Choosing the right entrance is important for every commercial property. Whether you own a retail shop, manage an office or operate a busy business premises, your entrance should be convenient, safe and welcoming. This is why automatic doors in London are becoming a popular choice for businesses looking to improve their entrances.
Automatic doors allow customers, employees and visitors to enter and leave a building without manually opening a door. They also create a modern appearance, improve everyday convenience and support accessibility for different users.
However, choosing the right automatic door system requires careful consideration. Factors such as available space, pedestrian traffic, building design, safety features and installation requirements all play an important role.
In this guide, we explore the different types of automatic doors, their benefits, installation process, costs and important considerations for London businesses.
Why Are Automatic Doors a Good Choice for Commercial Properties?
A business entrance is often the first thing customers notice when visiting your premises. An outdated or inconvenient doorway can affect the overall experience, especially in locations with regular customer traffic.
Installing automatic doors can make everyday access easier while improving the appearance and functionality of your commercial property.
1. Improved Customer Accessibility
Automatic doors make entering and leaving a building easier for wheelchair users, older visitors, parents with pushchairs and customers carrying shopping bags.
They reduce the need to push or pull heavy doors, helping create a more accessible entrance for different users.
2. Smooth Customer Movement
Retail shops, supermarkets, restaurants and office buildings often experience regular pedestrian movement.
Automatic sliding doors open when activated by suitable sensors, allowing people to pass through without manually operating the entrance. This can help maintain a smoother flow of customers during busy periods.
3. Modern and Professional Appearance
Your entrance contributes to the overall appearance of your business.
Glass and aluminum automatic doors offer a clean, contemporary design that can complement modern shopfronts, offices and commercial buildings. Different frame finishes and glazing options also allow businesses to match their entrance with the existing property design.
4. Convenient Hands-Free Access
Automatic doors are particularly useful for customers carrying products, employees moving equipment and visitors entering with deliveries.
The hands-free operation makes everyday access more convenient and reduces the need to touch door handles.
5. Better Entrance Management
Depending on the selected specification, automatic doors can integrate with access-control systems, electronic locks and other security equipment.
This allows businesses to manage authorised access while maintaining a convenient entrance for customers and employees.
What Types of Automatic Doors Are Available in London?
Different commercial properties require different entrance solutions. The right system depends on the building layout, available space, daily footfall and preferred appearance.
Here are some common types of automatic doors used in commercial premises.
1. Automatic Sliding Doors
Automatic sliding doors open horizontally along a track instead of swinging into the entrance area.
They are commonly used in retail shops, supermarkets, shopping centres, offices and other commercial buildings.
Key benefits include:
- Smooth opening and closing operation.
- Efficient use of entrance space.
- Suitable for regular pedestrian traffic.
- Modern glass and aluminum designs.
- Convenient access for customers with mobility requirements.
Sliding doors are available in different configurations, including single sliding panels, bi-parting doors and telescopic systems. The most suitable option depends on the available opening width and building requirements.
2. Automatic Swing Doors
Automatic swing doors use a powered mechanism to open a hinged door when activated by an appropriate sensor or control.
They are often suitable for existing commercial entrances where installing sliding doors may not be practical.
These systems are commonly considered for offices, smaller shops, internal commercial areas and professional premises.
Their main advantages include convenient operation, flexible design options and the possibility of automating certain existing hinged doors.
3. Automatic Glass Doors
Automatic glass doors are a popular option for businesses that want a bright and welcoming entrance.
Glass provides visibility between the inside and outside of a building and allows natural light to enter the premises.
They are particularly suitable for modern retail stores, offices, showrooms and commercial shopfronts.
4. Aluminium Automatic Shopfront Doors
Aluminium automatic doors combine a strong frame structure with practical design flexibility.
They can be matched with existing aluminum shopfronts and are available in different finishes to complement commercial property designs.
Businesses often consider aluminum systems when upgrading an entrance or creating a new shopfront that needs both functionality and a professional appearance.
Also Read : Aluminium Shop Fronts for Modern Businesses
Automatic Sliding Doors vs Swing Doors: Which Is Better?
Both systems provide convenient access, but their suitability depends on the entrance layout and business requirements.
| Feature | Sliding Doors | Swing Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Opening style | Moves horizontally | Opens on hinges |
| Space requirement | Requires sliding space | Requires swing clearance |
| Busy entrances | Often suitable | Depends on configuration |
| Existing hinged doors | May need replacement or alteration | Can often be automated |
| Common applications | Shops and supermarkets | Offices and smaller premises |
| Design options | Glass and aluminium | Various commercial finishes |
Which one should you choose?
Automatic sliding doors are often a practical choice for busy retail entrances because they do not require a door leaf to swing into the surrounding space.
Automatic swing doors may be more suitable for existing hinged entrances or office layouts where a sliding system is not practical.
A professional site survey can help determine which configuration is appropriate for your building.
What Is Involved in Automatic Door Installation?
Installing automatic doors involves more than fitting a motor and connecting sensors. The complete entrance needs to be assessed to ensure that the system is suitable for the building and its users.
Here is what businesses can expect during the installation process.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The installer discusses your requirements, including the type of premises, entrance design, expected customer traffic and preferred door configuration.
Step 2: Site Survey and Measurements
The existing entrance is inspected to assess its dimensions, structural condition, available space and electrical requirements.
This helps establish whether a completely new installation or an upgrade to an existing entrance is more suitable.
Step 3: Door Selection and Design
Based on the assessment, the appropriate door system is selected. This may include sliding or swing doors, glass specifications, aluminum finishes, sensors and access-control features.
