Page 5 - Blog

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

Astragals seal the gap where the doors meet. When the doors close, the astragal overlaps or presses against the opposite leaf. This overlap blocks air, smoke, or light from passing through. In fire-rated applications, this seal slows the spread of smoke and flames by tightening the joint between doors. For weatherstripped models, the same action reduces drafts, dust, and moisture infiltration. In turn, this improves the building’s

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

When selecting the right commercial doors for your building, the choice of door closer is just as important as the door itself. Door closers help regulate traffic flow, improve security, and reduce wear and tear. Two of the most common options are hold-open and non-hold-open door closers. Understanding the differences between them will help you decide which is the best fit for your space.

A hold-open door closer is designed to keep the door open once it has passed the 90–110-degree angle. The hold-open function can easily be overridden by pushing the door toward the closed position, at which point the closer automatically shuts the door.

Benefits of Hold-Open Closers:

• Ideal for high-traffic areas where doors frequently stay open

• Great for retail spaces, lobbies, and showrooms that should feel open and inviting

• Useful when moving large equipment, inventory, or furniture through the doorway

• Reduces wear from repeated opening and closing

If your business prioritizes

Your company's front door is the first thing a customer notices. You only get one chance to make a first impression. You might as well make it a good one. Studies show that transparent, visually appealing entrances make visitors feel more welcome. Your door must also protect against break-ins and other threats. The best commercial doors strike a balance between security and an inviting design.

When selecting a commercial door entryway, color matters as much as function. Research shows that color can shape first impressions and influence how welcoming a space feels. A glass window provides more transparency.  Visibility can help convert passersby who may not be familiar with your offerings into paying customers. You must also ensure that the door you choose is ADA-compliant. If you have multiple entrances, at least one must comply with the ADA. 

Failure to comply with the ADA can lead to serious legal consequences. You can avoid this by keeping

Commercial doors endure a significant amount of wear and tear in high-traffic areas. Protection plates can protect your entry points. CDF Distributors offers a comprehensive range of protection plates to safeguard your commercial doors.

There are four main types of protection plates, each are used for different purposes. Before deciding on which protection plate to use for your commercial doors, you’ll need to understand the purpose of each type of protection plate.

Kick plates are a standard commercial door protector that protects doors from scuffs and scratches caused by foot traffic. They are installed on the push side at the bottom of the door.  Our kick plates can vary in height from 8” to 16”. Kick plates are perfect for doors experiencing heavy foot traffic (restrooms, main entrances, etc.)

Kick plates, as the name suggests, are placed at the bottom of the door where damage is most likely to occur. They help keep doors pristine, even in busy areas where people

When it comes to commercial doors, every component matters. One part that often gets overlooked is the door jamb. While the name may sound similar to a “door jammer” or even a door stop, door jambs are an essential structural element of any door system.

Knowing the difference between a door jamb and a door stop will help you choose the right hardware and ensure your commercial property is both secure and functional.

A door jamb is one of the most critical elements of a door’s construction. It’s the vertical support inside the door frame where the hinges attach and where the door is secured. While it’s not technically part of the frame itself, the jamb provides the foundation that allows your door to open and close properly.

Many commercial steel doors and wood doors are sold pre-installed with jambs, which makes installation faster and ensures a precise fit. When a jamb needs to be constructed on-site, accuracy is crucial. Even slight misalignments can lead to doors

If you've managed buildings for long, you already know commercial door problems come with the territory. Small gaps, sagging hinges, and poor seals may not appear serious at first, but they can quickly escalate into costly repairs that disrupt business and frustrate tenants. The good news? You can spot the causes early and handle them before they lead to downtime.

Wind, rain, and hail do more than make noise outside. Over time, they weaken frames, dent panels, and put stress on seals. Rapid temperature swings cause metal and glass to expand and contract, accelerating the wear.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leakage through doors contributes to building energy waste by allowing conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to infiltrate the building. Sealing door gaps reduces energy loss and improves comfort inside. That's why every facility manager should schedule seasonal inspections of entryways and repair minor damage before it becomes

Unexpectedly, your business doors are open. Daily, they deal with a flood of customers coming and going, severe weather, and the rare irate customer who pulls a little too hard. As a result, most company owners pay attention to their doors only when something goes wrong, and by that point, what could have been a relatively inexpensive modification has turned into a costly repair.

Your commercial door repair is affordable. Being aware and proactive can avoid little difficulties from becoming severe ones. By knowing simple door maintenance techniques, you can prevent frustrating clients, wasting time and money, and dealing with sticky latches or doors.

Both the first and last impression customers get of your company are formed by its doors. The International Door Association reports that companies can save up to 40% on repair expenses for commercial doors by maintaining them regularly rather than waiting for problems to arise.

Maintenance

Imagine a fire alarm in a packed building.  People rush to the exits, but they open slowly.  It's terrifying. Yes, it is precisely why nightmare scenarios exist, why push bars exist, and why understanding these devices could be helpful. You can refer to them as exit devices, push bars, or touch bars. Most people are unaware that not all panic hardware operates the same way. If you pick the wrong type, it might cause dangerous bottlenecks when every second counts.

Exit devices are a building code requirement for certain types of structures and occupancies. They ensure that building residents can evacuate securely in an emergency.  Their longevity and convenience of use make them popular in commercial structures even when not required by code. The principles of escape mechanisms are crucial for contractors, site managers, and business owners responsible for building safety to save lives and comply with fire rules.

Panic hardware

When you're working on a project, choosing the right commercial doors isn't just about looks; it's about durability, compliance, and staying on schedule. That's why Ceco Doors has been trusted for decades. With a wide range of steel doors, frames, and specialty options, these products bring reliable door solutions to schools, hospitals, offices, and industrial spaces.

Ceco has been manufacturing high-performance commercial doors for over 75 years. Their reputation comes from consistent quality and products that meet building codes without cutting corners.

1. Durability you can trust: Ceco's steel doors are tested against ANSI/SDI performance standards to prove long-term strength. According to the Steel Door Institute, standardized testing through ANSI/SDI A250.4 evaluates the physical endurance of steel doors, frames, and frame anchors, ensuring that door solutions meet strict durability expectations for commercial applications.
2. Energy efficiency