Commercial Glass Door Mistakes Business Owners Make

Almost all modern storefront doors are made of glass. Commercial glass doors are welcoming, inviting customers to see inside as they enter. Whether your door is built into a bank of windows or an elegant wall structure, it is important to design your business' glass doors carefully to provide the functionality, durability, insulation, and security required for your location.

Of course, not all commercial glass doors are a perfect fit. As experts, we've compiled the most common glass door problems business owners face and how to address or prevent these concerns.

Common Glass Door Problems

Is your commercial glass door giving you trouble? Are you planning a new storefront door installation and want to ensure it's perfect? Understanding these top glass door challenges can help you perfect your business's entrance. By addressing these common concerns, you can make your commercial storefront doors more inviting, functional, and built to last.

Difficulty Opening/Closing the Door

Your commercial glass door should glide open with the lightest touch from your customers or staff, then fall closed and seal securely to keep out the weather. However, many glass doors present difficulty opening or closing the door (or both) for one of the following reasons.

• Wrong Size Fit for the Doorway - The doorway does not fit the glass door. The door is too large or too small, and the latching mechanisms don't fit properly into the space. Too-large doors stick in the frame or don't align with the latch. Too small doors leak air and may not align with the hinges.
• Misaligned or Improperly Hung - Speaking of the hinges, proper hanging is essential for door performance. A well-balanced door glides open and closed, while a misaligned hinge or improperly hung door may drag, stick, or jam because it is not aligned with the doorframe.
• Faulty Door Closer - Your door closer mechanisms are also responsible for easy opening and closing. You want a door closer system that works smoothly and reliably from the latch to the hydraulics.

Damage to the Glass Door

A damaged door may also be difficult to use, lose energy efficiency, or discourage customers who see the damage.

• Scratches and Dents from Nearby Objects - Placing items too close to the glass can cause unsightly scratches. Be careful about shelves on the inside and tables or flower pots on the outside of the glass door or adjacent windows.
• Accidental Impacts - Accidents can happen in any venue, from a clumsy delivery person to a silp and fall into the door. Accidents may result in scratched or cracked glass or even a dented doorframe.
• Vandalism - Vandals are likely looking to smash the glass or damage the doorframe to gain unauthorized entry. Repairing or replacing a commercial glass door after a vandalism attack is often necessary.

Issues with Weather Stripping

Good weather stripping is essential for your business's energy efficiency and door opening ease. It is a strip of heavy rubber or fuzzy insulating foam around the edge of the door. It often meshes in two parts between the door frame and the door itself, stopping airflow around the door and helping the door form a seal when closed. Issues with weather stripping can cause a door to leak or stick.

• Worn-Out Weather Stripping—Weather stripping should be replaced every 2-5 years (more often for high traffic), and worn-out weather stripping can allow drafts or moisture to infiltrate your venue.
• Improperly Installed Weather Stripping—Weatherstripping that is misaligned, loose, or otherwise improperly installed can cause leaks and increase the chances of your glass storefront door sticking in the frame.

Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Glass doors may seem like they will last forever. However, like all elements of your business property, preventative maintenance ensures that your storefront doors are always beautiful, glide smoothly open, and seal closed for optimal performance and efficiency.

Preventative maintenance reduces the potential downtime of a broken door by catching and fixing problems early. You gain cost savings by choosing small repairs before big repairs are necessary and achieve energy efficiency by keeping your door aligned and well-sealed.

Commercial Glass Door Maintenance Tips

• Regularly clean the door glass - inspect for scratches and cracks
• Check the weather stripping - ensure it is intact, properly secured, and seals fully without air leaks
• Lubricate the hinges - keep the hinges well-oiled and make sure they remain aligned with a smooth door swing over time

Glass Doors: More Than Just an Entrance

Your commercial storefront is more than just an entrance. It is the welcoming point for customers and clients. A beautifully maintained glass door that swings open smoothly and closes snugly behind each customer as they enter and exit belies quality and contributes to a strong first impression. Choosing the right commercial glass door and routine maintenance ensures that your storefront continues to make a good impression while also boosting your property's security and energy efficiency through durable design.

Plan preventative maintenance to avoid these common problems and schedule regular glass door inspections to catch potential problems early. Horizon Glass provides expert commercial glazing services for business windows and doors. Contact us at any time for professional glass door repair services.

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