6 Reasons to Choose Commercial Doors over Residential Doors for Your Business

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. 

A commercial exterior door must also follow specific codes. These include local building codes, fire codes, and ADA regulations.

The door to your business protects it from many external threats. The safety of your employees and patrons may be at stake if you don’t select the correct entry. There are several reasons why a residential door may not adequately meet many safety needs

1. Volume of Use 

Some businesses receive hundreds or even thousands of guests every day. While foot traffic is good for business, it may not be good for your doors. That’s a lot of hands twisting the doorknob and pulling your door open and closed. A residential door is unlikely to withstand such use for long. As a result, you’ll have to replace it after a short time. By contrast, commercial door handles and knobs are designed to be heavy-duty. With heavy-duty handles, commercial doors are designed to withstand the constant traffic your business may experience.

2. Material

Wood doors may be more attractive than doors made from other materials. They’re also more susceptible to warping, rotting, and general wear and tear. Steel is a common material for commercial doors because it makes them far more secure. Although steel can dent, it requires considerable effort to damage a steel door, making it one of the most durable materials for commercial doors.

3. Strength 

Commercial doors must meet specific fire-safety requirements before they can be sold. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they’ll provide adequate protection in the event of a fire. Many commercial doors also adhere to the standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This organization is responsible for quality control regarding door hardware fabricated for commercial buildings. ANSI tests hardware to ensure that it’s sufficiently strong and long-lasting. It then issues grades. The most heavy-duty doors receive a Grade 1 rating.

Here’s how the different Grades are practically applied:

• Grade 1: Best for high-traffic buildings that demand maximum durability.

• Grade 2: Suited for moderate-traffic commercial properties and residential settings.

• Grade 3: Works for low-traffic areas but generally not recommended for commercial use.

4. ADA Compliance    

Residential doors are not held to the same standards as commercial doors. Business entry doors must meet specific codes and regulations. This includes compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Commercial doors must be secure and easily accessible for those with disabilities. For example, they must be lightweight and open, with a force of five pounds or less. Door handles and latches must also be easy to maneuver and not place strain on the wrist when in use. There are other ADA guidelines your business entryway must also comply with. As such, residential doors aren’t a viable option for your commercial property. 

5. Security 

Another key difference between commercial and residential doors is how they’re secured. Unlike homes, businesses often have doors equipped with digital access mechanisms. For this reason, they may require high-security or restricted keys that aren't available with residential doors.   

6. Budget

It may seem counterintuitive, but high-security commercial doors can actually save you money. While the up-front cost is higher, the risk of theft is lower. When equipped with the proper locks and seals, a commercial door will prevent drafts, moisture, and insects from entering your business. This limits the amount of money you spend on HVAC and pest control services. Cutting costs allows you to focus on growing and maintaining your business.

Contact CDF Distributors to browse our inventory and learn more about our commercial door products. We have a wide variety of options tailored to your specific needs. If you’ve been considering upgrading your facility, now is the time. The sooner you get equipped with top-notch commercial doors from CDF Distributors, the sooner you can start saving money on long-term costs.