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Automatic doors are an ideal solution to make entrances user-friendly. They provide a barrier-free means of opening and closing doors without the need for physical effort. For many people who lack physical ability or are encumbered by canes, walkers or wheelchairs, heavy manual doors can be a huge barrier to access. Automatic doors remove the problem and make everyone, no matter their age of physical ability, feel welcome without the stigma of asking for help or using a separate handicap entrance.

Automatic doors come in several styles. Sliding doors are ideal for heavy two-way traffic. Swinging doors are usually designed for one-way traffic – one for entering and one for exiting. Folding automatic doors are ideal for when space is limited and can be single fold for one-way traffic or double fold for two-way traffic. Automatic doors are available in many sizes and finishes to fit with most any design aesthetic. Consumer studies show that when given a choice, consumers prefer automatic doors and expect them at hospitals, airports, hotels/motels, shopping mall entrances, and retail stores.

Plus, when looking to make existing buildings more age and ability friendly, it is often more effective and cost-efficient to install automatic doors than it is to implement other architectural ADA requirements. Low-energy swinging doors offer a cost-effective solution to providing universal accessibility while allowing able-bodied traffic to use the door as a manual, swinging door.

For more information about automatic doors and advice in choosing the right door for your design, visit the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers at http://www.aaadm.com.

1) For older demographics. When buildings are in neighborhoods with an older demographic, such as near a retirement community, automatic doors can provide a huge competitive advantage. Retail stores, movie theaters, and restaurants that welcome customers with an auto open and close door are much appreciated by those who may be dealing with disabilities, canes, and walkers.

2) For high traffic. Entertainment venues, educational facilities and public transportation stations that get large rushes of crowds at peak times can benefit greatly from automatic doors to help ease the funnel of people coming and going.

3) When space is limited. Sliding automatic doors do not need to accommodate for the space needed for the swing of traditional doors. They are a great way to maximize space in compact areas, while also adding convenience for pedestrians.

4) For lower cost ADA compliance. It is often more effective and cost efficient to install automatic doors, than it is to implement other architectural ADA requirements. Low-energy swinging doors offer a cost effective solution to providing universal accessibility, while allowing able bodied traffic to use the door as a manual, swinging door.

5) To save energy. Automatic doors can reduce wasted energy and may significantly lessen heating and cooling costs. Automatic doors open only when triggered and then close afterward. This eliminates the incidence of doors being left open accidentally or not shutting completely, which allows heat and air conditioning to escape.

6) For premium convenience. Studies show businesses with automatic doors are perceived by consumers to have a higher level of service than those that do not. An automatic door can be a great a way to help position a company a step above.

For more information about automatic doors, visit the American Association of Automatic Door Manufactures at http://www.aaadm.com.

The need for automatic doors on buildings with older architectural styles is often found in historical buildings in downtown city centers and tourist areas that have heavy traffic flow. Automatic doors provide a needed upgrade that allows entrances to handle large numbers of people, while still keeping the original design of the building intact. As an example, an automatic door was designed for a historic railway station in Hungary that was originally designed by famed French engineer Gustave Eiffel. The door had to meet many rules to maintain the integrity of the building’s architecture.

Automatic doors also work well with contemporary applications whether added as part of a renovation or as part of the original design. An entryway is often the main focal point of building design, and automatic doors can bring added bling while welcoming entrants. As an example, the red color and circleslide door to PricewaterhouseCoopers in Breda, Netherlands, commands attention at the entryway.

Architects also use automatic doors to complement the architectural style of a building by including existing building framework around the door, and by mimicking building windows. In these ways automatic doors can blend easily with the building design, creating consistency between doors and windows. Blending architectural details can create a cohesive look and can make high-tech doors fit a more traditional design. Additionally, window paneling can be manufactured to breakout for emergency access, giving this design a dual purpose.

Automatic doors are a viable option for most any shaped entrance whether historical, modern, grand or intimate. Adding an automatic door adds convenience for patrons and uniqueness to any design.

For more information about automatic doors and advice in choosing the right door for your design, visit the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers at http://www.aaadm.com.

Automatic doors have shown to be huge time savers in warehouses and other facilities.  Think about the forklift operator who has to stop, get out, open a door, drive through, stop and leave the vehicle again, and shut the door. Imagine the time wasted when a worker slows and pushes a door open with his backside while maneuvering a heavy cart.  Or, think of the wasted time when one employee holds the door open for another.  Minutes can add up to hours of non-productive time. The time saved over a year can easily justify the cost of automatic doors.