Step 4: Installation and Fitting
The installation may involve preparing the entrance, fitting frames and door panels, installing operating mechanisms, connecting electrical components and positioning safety equipment.
The work required depends on the building and the selected system.
Step 5: Testing and Commissioning
Before the entrance is used regularly, the system should be tested to check its opening and closing operation, sensor response and safety functions.
The business should also receive relevant operating and maintenance information.
How Much Do Automatic Doors Cost in London?
The cost of automatic door installation in London depends on the type of system, materials, entrance dimensions and complexity of the project.
There is no fixed price that applies to every commercial property.
Some important factors that influence the quotation include:
Door type: Sliding, swing and specialist automatic systems have different equipment and installation requirements.
Entrance dimensions: Larger openings may require additional materials and more complex installation work.
Materials and finishes: Glass specifications, aluminum frames and customised finishes can affect the overall cost.
Safety equipment: Sensors, safety beams and other protective components contribute to the system specification.
Existing shopfront condition: Retrofitting an existing entrance may require additional preparation or structural modifications.
Electrical and access-control work: New wiring and security integration can increase project complexity.
Before accepting a quotation, ask whether it includes the door system, installation labour, safety equipment, electrical work, testing and commissioning. It is also worth checking warranty and future maintenance arrangements.
A site survey is the best way to understand the actual requirements and receive an accurate quotation.
Also Read : Electric Roller Shutters
Why Is Automatic Door Maintenance Important?
Automatic doors contain moving mechanical and electrical components that need regular inspection and servicing.
Proper maintenance helps identify potential problems before they cause unexpected disruption to your business.
Important areas to check include:
- Door tracks, rollers and moving components.
- Opening and closing movements.
- Sensor positioning and response.
- Safety devices and stopping functions.
- Electrical connections and control systems.
- Unusual noises or inconsistent operation.
The maintenance schedule should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, applicable safety requirements and the level of daily use.
If your automatic door starts closing unexpectedly, makes unusual noises or fails to detect approaching pedestrians, arrange an inspection by a suitably competent professional.
Why Choose Signature Shopfitters for Automatic Doors in London?
Choosing the right entrance system requires an understanding of your building, business operations and design preferences.
Signature Shopfitters Ltd provides automatic door and shopfront solutions for businesses looking to improve the appearance, functionality and accessibility of their commercial entrances.
The company offers automatic sliding and swing door options, with aluminum and other shopfront design considerations to suit different commercial requirements.
Whether you are opening a new retail store, upgrading an existing shopfront or considering an automatic entrance for an office, discussing your requirements before installation can help you select a suitable solution.
Based in Romford, Signature Shopfitters serves businesses across Greater London, including Ilford, Romford, East London and surrounding areas.
To explore available options, visit the Signature Shopfitters Automatic Doors page and contact the team to discuss your project.
Final Thoughts
Automatic doors can make a real difference to the way customers and employees access a commercial property. They offer convenient operation, support accessibility and help businesses create a modern and welcoming entrance.
However, the best system is not necessarily the most expensive option. It should suit your available space, handle expected pedestrian traffic and meet the relevant safety requirements.
If you are considering automatic doors in London, take time to compare different systems, understand the installation process and check the available aftercare.
With the right planning and professional installation, an automatic entrance can become a valuable part of your commercial property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much do automatic doors cost in London?
The cost depends on the door type, entrance dimensions, materials, sensors and installation complexity. A simple upgrade to an existing entrance may require different work from installing a completely new automatic glass shopfront. A site survey is recommended to receive an accurate quotation.
2. Which automatic doors are best for retail shops?
Automatic sliding doors are often a practical choice for retail shops because they provide convenient access without requiring a door leaf to swing into the entrance area. The final selection should consider customer traffic, available space, entrance width and safety requirements.
3. Can automatic doors be installed in an existing shopfront?
Yes, many existing commercial entrances can be upgraded with automatic door systems. However, suitability depends on the current door structure, dimensions, electrical arrangements and available installation space. A professional inspection can establish whether retrofitting or replacement is more appropriate.
4. Are automatic glass doors safe for commercial buildings?
Automatic glass doors can provide safe access when correctly specified, installed, tested and maintained. Appropriate sensors, safety devices and commissioning checks are important. Businesses should discuss the relevant BS EN 16005 requirements with their installer.
5. How long does automatic door installation take?
Installation time varies depending on the door configuration, site conditions, manufacturing requirements and electrical work. A straightforward replacement may take less time than a complete shopfront installation. Your installer should provide a realistic project schedule following a site assessment.
6. Do automatic doors work during a power failure?
Their behaviour depends on the system design and specified safety arrangements. Some systems may include battery backup, while others have manual release or other emergency arrangements. Businesses should confirm the power-failure procedure before installation.
7. Are automatic doors suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, appropriately designed automatic entrances can make access easier for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. The opening width, approach space, sensor operation and opening time should be considered to support convenient and accessible movement.
8. Can automatic doors be customised for my business?
Yes, depending on the selected system. Businesses can choose from different glass specifications, aluminum frame finishes, configurations and suitable branding options. These choices help create an entrance that complements the existing shopfront and overall business design.
9. How often should commercial automatic doors be serviced?
The servicing frequency depends on the manufacturer’s instructions, daily usage, system specification and relevant risk assessments. Regular inspections help identify wear, sensor problems and mechanical issues before they affect normal operation.
10. Where can I get automatic doors installed in London?
Businesses can contact Signature Shopfitters Ltd to discuss automatic door and commercial shopfront solutions across London, including Romford, Ilford and surrounding areas. The team can discuss entrance requirements and suitable installation options for different commercial premises.
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