Automatic doors mark an innovative element of modern architecture. They revolutionized how people interact with spaces in public and commercial buildings. Owners across the UK are increasingly installing automatic doors to enhance accessibility and improve customer experiences.
Many far-reaching benefits of these doors are ready to serve businesses and people. This article explores how automatic doors can transform your (as an owner or a customer) experience in the UK.
Why Automatic Doors Matter for Accessibility?
- Easy Access: Automatic doors make it simple for anyone with physical disabilities to enter and exit buildings without assistance.
- Safety: Automatic doors prohibit accidents caused by manual doors that are difficult to open or close. It has become a concern for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
- Inclusivity: Accommodation for many people allows businesses to enable inclusivity, which becomes a priority in modern architecture.
Benefits of Automatic Doors for Customer Experience
Automatic doors offer numerous benefits to enhance the overall customer experience. They ensure businesses remain modern, efficient, and attentive to customers.
Convenience
Automatic doors feature a higher level of convenience. Customers don’t have to stop, push, or pull doors to enter or exit a building. This is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas (retail stores, hospitals, and offices) where customers appreciate easy access without interruption.
Increased Accessibility
Many businesses or establishments experience high foot traffic. Automatic doors manage and regulate the flow of people. They enable continuous movement to reduce congestion and wait times at entrances. This is especially useful in airports, stadiums, or large office buildings.
Modern Aesthetic
Automatic doors introduce a sense of modernity and sophistication. It elevates the look and feel of any building. Such a sleek and clean design can enhance the building’s overall aesthetic. From retail stores to corporate offices, automatic doors contribute to the overall branding and reputation.
Improved Hygiene
Hygiene has become a top priority in modern lifestyle. Touchless operation of an automatic door can significantly reduce the number of touchpoints. It limits the potential spread of germs and bacteria. This is particularly important in shopping malls, hospitals, and airports.
Types of Automatic Doors Used in the UK
Automatic doors are widely used across commercial, healthcare, and public buildings. Different types serve various purposes, depending on space constraints, traffic flow, and energy efficiency needs.
01. Sliding Automatic Doors
It’s among the most popular in supermarkets, hospitals, and office buildings. They operate horizontally along a track for a smooth and space-efficient access.
Advantages
- Ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Space-saving design.
- Can be single, double, or telescopic for wider openings.
- Energy-efficient by minimizing air exchange.
Disadvantages
- Requires regular maintenance for smooth operation.
- Can be costly due to complex mechanisms.
02. Swing Automatic Doors
They operate like traditional hinged doors but open automatically using sensors or push-button activation. Swing doors are commonly used in healthcare facilities, offices, and public buildings.
Advantages
- Provides full-width access.
- Can be installed on existing door frames.
- Suitable for both single and double door configurations.
- Energy-efficient when equipped with sensors.
Disadvantages
- Requires clearance space for opening.
- May pose a risk of hitting someone when opening.
03. Telescopic Automatic Doors
Such doors consist of multiple sliding panels that retract behind each other. The mechanism enables a noticeably wider opening in limited spaces.
Advantages
- Provides a larger opening.
- Ideal for areas with high foot traffic.
- Efficient use of limited space.
Disadvantages
- More complex mechanisms lead to higher costs.
- Requires additional space for panel retraction.
04. Revolving Automatic Doors
Such types consist of multiple panels that rotate around a central axis. Therefore, you can enjoy instant and continuous entry/exit while minimizing air exchange.
Advantages
- Excellent for energy efficiency.
- Handles high traffic while maintaining a constant flow.
- Reduces dust and noise from outside.
Disadvantages
- Requires significant space.
- Higher initial investment and maintenance costs.
- May not be as accessible for individuals with disabilities.
05. Folding Automatic Doors
These are primarily designed for compact spaces where traditional sliding or swing doors may not fit. Automated folding doors fold inward or outward to create an opening.
Advantages
- Ideal for small spaces.
- Provides full-width access.
- Can be used as an alternative to swing doors.
Disadvantages
- Mechanisms can be complex.
- May require more maintenance.
Comparison of Automatic Door Types
| Automatic Door Type | Best Use Cases | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Sliding Doors | High-traffic areas (supermarkets, hospitals, offices) | Space-efficient, smooth operation, energy-saving | Regular maintenance, higher cost |
| Swing Doors | Offices, healthcare facilities, public buildings | Full-width access, easy installation, energy-efficient | Requires clearance space, risk of hitting someone |
| Telescopic Doors | Areas with limited space but high foot traffic | Wider opening, efficient space use | Complex mechanism, higher cost |
| Revolving Doors | Commercial buildings, hotels, airports | Energy-efficient, continuous traffic flow reduces dust/noise | Requires ample space, is expensive, and has limited accessibility |
| Folding Doors | Compact spaces, an alternative to swing doors | Space-saving, full-width access | Complex mechanism, higher maintenance |
Regulations and Compliance in the UK
UK automatic doors must adhere to strict regulations for safety, access, and legal compliance. Those regulations govern appropriate installation, operation, and maintenance.
