First impressions matter. Before customers interact with your staff, products, or services, they interact with your building. Your entrance system is often the first thing they touch.
If your commercial entrance is damaged, difficult to use, or operating unsafely, it can create a negative experience before a customer even steps inside.
At UPG, we’ve installed and/or serviced commercial entrance systems for businesses and organizations across Central Pennsylvania. Our customers tend to see the same warning signs leading up to their decision to contact us for repair or replacement.
1. Your door won’t open (smoothly) or latch (properly)
We’ve all come across a door like this in our home that seems to stick every time we try to open it or we have to shift the doorknob in just the right way to get it to open. If this is happening in your business, customers are being turned away. If a door is hard to open, drags against the frame, or doesn’t latch properly, it’s time to have it inspected. It could be a simple hinge fix, or you could be facing a settling frame, warped door panel or hardware problems.
The bigger issue here is the door’s inability to seal correctly. This can introduce drafts, increase energy costs, and compromise the security of your building.
If during a rainstorm, you see water seeping in, it’s another sign of a faulty seal. Water infiltration can damage flooring, walls and interior finishes and compromise the integrity of the frame.
2. The glass or frame on your entrance is damaged
A cracked phone screen is inconvenient. A cracked commercial glass door is a safety concern. Once a chip, crack (even a hairline one), or deep scratch appears, it may already be compromising the safety and integrity of your entrance system.
Because commercial entrances experience constant use, even a small crack can quickly grow into a much larger problem. What appears minor today could become a broken pane tomorrow.
Is your frame showing damage? Is it bent or corroded? The frame holds it all together and if it’s going, your entire unit needs to be checked.
Fogging between insulated glass units or visible rust and corrosion along the frame are also warning signs to keep on your list. That fog means the seal on your insulated glass unit (IGU) has failed and the glass is no longer performing as intended. You’re losing energy efficiency daily.
3. The hardware on your door is breaking down
Handles, closers, hinges, locking mechanisms, they work great, until they don’t. In high-traffic commercial entrances, hardware is going to break down after years of use.
Common issues include a door closer that lets the door slam (or barely shut); hinges that make noises; locks that don’t open with ease; and rattling handles.
4. Your entrance system is outdated
Many commercial entrance systems have been in place for decades. While they may still function, they may no longer provide the security, energy efficiency, accessibility, or appearance your business requires.
In many cases, the cost of repeated repairs begins to outweigh the value of keeping an aging system in service.
Older entrance systems can also create safety and accessibility concerns. Doors that are difficult to open, malfunctioning closers, damaged hardware, or outdated glazing may impact the experience of employees and visitors while making it more difficult to meet modern building code and accessibility requirements.
Today’s commercial entrance systems can provide much more than a way in and out of your building. Features such as laminated safety glass, multi-point locking systems, electronic access control, and key fob entry can improve security, convenience, and overall building performance.
If you’re experiencing frequent repairs, rising energy costs, or concerns about safety and security, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Modern entrance systems offer improved durability, better thermal performance, enhanced security features, and a more professional appearance for customers and employees alike.
If you notice any of the signs above, or simply have concerns about your entrance and want an expert to come and take a look, we are here!
Many of these issues can be identified and corrected during routine inspections before they lead to costly repairs, security concerns, or emergency service calls. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your entrance system and keeps it operating safely and efficiently.
Through our Commercial Maintenance Program, we help businesses identify and address small issues before they become costly repairs or emergency service calls. Learn more here.
Whether your system needs a minor adjustment or a full replacement, our team brings the experience and workmanship to get it done right.
Contact us today for a service consultation. Give us a call at 570-286-6791 or send us an email at sales@upgpa.com