How to Install a Commercial Door?

Learn how to install a commercial door, from measuring and preparing the opening to installing the frame, hardware, and door and verifying proper operation.

GLASS

Alex Blake

7/15/20263 min read

storefront installation
storefront installation

Installing a commercial door is more involved than replacing a typical residential door. Commercial doors are designed for frequent use and may need to meet specific requirements for durability, safety, accessibility, security, and building codes.

The installation process depends on the type of commercial door and the existing opening, but professional installation generally follows several important steps.

1. Inspect and Measure the Opening

Before installation begins, the existing doorway should be carefully inspected and measured. The installer needs to verify the opening's width, height, depth, and overall condition.

Measurements should also account for the door frame and any surrounding storefront or glazing system. Accurate measurements are critical because even a small discrepancy can prevent the door from operating correctly.

2. Select the Correct Door and Frame

Commercial doors are available in many configurations, including aluminum storefront doors, glass doors, hollow metal doors, and other specialized systems.

The appropriate door should be selected based on the building's use, traffic level, security requirements, glass specifications, hardware, and applicable code requirements.

If the existing frame is damaged or incompatible with the new door, the frame may also need to be replaced.

3. Prepare the Opening

The opening must be properly prepared before the new door is installed. This may involve removing the existing door and hardware, correcting alignment issues, repairing the frame, or making necessary adjustments to the opening.

A clean, properly prepared opening helps ensure that the new door can be installed accurately.

4. Install the Frame

If a new frame is required, it must be properly positioned, secured, and aligned.

The frame needs to be square and plumb so that the door can open, close, and latch properly. Poor frame alignment can lead to problems such as uneven gaps, difficult operation, premature hardware wear, and improper sealing.

5. Install the Door

Once the frame is properly positioned, the commercial door can be installed using the appropriate hinges, pivots, or other mounting components.

The installer must ensure the door is correctly aligned and has the appropriate clearances for smooth operation.

For glass doors, the glass must also be properly specified and installed according to the requirements of the particular system.

6. Install Hardware

Commercial doors often require more hardware than residential doors. Depending on the application, this may include:

  • Hinges or pivots

  • Door closers

  • Locks

  • Pull handles

  • Panic or exit devices

  • Thresholds

  • Weatherstripping

  • Access-control hardware

Hardware needs to be properly installed and adjusted so the door operates reliably and safely.

7. Adjust and Test the Door

After installation, the door should be carefully tested.

The installer will typically check that the door:

  • Opens and closes smoothly

  • Latches correctly

  • Has appropriate clearances

  • Closes at the proper speed

  • Operates correctly with the installed hardware

  • Does not bind against the frame

  • Provides the intended seal and alignment

Any necessary adjustments should be completed before the installation is considered finished.

8. Verify Safety and Code Requirements

Commercial doors may be subject to applicable building, fire, accessibility, and safety requirements. The specific requirements depend on the building and the door's location and use.

This is an important reason to have commercial doors installed by experienced professionals who understand the requirements associated with commercial entrances and storefront systems.

Can You Install a Commercial Door Yourself?

While basic door installation may appear straightforward, commercial door systems can involve specialized components, heavy materials, glass, hardware, and code requirements.

An incorrect installation can cause operational problems, premature wear, security concerns, or safety issues. For complex commercial doors and storefront systems, professional installation is generally the safest and most reliable approach.

Professional Commercial Door Installation

A properly installed commercial door should do more than simply fit in the opening. It should operate smoothly, integrate correctly with the frame and hardware, and provide the durability and performance expected in a commercial environment.

Apex Door and Glass provides professional commercial door and storefront installation for businesses. Whether you are replacing an existing commercial door, upgrading an entrance, or installing a new storefront system, an experienced commercial glass and door contractor can help ensure the project is properly measured, specified, and installed.

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Chesapeake, VA 23320

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