Secure Your Building with the Best Back Exits

Different commercial door locations call for various materials and features. For example, interior commercial doors do not require the same level of durability and security as external doors. Your back exits should provide security for your building and an easy way for occupants to leave the premises. Let’s look at a few examples of the best door options for back exits.

There are many different door varieties to choose from, from wood to metal to glass. While glass doors or doors with glass inserts are an attractive option for the design of your business, glass is generally not a suitable material for backdoor exits. 

Back exits are often not visible and can be a tempting place for thieves and unauthorized visitors to break in. In fact, nearly a quarter of break-ins in 2025 happened through the back door. Glass, by its nature, is more vulnerable than other types of doors. For these back exits, it is best to choose a material such as metal, wood, or another solid material.

Most commercial doors are required to be fire-rated under federal and local building codes. Fire-rated doors ensure that building occupants are protected in the event of a fire and can easily escape in an emergency. Modern fire-rated doors are designed to block the spread of smoke and flames and can also minimize or at least slow down damage to the property. 

Most fire-rated doors withstand heat for anywhere between 20 minutes and three hours. Timing plays a crucial role if a fire starts after hours and burns before authorities receive an alert. Having a fire-rated back exit is crucial in the event of a fire on the rear side of your building. If a fire occurs near the front of the building, fire-rated back exits provide a clear path for occupants to exit the building safely.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to meet certain standards to ensure that their commercial spaces are accessible to individuals with varying abilities. All doors in commercial settings must meet specific ADA requirements, including back exits. There are also state-specific accessibility requirements.

Door locks and handles must not be located too high, and the handle mechanism must be accessible. The door handle cannot require any unusual maneuvering or tight gripping to operate. ADA-compliant doors not only meet federal building codes but also ensure that everyone in your building can exit easily and quickly in the event of an emergency.

Back exits are one of the most common entry points for unauthorized visitors in commercial buildings. They are often less visible than front doors and are seen as an easy entry point. All doors that offer direct access to your building need to be secure, but back exits can be particularly vulnerable. 

Select a door for your back exit that is equipped with a commercial lock to prevent unauthorized access. Commercial locks undergo rigorous testing and can withstand heat, tampering, and brute force. Installing a door without a commercial lock leaves your building vulnerable and may even violate the terms of your commercial insurance. 

If a break-in happens, you don't want to shoulder the responsibility of knowing it could have been prevented with a commercial lock.

Exterior commercial doors are often exposed to harsh weather conditions. From heavy rain to extreme temperatures, you need a door with proper weather resistance. Insulated steel or hollow metal doors, equipped with weatherstripping, effectively keep drafts and moisture out. 

This protects the door itself from warping or rusting. It also reduces maintenance costs and helps keep employees comfortable.

If you are looking for a fire-rated door solution that is ADA-compliant and features a commercial lock, commercial hollow metal doors are a suitable option. Commercial hollow metal doors are manufactured with a hollow metal shell that is filled with insulation and reinforced for added strength. Many regard this door type as offering one of the best values on the market. These doors can last up to 10 years longer than wood doors. 

Additionally, they offer top-rated insulation from the outdoors, making them ideal for minimizing outdoor exposure. They also have fire-rated and vandal-resistant features. Best of all, they are one of the most affordable options for a back door.

CDF Distributors manufactures top-quality back exit doors suitable for any business. We offer affordable solutions that meet commercial requirements and secure your building. Contact us today to learn more or to begin the quote process.