Page 8 - Doors 101

Commercial entry doors are more than just access points. They are the first line of defense for your building. Whether you manage a retail store, office, school, or financial institution, installing entry doors that comply with building code requirements is essential for safety, accessibility, and security.

In an emergency, entry doors also serve as the primary method of exit. If they are not up to code, you risk endangering occupants and violating compliance laws. Below, we will break down some of the most important building code laws that apply to commercial doors and why they matter.

Building codes vary by state, city, and municipality. While there is no single global law, many jurisdictions adopt parts of the International Building Code, which is published by the International Code Council and updated every three years.

Chapter 10 of the International Building Code, titled Means of Egress, covers critical details such as:

• Minimum door sizes and clearances

Take a look at nearby schools and commercial buildings. You’ll notice stronger doors are now the norm. Your business deserves security that goes beyond durability. That’s why more facilities are choosing the Forte Defendr Door. They’re built to resist forced entry and protect against active threats. Mass shootings are on the rise in the United States. It’s more important than ever to consider your building’s safety. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of these crimes. You should have door systems in place to defend your property and the people inside. 

All business owners and event venue operators should be prepared for the "active shooter" scenario. CDF’s Forte Defendr Door offers enhanced protection compared to standard commercial options.

Every school and business should prepare for the possibility of an active shooter incident. Preparation means more than drills. It means installing barriers that can actually hold. Authorities recommend

Are you preparing to open a business or upgrade your existing storefront? Choosing a new commercial door is a great option. There are numerous door design options to choose from, including residential-style doors. However, residential doors are a less-than-ideal solution for your property. There are numerous differences between commercial and residential doors. The main differences are material, security, appearance, durability, and cost. 

Here’s why you should choose a commercial door over a residential door for your business.

Commercial doors typically offer better security than residential doors. For one thing, they’re larger. Therefore, they can better withstand the pressures of long-term use. Wood commercial doors are a cost-effective choice that strikes a balance between aesthetics and durability. Many businesses opt for doors made from steel or solid-core wood. These materials are more resilient than the ones used in residential door fabrication.

Wood doors look elegant, function well, and add a natural feel to a business, all qualities that are beneficial for commercial properties. They can also be a cost-effective material to use when managing large projects. However, Wooden doors can deteriorate over time. One of the most common issues is warping. 

Warping is a clear sign of deterioration that affects how the door fits and functions. Switching to steel may seem like a solution, but steel doors can also warp under certain conditions. Even glass doors are not immune, as extreme temperature changes can cause distortion over time. Warped doors alter the door's shape, allowing everything from cold air to insects inside your business. It can be tough to recognize early enough to handle effectively. It’s important to know the signs of commercial door warping so you can handle it before replacement becomes the only option.

Warping is more common on exterior doors or those exposed to climate fluctuations.

Commercial doors are highly customizable. When selecting components for your custom commercial door, you can select several accessories. One of these accessories is a door stop. As you can imagine, most people treat this selection as an afterthought. Many believe that door stops only exist to prevent the wall from getting dinged. But is there more to it? Yes, door stops have many different purposes. It turns out that you may want to spend more time considering the inclusion of a door stop when purchasing your commercial doors.

Commercial door terminology can be a bit confusing. When you think of a door stop, you may think of a rubber grommet or something that juts out from the wall to prevent the door or knob from breaking the wall. These are commonly referred to as door stops in commercial door manufacturing. However, there are also door stops you can kick into place to hold a door open. In commercial door manufacturing and distribution, we refer to

Glass is one of the most important components of a commercial storefront door. Many prefer glass for its aesthetic look and feel. But it’s not only an aesthetic choice. Glass thickness affects insulation and the comfort inside your building. It also keeps your business safe. Choosing the right storefront door with the right glass thickness ensures a worthwhile investment in your business. At CDF Distributors, our commercial glass doors come pre-installed with glass with the right thickness to meet your specific needs.

The thickness of the glass in your storefront door directly affects your building’s daily performance. Thinner single-pane glass may appear the same at first glance, but it offers very little protection against temperature fluctuations. Over time, this can result in higher utility bills and a shorter lifespan for the door system. Thicker, insulated glass offers a noticeable upgrade in performance. The added layers

A door swing is the direction a door opens, either inward or outward, to the left or to the right. When planning a commercial project, the direction in which your door swings may not be the first thing on your mind. It is, however, something to consider. Door swings help ensure safety, functionality, and compliance. The right swing improves traffic flow and makes the door easier to use.

Quick Answer: Does Door Swing Direction Matter?

Yes. Door swing direction affects:

• fire code compliance
• emergency egress
• accessibility
• traffic flow
• security
• usable space

In many commercial buildings, exit doors are required to swing outward in the direction of egress.

Door swing direction refers to whether a commercial door opens inward (inswing) or outward (outswing). This applies to both interior and exterior commercial doors. Choosing the correct direction ensures the door functions as intended and doesn’t create unnecessary barriers or safety issues.

A commercial door protects your business and keeps your customers safe. You need to know that your commercial door is dependable. Commercial doors can last for several years. They can typically be repaired, rather than replaced. Commercial doors require minimal maintenance. However, some maintenance is still needed to keep them operational. Your commercial door is susceptible to daily wear and tear. Noticing the signs of a failing commercial door will help you know whether it requires repair or if it's time for a replacement.

The most significant determining factor when deciding whether to repair or replace your commercial door is the extent of the damage. Repairs may be out of the question if there is too much damage. Before making a decision, have a professional inspect the door to ensure there are no underlying issues you should be aware of. There’s nothing worse than unknowingly putting your business at risk. Another reason you may choose to replace your door

An astragal is a vertical piece of hardware that covers the gap between two doors. Astragals serve many purposes. They can improve door security and enhance energy efficiency. The key is selecting the correct type of astragal. For example, fire-rated astragals can help slow the spread of smoke and flames, while weatherstripped astragals keep drafts and moisture out. Some astragals are designed to reinforce door pairs against tampering or forced entry. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right astragals for your building

Quick Answer: What Is an Astragal on a Commercial Door?

An astragal is a piece of commercial door hardware installed on the meeting edge of a pair of doors to seal the gap between the door leaves. Astragals are commonly used on commercial double doors, fire-rated door pairs, storefront doors, hollow metal doors, and wood doors to improve security, energy efficiency, weather resistance, and fire protection. Depending on the application, an astragal

Pull trims are door attachments that provide a secure grip for opening commercial doors. They are often paired with exit devices to make doors easier to use. CDF Distributors offers a wide selection of pull trims for exit devices to improve accessibility. Our pull trims are ADA-compliant and accessible to all.

Commercial buildings must provide equal access for people with disabilities. Doors must be accessible to individuals with disabilities, as defined by the ADA and related state laws. Pulls, handles, and other accessible hardware make it easier for everyone to operate doors independently. This handle gives patrons something to grip and pull with less effort. This feature is especially helpful for wheelchair users or anyone with limited hand strength.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that door hardware be usable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. U-shaped pulls, lever