Door hardware like handles, locks and hinges will not function as intended if the perimeter frame is damaged. That is why it is important to look for door systems that not only have impact resistant frames but also ones that contribute to a building’s overarching design goals and security needs.
Commercial sliding barn doors are no different. When surrounded by durable, aesthetically pleasing functional perimeter frames, these systems can solve many design challenges in a range of different types of spaces. The following examines four qualities that usher architectural value through the door.
Durable design supports long-lasting commercial sliding door solutions
No matter the building use, high-traffic areas can benefit from door systems that are impact resistant. Thick-gauge aluminum frames can withstand collisions that may happen when moving large equipment between rooms. Not only does this prolong a door's service life, but it also helps keep facilities looking in top condition with little maintenance required.
Likewise, the crisp, minimal lines of an aluminum frame can also elevate the building’s design aesthetics while simultaneously protecting components integral to the door’s function. In recent years the quality of wall construction present in commercial buildings had posed great challenges in terms of fit and finish, high quality contemporary commercial frames must be able to accommodate tolerances and deviations in wall thickness to ensure the highest quality plumb and true installation possible.
Soft closing for a positive occupant experience
Long-lasting components help ensure smooth, maintenance-free operation, even after years of daily use. The soft closers are one such component. Tested to over 150,000 cycles, AD Systems’ closers can maintain functionality even in high-use applications to provide a tangible value in their specification.
Not only do these components inhibit slamming (which can contribute to a more peaceful built environment, not to mention more user-friendly), but they can also help commercial sliding barn door systems meet accessibility requirements. Because they regulate the force required to shut a door and the speed at which a door closes, they can help facilitate easier operation by those with mobility assistive devices.
Smoke-rated seals offer premium acoustic performance
Commercial sliding barn doors that offer a perimeter and drop-down bottom seal can provide a Noise Isolation Class (NIC) rating of up to 39, which reduces average conversation levels to that of a whisper. While this can enhance any setting’s occupant experience by allowing for quiet areas of rest and relaxation, it can be indispensable in healthcare environments. These NIC ratings can help maintain doctor-patient confidentiality and contribute to a more realized on-stage/off-stage design. The perimeter gaskets also ensure visual privacy around the perimeter of the opening.
Further, these drop-down bottom seals also close leaky perimeter gaps to stop the spread of smoke in the event of a fire and can be specified as part of a UL 1784 smoke rated system. As such, they help mitigate the risks of smoke exposure during a fire while also meeting Facility Guidelines Institute and Americans with Disability Act (ADA) guidelines for room privacy. This design also limits airflow, which can allow the doors to be used in some clean room, pharmacy or isolation room environments where air infiltration management is key.
Don’t sideline the perimeter
Resilient aluminum perimeter frames can stand up to some of the most demanding built-environments—from acute care to educational settings and beyond. When these frames incorporate soft closers, premium acoustic and smoke-rated seals, they are able to do so without sacrificing the design aesthetics that promote occupant wellbeing. The perimeter frames can be key to protecting the wall opening and ensuring a well-functioning sliding door assembly over the lifetime of the installation.
