When working with a designer to plan your new commercial facility, you need to carefully consider the entryways, especially those in the warehouse or receiving areas. These entryways may actually get more traffic than your facility's front door, and they may also be more of a target for potential intruders and thieves. Note a few important details to consider and discuss with your builder or architect so you know those entryways will work for your company's particular needs.
Access
Doors for the warehouse or receiving area needs to be wide enough to allow forklifts and other such equipment to turn safely. They also need to be tall enough to ensure there is plenty of clearance for a fully loaded forklift, pallet loader, and the like. If you intend to install a roller door, which is often good for commercial entryways, you also need proper clearance for the housing unit into which the door folds. Don't skimp on the size of the door, thinking this will somehow deter thieves or be easier to keep secure, as your own equipment needs to move safely in and out. With an undersized door, you run the risk of damaging the forklift or anything it's carrying.
Fire hazards
If your commercial facility will be using or storing any type of material that increases your fire risk, you want to consider whether the entryway door needs to be larger so that all employees can use it for a quick exit. Heavy, solid doors may also help to stop the flow of air into the building, which can help to choke a fire once employees have safely exited. Rapid-roll doors can be the best choice, as these can close quickly enough to stop a fire before it continues to spread.
Security
Your entryway doors do need to be secure against potential intruders, but you may also want to keep doors open for more airflow, which might be more comfortable for your employees. More air circulation can also help maintain the temperature of the building's interior, reducing your utility costs. Consider a mesh screen roller door that allows lots of air circulation into the building even when closed. Opt for a smaller mesh for maximum security, as it's difficult to slide bolt cutters or even fingers through the smallest mesh. Rapid-rolls doors are also good for security, as these may open and close just long enough to allow employee access without allowing anyone else to enter the building behind them.
Share14 August 2017
When I decided to become a freelance designer, I decided I would work from home. I was sick and tired of being in an office all day and to be honest, some of my workmates were pretty annoying. However, I did not consider that I might have to make some changes to my home in order to make it suitable. On the first day of my new life working from home, I realised I would need much more natural light, so I had new windows installed. I then realised that I would need a larger work table to work on my cut out designs. In the end, I made hundreds of changes and I learnt an awful lot about home improvement.