Installing automatic or power-operated glass doors is a great way to make your building safe, ADA compliant, and accessible. But, among the many different types of automatic glass doors, how do you know which one is right for you?
Automatic Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding automatic glass doors are a top choice for commercial and public spaces thanks to their space-saving design, energy efficiency, and touchless operation. These commercial glass doors are engineered for high-traffic environments and offer a sleek, modern appearance that enhances both functionality and aesthetics.
How They Work:
Sliding glass door systems feature durable glass panels that slide horizontally along a track, usually opening from the center. Equipped with advanced motion sensors, these automatic doors open seamlessly to allow safe and convenient access without the need for physical contact, ideal for improving hygiene and traffic flow.
Key Benefits:
- Perfect for busy entrances such as retail stores, hospitals, airports, and office buildings, and more
- ADA-compliant, providing accessible entry for all users
- Enhance building energy efficiency and safety with hands-free operation
Automatic Telescopic Sliding Glass Doors
Automatic telescopic sliding glass doors are an advanced solution for commercial buildings that require wider clear openings without increasing wall space. These high-performance glass door systems are ideal for locations with heavy pedestrian traffic and limited structural room, combining modern aesthetics with functional efficiency.
How They Work:
Telescopic sliding doors consist of multiple narrow glass panels that slide and stack in parallel, allowing a broader opening width compared to standard sliding doors. Activated by motion sensors, these doors open automatically to facilitate smooth, touchless entry and exit—perfect for high-volume use and enhanced user convenience.
Key Benefits:
- Optimized for high-traffic commercial settings such as airports, shopping centers, hospitals, and hotels
- Space-efficient design allows for a wider opening in compact areas
- ADA-compliant and fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges
- Enhances energy efficiency and indoor climate control with fast, secure operation
Automatic Folding Glass Doors
Automatic folding glass doors are a smart and stylish solution for entryways where space is limited, but accessibility and aesthetics are still essential. These doors combine modern glass design with compact folding functionality, making them ideal for commercial spaces with narrow corridors or limited side clearance.
How They Work:
Automatic folding doors consist of two or more glass panels that fold together in an accordion-like motion when activated. Operated by motion sensors or access control systems, the panels pivot and slide to the side, creating a wide and unobstructed opening while using minimal wall space.
Key Benefits:
- Ideal for tight entryways in retail stores, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and office buildings
- Maximizes clear opening width with a minimal footprint
- ADA-compliant design ensures accessible entry for individuals with disabilities
- Provides fast, efficient operation in high-traffic environments with limited structural space
Power-Operated (Low Energy) Swinging Glass Door
Power-operated swinging glass doors provide a practical and elegant entry solution for commercial, institutional, and healthcare facilities. These automatic doors offer seamless access with a familiar swinging motion, ideal for both new construction and retrofitting existing manual doors.
How They Work:
These doors operate on a motorized mechanism that opens and closes a single or double glass door by swinging it inward or outward. Activated by motion sensors, push plates, or access control systems, they enable hands-free operation while maintaining directional flow and accessibility.
Key Benefits:
- Ideal for offices, hospitals, schools, and government buildings where traditional door designs are preferred
- Easy to retrofit into existing openings, minimizing renovation costs
- Fully ADA-compliant, enhancing accessibility for all users
- Offers quiet, smooth operation and precise control over door speed and closing force
Power-Operated (Low Energy) Sliding Glass Doors
Low-energy sliding glass doors offer a refined and energy-efficient entry solution for commercial buildings where accessibility and safety are essential, but high-speed automation is not required. These doors combine modern aesthetics with reduced-speed operation, making them ideal for environments with moderate foot traffic and sound sensitivity.
How They Work:
Low-energy sliding doors operate with a powered mechanism that opens and closes the door at a reduced speed and force, in compliance with safety regulations. They are typically activated by push plates, wall switches, or other manual devices, rather than motion sensors. This design promotes quiet, intentional operation, reducing wear and improving safety in quieter or less frequently used areas.
Key Benefits:
- Ideal for offices, clinics, libraries, and senior living facilities
- Fully ADA-compliant when installed with accessible controls
- Quiet, gentle operation is well-suited to sound-sensitive environments
- Lower power usage and mechanical simplicity can reduce maintenance costs
Understanding National Standards
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) work together to develop and uphold safety standards for various hardware products like automatic sliding glass doors. To see which regulation the various automatic glass doors fall under, consult the chart below.
One of the easiest ways to comply with national standards is by hiring certified technicians to install your glass door. At AGA, where we prioritize quality and safety, we have many professionals available to help you with your glass entryway needs.
We can install all the glass doors listed above. Also, as members of the Building Contractors Association (BCA) of Northeastern Indiana, we are constantly learning new standards and techniques from across the Midwest, ensuring standard compliance from installation to final product.
Interested in placing a bid? Contact us!
