highspeeddoors

Different Types of High Speed Doors and their Advantages

For some businesses, controlling and protecting the premises environment is not solely about security but can be critical to what the premises is actually being used for as well. For example, controlling the ambience of the environment is essential for some manufacturing processes, particularly in food and chemical processing. However, this is just one example in a sea of many. High-speed doors are designed to provide rapid and efficient access while maintaining environmental control and safety for various types of businesses. Sometimes called fast acting doors or rapid roll doors, here we have a look at some different types of these high-speed doors and some of the features and advantages they offer.

Folding High-Speed Doors

  • Folding doors consist of multiple, interconnected panels that fold and unfold in a concertina, fan like motion during operation. They can either be single stack (slide to one side) or bi-folding (split in two, open in the centre and fold outwards).
  • Requiring minimal space, folding doors are ideal for areas with limited headroom or side space.
  • They are usually fabricated out of steel or aluminium, and can come with the option of windows in them, which mean they provide natural light for environments that require it.
  • Whilst not the very fastest on the market, these doors are ideal in some settings and offer rapid cycle times, allowing for efficient traffic flow.
  • The flexible panels of folding doors absorb sound, reducing noise transfer between different areas of a warehouse or business. This can be particularly important for premises that have a front and back of house type operation.
  • These type of fast acting doors often incorporate safety sensors and emergency stop mechanisms to enhance safety.

Sectional High-Speed Doors

  • Sectional doors are composed of multiple horizontal panels that move upwards vertically on tracks. They are usually made from galvanised steel or aluminium and can also be fitted with windows to allow in natural light.
  • Because sectional doors move vertically, they allow for better use of available space compared to traditional swing-out or folding doors. This is essential for some business where utilising every inch of space is key such as storage facilities and where vehicles are required to reverse in for deliveries and collections.
  • Sectional high-speed doors offer superior insulation properties, contributing to temperature control and energy efficiency. On top of this, they can be excellent for fire rated options to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
  • These doors are designed to withstand strong winds, making them ideal for exterior applications or for locations where frequent adverse weather conditions are a concern.
  • Sectional overhead doors can be tailored to specific requirements, such as size, colour, and window options. These types of high speed doors offer a wider range of aesthetic finishes than roller shutters, despite similar space saving profiles.

Roll-Up High-Speed Doors

  • Rapid roll doors consist of a flexible curtain panels or slats that roll up and down around themselves. They are most commonly used in industrial settings and warehouses.
  • As their name suggests, rapid roll doors can open and close super-fast which allows for high-speed traffic flow and keeps a tight control over both temperature and security.
  • As mentioned above, the fast operation of rapid roll doors minimises air exchange between different areas within a business premises which in turn reduces energy loss and maintains temperature control.
  • Dust and debris can be a huge concern for some types of manufacturing. The speed of a rapid roll door can help reduce the risk of contamination where opening and closing is required multiple times throughout a working day.
  • These doors are manufactured to withstand frequent use and harsh environments which helps ensure long-term reliability and value for money.
  • Businesses have the option of including safety sensors and auto-reversing mechanisms with their installation of rapid roll doors which helps to prevent accidents and damage.

Crucial Engineering – We Know High Speed Doors

Crucial are leaders in aluminium manufacturing and automated system solutions. Our high speed doors have provided safety and security for countless clients and businesses. Supplying a range of solutions, we can tailor our offering to match the needs of your business. Give us a call and tell us about what you might be looking for and our friendly team will be on hand to help figure out what we can do.


autodoors

The Benefits of Automatic Doors for Schools

As technology continues to reshape our daily lives, all types of businesses and establishments are embracing the power of innovation to help enhance the safety, accessibility and efficiency of their buildings. And whilst not necessarily a place of commerce, Schools are no exception here. One innovation that is proving to be popular and increasingly utilised, is the installation of automatic doors in educational institutions. Looking beyond the simple act of their function of opening and closing, automatic doors offer a myriad of benefits that contribute to a safer, more inclusive, and seamless learning environment. With various types of automatic doors available on the market, from aluminium sliding doors to swing doors, here we take a look at the advantages that they can bring to schools.

Enhancing Safety and Security

It goes without saying that the safety of students is a number one priority in any educational setting. Automatic doors can be a great aid in bolstering security measures. With the option of installing them with advanced sensors and control systems, these doors can provide access management, greatly reducing unauthorised entry. By eliminating the need for manual door operation, automatic doors can also minimise the risk of accidents and injuries caused by slamming doors, trapped fingers, or crowded exits during emergency situations.

Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion

Creating an inclusive learning environment that accommodates individuals of all abilities is now a core principle for most modern schools. Automatic doors significantly contribute to fostering accessibility by removing physical barriers. Students, staff and visitors with mobility limitations or wheelchair users, can effortlessly navigate through entrances without depending on others for assistance. Schools and colleges can be busy places with many people coming and going throughout the day, such as delivery people and catering companies. Automatic doors assist with easy access for any individuals carrying heavy loads in these instances. Promoting independence, inclusivity, and a sense of equality within a school community is a priority today and automatic doors can be a great asset here.

Helping to Streamline Traffic Flow

The heavy foot traffic that schools experience during peak hours, such as morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups can be managed more efficiently with the installation of automatic doors. By swiftly opening and closing and allowing for the seamless movement of students, parents, and staff, congestion is reduced, and the overall efficiency of daily operations is improved. Additionally, automatic doors equipped with programmable schedules can adapt to varying traffic patterns, further enhancing the flow during specific periods of the day. If safety is of increased concern, additional security measures can be introduced, such as card entry and remote access control.

Managing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Lots of schools are now including environmental conservation as part of their annual goals and actions. Many are actively seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Automatic doors contribute to energy efficiency by minimising heat loss or gain. Their quick closing mechanism helps to maintain a more consistent air temperature. By regulating the temperature inside the building, automatic doors help to reduced energy consumption and lower utility costs.

Improved Hygiene and Sanitation for Peace of Mind

With the most recent global health concerns, guaranteeing a hygienic and sanitary environment has become a priority for the Heads of Departments and Buildings managers of schools. Automatic doors eliminate the need for the frequent use of traditional door handles. This helps to limit the transmission of germs and bacteria that may reside on them. By integrating touchless operation or hands-free sensors, these doors provide an additional layer of protection against the spread of infectious diseases, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the school community.

A choice of automatic doors

There are a variety of automatic doors that schools can choose from to suit their spaces and requirements. Aluminium sliding doors are aesthetically pleasing and don’t require any additional indoor space since they slide open against themselves. They are also fast opening so are great for educational settings that have a high footfall. Automatic swing doors are easy to install, are an economic option and can be fitted in existing doorways and on existing doors. Both these types of doors can be fitted with access control to support the safety of students.

Crucial Engineering – Trusted Partners for Automatic Doors

As experts in all things aluminium, automatic doors are no exception. Here at Crucial, we provide automatic door solutions for education settings, supporting their safety, security and sustainability aims. With trustworthy, DBS checked engineers, Crucial can be onsite to install your automatic doors without compromising the integrity and safeguarding of your school. If you are looking for a reliable, punctual and transparent service to install automatic doors at your school, contact our friendly team to arrange a chat about your requirements.