Automatic doors not only allow personnel to get from point A to point B more quickly, they are safer, too. Injuries are more likely when doorways become congested with workers who have their hands full and reach for door handles, push doors with elbows, or kick doors open. Everyone passes quickly and easily with an automatic door.

Automatic doors also prevent the problems associated with propping doors open. Where forklifts and large rolling carts are in-use, large doors are often left wide open to make it easy to enter and exit. But wide-open doors can lead to dirt transfer from one area to another, such as from the factory to the warehouse. In other situations, open doors allow outside air to enter the building, which can make the temperature in the building uncomfortable and possibly unsafe. An automatic door opens and closes allowing easy passage without the problems caused by doors that are continually left open.

Optimizing traffic flow through a facility is part of good design and can be greatly enhanced with automatic doors, improving efficiency, productivity and safety. Clients will appreciate the foresight in the design and will quickly see how the investment in automatic doors can be recouped in little time

For more information about automatic doors and advice in choosing the right door type for your design, visit the American Association of Automatic Door Manufactures at http://www.openingdoorsforarchitects.com

Automatic doors have shown to be huge time savers in warehouses and other facilities.  Think about the forklift operator who has to stop, get out, open a door, drive through, stop and leave the vehicle again, and shut the door. Imagine the time wasted when a worker slows and pushes a door open with his backside while maneuvering a heavy cart.  Or, think of the wasted time when one employee holds the door open for another.  Minutes can add up to hours of non-productive time. The time saved over a year can easily justify the cost of automatic doors.

Automatic doors not only allow personnel to get from point A to point B more quickly, they are safer, too. Injuries are more likely when doorways become congested with workers who have their hands full and reach for door handles, push doors with elbows, or kick doors open. Everyone passes quickly and easily with an automatic door.

Automatic doors also prevent the problems associated with propping doors open. Where forklifts and large rolling carts are in-use, large doors are often left wide open to make it easy to enter and exit. But wide-open doors can lead to dirt transfer from one area to another, such as from the factory to the warehouse. In other situations, open doors allow outside air to enter the building, which can make the temperature in the building uncomfortable and possibly unsafe. An automatic door opens and closes allowing easy passage without the problems caused by doors that are continually left open.

Optimizing traffic flow through a facility is part of good design and can be greatly enhanced with automatic doors, improving efficiency, productivity and safety. Clients will appreciate the foresight in the design and will quickly see how the investment in automatic doors can be recouped in little time

For more information about automatic doors and advice in choosing the right door type for your design, visit the American Association of Automatic Door Manufactures at http://www.openingdoorsforarchitects.com

1) Convenience: Shoppers get weary…they are carrying bags, pushing strollers, juggling mobile phones, and struggling with coats and purses. Not finding a free hand to open a door may deter a would-be sale. That’s when an automatic door provides a distinct advantage vs. manual doors.

2) Security: Automatic doors provide added security by keeping foot traffic moving and preventing crowds at the store entrance and exits. Additional features, such as jamb-mounted cameras provide an added measure of security. Locking systems ensure the store becomes inaccessible at closing time.

3) Image: An automatic door demonstrates that the business values its customers and is state-of-the-art.

4) Preference: In a recent survey, 98.9% of people preferred automatic doors over manual doors. Many went on to say that automatic doors are especially important because they show good customer service and provide access for the elderly, handicapped and those with children in tow. Respondents identified shopping malls and retail stores among the top five most important locations for automatic doors.

5) Energy savings: Automatic doors can reduce wasted energy, often significantly lowering annual heating and cooling costs, because automatic doors close automatically when not in use.

6) Value: Automatic doors that are correctly serviced and maintained practically pay for themselves in terms of customer service and convenience.

For more information about automatic doors and advice on choosing the right door for your building design, visit the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers at their new website for architects: www.OpeningDoorsForArchitects.com.

In new construction and remodeling alike, it is often more convenient and cost effective to install automatic doors than it is to use other ADA compliant entryways. While an entrance does not need to be automated for accessibility, an automatic door often costs less, requires less space, and is more aesthetically appealing than a manual door.

