Automatic doors are an ideal way of improving accessibility, convenience, security and safety for commercial and public buildings – and like any mechanical systems, they should be kept in a state of good repair to gain maximum benefits.
Even the best doors can come under stress from general wear and tear over time, so regular automatic door maintenance, by a professional installer, is a must to pre-empt any issues and extend their lifespan.
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Improved safety
Automatic door repair prevents malfunctions that could lead to safety hazards, such as injuries and security vulnerabilities. Regular checks, preventative maintenance and repairs are essential to comply with the law and meet safety standards, as malfunctions can pose serious risks of injury to people as they enter or exit the premises. The most common injuries sustained include bruises, cuts and head injuries, including concussion and skull fractures, often caused if faulty doors close as people walk through.
In addition to improving safety, carrying out prompt repairs can also help businesses avoid legal problems, fines, compensation claims and loss of reputation. There have been a number of documented accidents in the UK involving automatic doors, including one 80-year-old woman who reportedly sustained a spine injury after a retail store door closed on her in 2016; and a supermarket customer who received damages of £2,500 after the mechanism of a supermarket door failed, causing it to close on her face. Don’t be in the news for all the wrong reasons!
Improved security
In terms of security, when your doors are working efficiently, they can help keep out intruders and pests, such as in the event of a disturbance outside, as you can simply lock the doors remotely, without endangering your staff.
In an interesting twist, in May 2019, a climate activist intent on disrupting a local authority office by gluing himself to its frontage during a protest was thwarted when the doors kept opening automatically, as a result of sensors, every time he approached.
Dr Larch Maxey had participated in earlier Extinction Rebellion protests that brought London to a standstill, but failed to beat the technology at Bristol City Council after attempting to stick himself to automatic doors. A video surfaced on a number of online news sites showing Maxey approaching the doors several times, but when they kept opening to let him in, he eventually gave up and read a speech instead.
Enhanced energy efficiency
Well maintained automatic doors contribute to better energy efficiency by sealing entrances properly, with broken doors potentially leading to energy loss, resulting in higher bills. This is the case when keeping the premises warm in winter and cool in summer.
Automatic doors control airflow and temperature, minimising the loss of conditioned air by opening and closing effectively when people need to pass through. This helps maintain the building’s indoor temperature by combating air exchange, reducing the need for central heating in winter and HVAC systems in summer.
Cost savings
Research shows automatic doors save more energy than the electricity needed to operate them, with regular repairs helping businesses to avoid the potentially higher costs of full door replacements or major malfunctions in the event of system failure due to negligence.
Investing in a proactive maintenance schedule can help businesses stop minor problems from escalating into a crisis. Of course, as well as saving money, it’s all about keeping your premises safe for members of the public and employees.
A study carried out by Cambridge University suggested that energy consumption could be reduced by up to 50% by having automatic doors, which can be kept closed as much as possible, in comparison with manual doors, which may inadvertently be left open for longer periods.
Compliance with legal requirements
Regular automatic doors repair can help businesses to meet stringent health and safety regulations to ensure they work efficiently, reducing the risk of fines or lawsuits by helping to keep people safe. The Automatic Door Suppliers’ Association recommends companies carry out regular safety checks in accordance with BS EN 16005.
Improved user experience
Functioning automatic doors contribute to customer and employee satisfaction by ensuring smooth, hassle-free access. They can make life easier for anyone entering and leaving premises such as retail stores by preventing bottlenecks and ensuring easy access for disabled people, elderly customers, pushchairs, or those laden down with shopping.
In addition, having your doors maintained regularly and repaired promptly can prevent nasty surprises at store entrances – such as when doors at a Tesco supermarket made a sudden loud noise that resembled someone screaming every time they opened, failing to enhance the shopping experience for startled customers!
Prolonging the lifespan of the door system
Timely repairs help to extend the lifespan of automatic doors, saving businesses from costly early replacements. Statistics show that well maintained doors can last for up to 20 years with proper care and attention. They represent an investment for your company, and as such should be protected in order to extend their life for as long as possible.
Contact Automatic Access for advice or to schedule regular maintenance and repairs with our professional team.