A. The Equality Act 2010 (Accessibility Requirements): Businesses and public spaces must make reasonable adjustments for accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Key compliance points –
- Entrances must remain accessible to wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.
- Automatic doors should be wide enough to accommodate all users comfortably.
- Activation systems (push buttons or sensors) must be placed at an accessible height.
B. Building Regulations Approved Document M (Access to and Use of Buildings): It outlines minimum specs through widths, mechanisms, and features guidance. Key compliance points –
- Automatic doors must provide a clear opening of at least 800mm for wheelchair access.
- Door thresholds should be level or minimal to prevent tripping hazards.
- Push buttons or sensors must be easy to operate and positioned within reach of all users.
C. BS EN 16005 (Safety Standards for Automatic Doors): It governs the safe operation and installation of automatic pedestrian doors in the UK. Key compliance points –
- Automatic doors must have motion sensors to detect obstructions and prevent collisions.
- Doors must allow for safe egress in case of power failures or emergencies.
- Clear signage must indicate the presence of automatic doors and their operation.
- Businesses must hold routine inspections to ensure doors remain in optimal working condition.
D. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: It requires businesses to conduct fire risk assessments and ensure emergency exits meet fire safety standards. Key compliance points –
- Automatic doors must not obstruct emergency exits.
- Fire-rated doors must meet specific resistance standards to prevent the spread of fire.
- Fail-safe mechanisms must allow manual operation.
E. Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992: It ensures safe and functional workplace environments for employees and visitors. Key compliance points –
- Automatic doors must be maintained regularly to prevent malfunctions.
- Businesses must ensure that doors do not pose safety risks to employees.
- Proper signage must be displayed to indicate automatic door operation.
Cost Considerations and ROI
While automatic doors come with an upfront cost, they can provide significant long-term savings and return on investment (ROI). Some obligatory cost considerations involve –
Initial Costs
Installation costs vary based on door type, installation complexity, and location. Sliding and swing doors are more affordable, while revolving doors are somewhat expensive.
Maintenance Costs
Automatic doors require regular maintenance for functional safety. Maintenance remains ongoing, but they cost relatively minor compared to repairing or replacing doors.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Investing in automatic doors can result in a significant ROI, particularly in high-traffic businesses. Better access, experience, retention, and reputation lead to increased traffic and higher sales.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When considering the installation of automatic doors, businesses must be mindful of common mistakes to ensure they reap the full benefits.
Neglecting Maintenance
Automatic doors require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they operate smoothly. Failure to maintain them properly can result in breakdowns.
Choosing the Wrong Door
Selecting the wrong type of automatic door for your building’s layout and traffic volume can lead to inefficiencies. Choosing a door that meets the space’s specific needs is important.
Not Considering Accessibility
Some automatic doors may not be fully accessible for people with specific disabilities. Ensure that the doors comply with accessibility regulations and feature elements.
Ignoring Energy Efficiency
Automatic doors can only conserve energy when properly installed and maintained. Poor sealing or malfunctioning doors can lead to increased heating and cooling costs.
Wrapping Up
UK automatic doors must comply with multiple regulations to maximize accessibility, safety, and legal adherence. Businesses must prioritize proper installation, routine maintenance, and accessibility features to meet these standards.
Contact Door Engineers who offers automatic door installation Birmingham to install automatic doors to your business in UK.
FAQs
Automatic doors aren’t a legal requirement for all businesses. However, they’re highly recommended for certain establishments, particularly those open to the public. Whether automatic doors are crucial is determined by the Equality Act 2010, mandating businesses and public spaces to accommodate people with disabilities.
Yes, automatic doors can save energy in various ways. They help maintain the inner temperature of a building by reducing the amount of time doors remain open. Reduced HVAC strain and compliance with sustainability initiatives let businesses meet energy-saving goals and contribute to green certifications.
Automatic doors significantly improve accessibility for people with disabilities, the elderly, families with children, and others with mobility challenges. They eliminate the need to manually open or push a door, making it easier for people with mobility impairments to navigate public and commercial spaces independently.
Read More:
- Fire-Rated Exit Doors: Compliance & Safety for UK Businesses
- Why Choosing the Right Commercial Door is Crucial for Your UK Business
Editorial Staff’s at Door Engineers have vast knowledge on commercial doors.
