Automatic Sliding Doors or Automatic Swing Doors?

Automatic doors are now a fundamental part of commercial properties across the UK, from offices and hospitals to shopping centres and airports. They enhance accessibility, improve traffic flow, and contribute to a professional appearance. Among the most common types of automatic doors are sliding doors and swing doors, each with distinct operational and commercial considerations. Choosing the right door can have a significant impact on customer experience, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs.

Understanding Automatic Doors

Automatic doors operate through sensors that detect movement, pressure, or proximity. When triggered, the door opens without physical contact, making access seamless and inclusive.

The two primary mechanisms are:

• Sliding doors, which move horizontally along a track.
• Swing doors, which pivot on hinges and can swing inwards, outwards, or both.

While both types provide touchless entry, the choice between them influences traffic management, space utilisation, and energy efficiency.

Automatic Sliding Doors

Automatic sliding doors are frequently used in environments where high volumes of pedestrian access are expected. They operate via motion sensors or pressure-sensitive pads that trigger motors to slide door panels along track. Sliding doors can be single-slide, where one panel moves while the other remains stationary, or bi-parting, where two panels move apart to create a wider opening.

The benefits of sliding doors for businesses are clear. They maximise usable floor space since no swing area is required, allowing smooth passage for wheelchairs, trolleys, and pushchairs. Hight-traffic environments such as shops, airports, and hospitals particularly benefit from bi-parting sliding doors that reduce congestion.

Energy efficiency is another advantage. Modern sliding doors often incorporates insulation and automated closing mechanisms, helping maintain interior temperatures and reduce heating or cooling costs. Aesthetically, they convey a modern, professional appearance that aligns well with corporate or contemporary architectural styles. Safety features such as obstacle detection and emergency manual overrides make them suitable for diverse commercial applications.

However, sliding doors come with some drawbacks. Initial installation costs tend to be higher than swing doors due to the complexity of motors and tracks. Maintenance is more involved, requiring regular cleaning, lubrication, and calibration of sensors to avoid operational issues. They may also offer fewer design options for entrances with usual dimensions.

For businesses, sliding doors are particularly suited to locations with high footfall or where accessibility is critical. Examples include hospitals entrances, busy shopping centres, office reception areas, and transport hubs.

Automatic Swing Doors

Automatic swing doors operate similarly to conventional hinged doors but include a motorised operators and sensors to facilitate automated opening. They can swing inwards, outwards, or in both directions, and are typically installed as single or double-leaf doors depending on the width of the entrance.

Swing doors offer a flexible solution where space constraints or specific architectural requirements exist. They are easier to integrate into smaller or traditional buildings, including boutique offices, professional services premises, or smaller retail outlets. Mechanically, they are simpler than sliding doors, often resulting in lower installation costs and fewer maintenance demands.

One limitation of swing doors is their space requirement. The door must have sufficient clearance to swing open, which can be restrictive in narrow corridors or busy entranceways. They also handle traffic less efficiently than sliding doors; in high-traffic areas, swing doors can create bottlenecks. Additionally, because the doors open and close more slowly, they may lead to higher energy usage in buildings where doors are frequently used.

Despite these challenges, swing doors remain popular for businesses seeking a traditional appearance or requiring flexibility in design. They can also provide straightforward emergency egress, and in moderate-traffic environments, they are a durable and reliable choice.

Comparing Sliding and Swing Doors

When evaluating sliding and swing doors, the comparison goes beyond aesthetics. Businesses must consider operational efficiency, accessibility, and cost implications.

Sliding doors are typically superior for high-traffic entrances, offering a smooth movement for multiple people simultaneously and reducing congestion. They are also preferable in spaces where maximising floor area is important, and their energy efficiency can deliver long-term cost savings. On the other hand, swing doors provide flexibility for narrower entrances, are mechanically simpler, and suit businesses prioritising a traditional look.

From a maintenance perspective, sliding doors require attention to tracks, motors, and sensors, whereas swing doors are simpler to maintain but may still need periodic servicing of hinges and automatic operators. Both types must comply with UK safety regulations, including accessibility standards such as the Equality Act 2010, and should feature obstacle detection and manual override capabilities.

Cost Considerations

For business decision makers, cost is a key factor. While prices vary depending on door size, materials, and technology, general estimates indicate that commercial sliding doors are approximately 50% more expensive than swing doors.

Sliding doors’ higher upfront cost cab be offset by operational efficiency and energy savings in high-traffic locations. Conversely, swing doors’ lower installation cost and simpler maintenance can make them more suitable for moderate-traffic sites or small businesses. Long-term considerations, including energy consumption and servicing, should also factor into the decision-making process.

Safety and Compliance

Compliance with safety and accessibility standards is critical. Automatic doors in the UK must meet regulations such as the British Standards BS EN 16005 for power-operated pedestrian doors and ensure accessibility under the Equality Act 2010.

Sliding doors typically include motion or infrared sensors to prevent injury, while swing doors rely on motion sensors or slow opening mechanisms. Both systems should offer manual overrides to allow operation during power outages or emergencies and, where necessary, integrate with fire alarm systems. For businesses, these features are not only regulatory requirements but also contribute to a safe and professional environment for staff, clients, and visitors.

Maintenance Considerations

Proper maintenance prolongs the life of automatic doors and reduces unplanned downtime.

Sliding doors require regular cleaning of tracks, inspections and lubrication of motors, and calibration of sensors. Obstructions or misalignment can cause doors to malfunction, which can be costly in high traffic environments. Swing doors, while simpler, still require servicing of hinges, operators, and sensors to ensure reliable operation.

For commercial properties, establishing a maintenance schedule with a qualified installer is essential.

Environmental and Energy Considerations

Energy efficiency is increasingly important for businesses. Sliding doors are effective in controlling heat loss or gain due to their rapid operations, making them suitable for buildings with large entrances or high footfall. Swing doors, especially in high-traffic areas, may allow more air exchange, potentially increasing heating or cooling costs.

Integrating doors with building management systems can optimises energy usage. For instance, doors can be set to operate only when motion is detected or during business hours, further reducing energy waste. For businesses seeking sustainability credentials or to reduce operational costs, these considerations are key.

Aesthetics and Design Implications

For a commercial environment, the design of entrance doors can influence brand perception and customer experience. Sliding doors convey a modern, professional appearance and are often associated with high-tech or premium environments. Glass panels allow natural light to enter, creating an open and welcoming reception.

Swing doors offer a more traditional aesthetic that can complement heritage building or corporate offices. They allow a variety of finishes and material, including timber and metal, to align with interior design schemes or corporate branding.

The choice between sliding and swing doors should therefore balance functional requirements with the desired impression on visitors and staff.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Both automatic sliding and swing doors offer distinct advantages depending on the requirements of a commercial property. Sliding doors are optimal for high-traffic, modern, and energy-conscious environments, providing efficient access and a contemporary appearance. Swing doors are better suited to smaller entrances, moderate traffic, or locations where a traditional aesthetic is preferred.

For businesses, the choice should consider long-term operational efficiency, compliance with safety and accessibility standards, maintenance requirements, and the impression the entrance creates for visitors. Making an informed choice ensures a safe, welcoming, and cost-effective solution, reflecting the professional standards expected in today’s business environment.