise to silent alarms that alert emergency services of trespassing.
-
RFID locks: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanners are different from typical key locks. RFIDs work with smartphones, keycards and other devices and only open when accessed with the correct electronic tag.
-
Biometric scanners: Biometric scanners work with other security features to increase safety. Biometric keys, like fingerprints and face scans, let only those authorized to use a door enter, instead of other methods where codes and keys can be stolen or copied.
​
Door Security Hardware
The material of your door and accessories are not the only safety measures you can take. Reinforcing your doors through improved hinges and locks can significantly increase their safety. Selecting safe and reliable door hardware options enhances security and helps you meet client specifications to provide excellent service.
Hinges
Secure doors require safe, durable hinges to stay in place. To enhance the security of your door, consider these hinge options:
-
Butt hinge: This is one of the most common door hinges and works well with heavy doors. Because the leaves of this hinge are mortised to the door, they are much more secure and durable than surface hinges.
-
Ball-bearing hinge: This is a mortise hinge like the butt hinge, but its design stands up even better to wear and tear. The bearings are lubricated permanently, allowing the hinges to stand up to constant use without damage.
​
Locks
Lock systems are likely your first thought when it comes to security door hardware, and the possibilities include:
-
Deadbolt: Deadbolts are used with a second lock to enhance the security of a door. They add another level of protection and are simple to install. Deadbolt locks can come in manual and electronic options to match the preferences of the door installer.
-
Mortise: Mortise locks are some of the most secure locks available. They require a cutout in the frame of the door, so they are much more resistant to break-ins and damage.
-
Swing bar: Swing bar locks act as a secondary measure separate from the regular lock. Devices like these can only be opened from inside the door, making them useful for protection while in a room.
​
Closers
Door closers bring an entryway to a complete close and come in different options with a variety of features. Tamper-proof, high-security, electric and many more options are available to reduce door closure time and help protect against intrusion.
Get Custom Commercial Door Security at DoorStop
DoorStop offers a range of custom door sizes, thicknesses, materials and hardware to deliver you high-quality, high-performance doors when you need them. Our experienced team will work with you to find the security features necessary for your specifications.
We are a family-owned and operated business committed to providing products and services that meet your business's unique features. Need your doors sooner than three weeks? Our Door-N-24 program will get your custom door to you in a day.
To learn more about our commercial door security options, contact us online or call us at (888) 366-7624 to learn more about our custom options today.