Manual entrances that meet ADA standards require a maneuvering clearance for wheelchairs, which demands an extra large entrance area. Automatic entrances are exempt from these maneuvering clearances and are convenient for all.

When remodeling, automatic doors can greatly reduce the overall cost of a project due to tax breaks. This is because the IRS allows a facility owner to deduct up to $15,000 per year for expenses associated with ADA accessibility.

Automatic doors are also exempt from the low opening forces (i.e. 5-8 lbf) that manual entrance doors must comply with to meet ADA requirements.  This is particularly challenging in areas known for high wind gusts, which can easily increase the force required to open and close the doors.  The spring closing force of an automatic door can be up to 15 pounds, enabling it to remain closed during changes in weather.

Power failures are not a concern with automatic doors because automatic doors can be operated manually during power outages. A loss of electricity is not a normal condition so it is not a consideration in complying with the law.

ADA-compliant automatic doors can be offered in either a swing or slide configuration. Revolving doors in almost all cases require an alternate form of access such as a swing entrance.

Specifying automatic doors provides an attractive solution that not only solves ADA requirements, but also saves space, costs less and provides convenience for all.

For more information about automatic doors and advice in choosing the right door for your building design, visit the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers at http://www.aaadm.com.

The website provides a convincing argument that standard manual doors are “old school” and automatic doors are the entrance of the future… available today. The website outlines the benefits of automatic doors, which include aesthetics, accessibility, ease of maintenance, customer perception, and support for architects.

Website visitors will also find a Photo Gallery with inspiring examples of beautiful and dramatic automatic door applications in a surprising variety of building types, from historical train stations to ultra chic restaurants.

Architects who are convinced that automatic doors are the right solution for their commercial building can “Find A Supplier” using an online directory that helps connect architects with automatic door manufactures who can provide advice throughout the process, from design exploration to manufacturing to installation to maintenance.

“Architects may be surprised by the stunning applications of automatic doors happening today. Automatic doors aren’t just for grocery stores anymore. Over the years, style and functionality have advanced greatly. AAADM wants to inspire architects to dream big and explore the countless possibilities and benefits of specifying automatic doors vs. manual doors. Our members are eager to assist architects with door design, selection, installation guidance, and more. AAADM and its members are here to help, automatically,” said Chris Johnson, Executive Director of AAADM.

The OpeningDoorsForArchitects.com website is part of AAADM’s ongoing commitment to serve the architectural community, helping architects make commercial entryways more beautiful, more accessible, and more convenient for customers and users.

1) Energy and Atmosphere: Automatic sliding doors and revolving doors can contribute to energy savings for LEED ratings. Air flows in and out of a building because of differences in air pressure. Regular pedestrian traffic at a typical large office building allows up 30,000 cubic feet of air to escape per minute. An automatic revolving door creates an “always open, always closed” barrier, minimizing wasteful airflow. When the door rotates some air will be exchanged, but overall, much less flows in and out of the building.

Automatic sliding doors with appropriate seals (such as a molding or strip that blocks the gap between doorjambs and edges) can create a positive weather-tight seal that helps prevent airflow and save energy. In addition, automatic door panels can be glazed with insulated glass to further promote energy savings.

2) Materials and Resources: Selecting automatic doors which contain recycled content also contributes to the opportunity to earn LEED points. Framing and cladding on automatic doors can be made with recycled steel and aluminum. The value of recycled content for LEED certification is determined by weight. While aesthetic requirements often require a combination of primary materials and recycled materials, the higher the percentage of recycled content in the automatic doors, the more they will contribute to LEED points. Work with your manufacturer to maximize LEED points earned in the materials and resources category. A facility can earn an additional “Exemplary Performance” credit if 30% or more of the total value of materials used in the project incorporate recycled material.

3) Indoor Environmental Quality: The goal of Indoor Environmental Quality LEED credit is to reduce the exposure of building occupants and construction workers to irritating or harmful air contaminants. Automatic doors may be able to contribute to a facility’s LEED points when door framing is coated with low-emitting materials. Automatic doors that use paints and coatings on interior metal that do not exceed the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content limit help earn LEED credits. Check with the automatic door manufacturer about LEED-friendly coatings such as a powder coat paint finish with an anodized aluminum finish.

To find the right automatic door manufacturer for your LEED rated project, visit the AAADM website for architects at www.openingdoorsforarchitects.com.