Choosing the right glass entrance for your commercial building is more than just a design decision – it’s about functionality, safety, and creating the right impression for your visitors. With various options available, including sliding, revolving, and swing doors, it can be challenging to decide which one best suits your needs. In this guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each type and where they work best in commercial settings.

Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are a popular choice for commercial buildings due to their sleek design and ease of use. They operate by sliding horizontally along a track, providing a modern, space-saving solution.

Pros:

• Space Efficiency: Since they slide sideways, sliding doors don’t require additional space for opening and closing.
• Accessibility: Ideal for high-traffic areas, they allow easy access for all visitors, including those with mobility aids.
• Energy Efficiency: Automated sliding doors minimise air exchange, helping to maintain indoor temperature and reduce energy costs.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Their minimalist design adds a modern, sophisticated look to any commercial building.

Cons:

• Maintenance Requirements: The tracks need regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure smooth operation.
• Limited Security Options: They are typically less secure than revolving or swing doors due to their sliding mechanism.

Best Suited For:

• Retail stores, shopping centres, and office buildings with high foot traffic.
• Environments that require easy access and a welcoming entrance.

Revolving Glass Doors

Revolving glass doors consist of multiple wings that rotate around a central shaft. They are designed to allow continuous entry and exit while maintaining indoor climate control.

Pros:

• Energy Efficiency: Revolving doors reduce air infiltration, maintaining the building's temperature and lowering energy costs.
• Traffic Flow Management: They allow a continuous flow of people without congestion, making them ideal for busy buildings.
• Security and Safety: Controlled rotation speed ensures safe and secure passage.

Cons:

• Accessibility Limitations: They may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users.
• Space Requirements: Revolving doors require more space compared to sliding or swing doors.
• Higher Installation and Maintenance Costs: They are more complex to install and maintain due to their rotating mechanism.

Best Suited For:

• High-traffic commercial buildings such as hotels, airports, and office towers.
• Locations where energy efficiency and climate control are top priorities.

Swing Glass Doors

Swing doors are traditional and versatile, pivoting on hinges to open either inwards or outwards. They are commonly used in commercial and public buildings.

Pros:

• Versatility: They can be manually or automatically operated, depending on the needs of the building.
• Cost-Effective: Swing doors are generally more affordable to install and maintain compared to revolving doors.
• Easy Maintenance: Simple mechanism requires minimal maintenance.

Cons:

• Space Requirements: They require clear space for the door to swing open, which may not be ideal for areas with limited space.
• Traffic Flow Limitations: Not suitable for continuous traffic flow as they can cause congestion.
• Energy Inefficiency: They allow air exchange each time they are opened, impacting indoor climate control.

Best Suited For:

• Smaller commercial spaces, offices, and public buildings with moderate foot traffic.
• Locations where cost and simplicity are prioritised over energy efficiency.

Which Glass Entrance is Right for Your Commercial Building?

The choice of glass entrance depends on several factors, including foot traffic, available space, security needs, and energy efficiency goals. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Sliding Doors are perfect for high-traffic areas with limited space and a modern aesthetic.
• Revolving Doors offer optimal energy efficiency and continuous traffic flow for large commercial buildings.
• Swing Doors provide a cost-effective solution for smaller spaces with moderate foot traffic.

Need Expert Advice on Choosing the Right Glass Entrance?

At Open Entrances, we specialise in designing and installing bespoke glass entrance solutions tailored to your commercial needs. Whether you’re looking for the sleek functionality of sliding doors, the energy efficiency of revolving doors, or the versatility of swing doors, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to make the right choice for your business? Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how our glass entrance solutions can enhance your commercial space.

Contact Open Entrances

Elevate your building’s entrance with the perfect blend of style, functionality, and efficiency. Choose Open Entrances – where design meets innovation.