A commercial door with glass panels is a type of door commonly used in offices, retail stores, schools, and other commercial settings that features one or more sections of glass within the door. These glass panels can vary in size, shape, and transparency, allowing for natural light, visibility, and an open feel while maintaining functionality and security. Depending on the application, the glass may be tempered, laminated, insulated, or fire-rated to meet safety and building code requirements. These doors offer a modern aesthetic and can be made from materials like aluminum, steel, or wood.
What types of glass are used in these doors?
Commercial doors with glass panels commonly use several types of glass to balance safety, durability, and performance:
- Tempered Glass: Heat-treated for extra strength; it breaks into small, less harmful pieces if shattered, making it a popular safety choice.
- Laminated Glass: Made by bonding two glass layers with a plastic interlayer, which holds the glass together when broken, enhancing security and soundproofing.
- Insulated Glass: Consists of two or more glass panes separated by a spacer and sealed to improve energy efficiency and reduce noise.
- Fire-Rated Glass: Specially designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke, meeting building code fire safety requirements.
Each type is selected based on the specific needs of the commercial space, including safety, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
Where are commercial glass panel doors typically used?
Commercial glass panel doors are typically used in a variety of settings where natural light, visibility, and an open atmosphere are important. Common locations include office buildings, retail stores, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, hotels, and restaurants. They’re also popular in entryways, conference rooms, lobbies, and interior partitions to create inviting, bright, and connected spaces while maintaining security and durability.
Can commercial doors with glass panels be made from steel and from wood?
Yes, commercial doors with glass panels can be made from both steel and wood.
- Steel doors with glass panels are common in commercial settings where durability, security, and fire resistance are priorities. They offer a strong frame that can support large glass inserts while maintaining safety.
- Wood doors with glass panels are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, especially in offices, retail spaces, or entryways that want a warmer, more traditional or upscale look. While less common than steel for heavy-duty use, wood doors can still be very durable when properly constructed and maintained.
So both steel and wood are viable materials for commercial glass panel doors, depending on the specific functional and design needs.
Are commercial glass panel doors secure?
Commercial glass panel doors can be secure, but their security largely depends on the type of glass used, the door’s construction, and the locking hardware.
Many commercial glass doors use tempered or laminated safety glass, which is much stronger and more impact-resistant than regular glass. Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer that holds the shards together if broken, adding extra security.
The glass panels are usually set within strong metal (steel or aluminum) or heavy-duty wood frames that reinforce the door and make it harder to force open.
The security of the door also depends on high-quality commercial-grade locks, deadbolts, and reinforced strike plates. Electronic access controls or panic bars can enhance security in commercial settings.
Sometimes additional security measures like security films or grills are added to glass panels to prevent easy break-ins.
In summary, commercial glass panel doors can be quite secure if designed and installed properly with the right materials and locking systems. However, compared to solid metal or wood doors without glass, they may be more vulnerable to forced entry if inferior glass or hardware is used.
If security is a top priority, it’s good to specify tempered or laminated glass, robust frames, and commercial-grade locks when choosing glass panel doors.
Can the glass panels affect fire safety?
Yes, the glass panels in commercial doors can affect fire safety, but it depends on the type of glass and door assembly used.
Fire-rated glass panels are specially designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke for a specified period (such as 20, 45, or 60 minutes). These fire-rated glass types typically include wired glass, tempered fire-resistant glass, or specially laminated fire-rated glass.
Regular glass panels, like standard tempered or laminated glass, do not provide fire resistance and can compromise the door’s fire rating if used in a fire-rated door assembly.
To maintain fire safety, commercial doors with glass panels must use fire-rated glass that meets local building codes and fire safety standards. The entire door assembly (including the frame, glass, and hardware) must be tested and certified for fire resistance.
In summary, glass panels can affect fire safety, but by using the correct fire-rated glass and components, commercial glass doors can still meet fire safety requirements.