Replacing Manual Commercial Doors: A Comprehensive 10-Step Guide for Decision-Makers

Is It Time to Replace Your Manual Doors?

Manual doors are a staple in many commercial and institutional buildings. However, they can become a recurring source of frustration for the maintenance managers responsible for keeping operations smooth. When door hinges weaken, closers fail, or accessibility compliance is no longer met, the decision to repair or replace a door becomes critical—not only for safety and usability, but also for compliance and cost control.

1. Evaluate the Need for Replacement

When a manual door becomes difficult to operate, it may be more than a maintenance concern—it could be a liability. ADA regulations require that manual doors open with no more than five pounds of force. If the force exceeds this threshold, the door is out of compliance and must be adjusted or replaced. Frequent repairs to hinges, frames, or door closers could also indicate that replacement may be more cost-effective than ongoing service calls.

2. Prioritize Accessibility and Daily Efficiency

High-traffic facilities must support seamless movement for a variety of users—staff, customers, deliveries, or individuals with mobility needs. Manual doors can slow traffic, introduce risks, and frustrate users. By replacing outdated doors with automatic doors, especially in locations such as bathrooms, lobbies, and main corridors, building operators can significantly improve accessibility and user flow.

3. Understand the Advantages of Automatic Doors

Automatic door systems provide more than convenience. By opening and closing precisely when needed, they enhance security and minimize energy loss. In addition, they create touchless entry, which improves hygiene. In retail or medical environments, this can lead to better customer experiences and reduced operational costs. An automatic sliding door, in particular, is preferred where traffic flow is constant and space allows for proper installation.

4. Choose the Right Door System

The layout and structural constraints of a building determine the best door type. Sliding doors require a 6- to 8-foot-wide opening to provide adequate clearance. For locations where sliding doors aren't feasible, a manual door can be upgraded with an automatic door opener and push plates or wave sensors for touchless operation. These enhancements can extend the life of existing doors while improving functionality.

5. Certified Technicians Guarantee Safe Installation

All automatic door systems must meet AAADM safety standards. These include correct positioning of activation plates, regulated opening and closing speeds, and precise operating force. Uncertified installations can lead to compliance violations, safety hazards, or premature equipment failure. Door Services Corporation employs trained technicians who install doors to code, using fully equipped vans to complete most jobs on the first visit.

6. Rely on a Trusted Commercial Door Partner

Timely repairs and professional service are essential to keeping doors operational. Door Services Corporation offers 24/7 emergency door repair service, supported by one of the industry’s largest networks of trained commercial door technicians. Preventative maintenance contracts are available to help reduce future issues by addressing minor wear before it results in downtime or a commercial door replacement.

7. Long-Term Maintenance and Cost Considerations

Annual maintenance can prevent costly repairs. For example, a technician inspecting a sliding door might detect early wear on bottom guides—preventing damage to thresholds and avoiding a full door replacement. Maintenance agreements can also help reduce downtime, ensures compliance and helps ensure that battery-operated components, like wireless push plates, are kept functional to maintain full system performance.

8. Evaluate the Total Cost of Ownership

Ongoing repairs for aging manual doors may seem minor in isolation, but the cumulative costs—including emergency callouts, tenant complaints, and energy inefficiency—often surpass the cost of installing a new automatic system. A properly installed and maintained door system not only improves function but reduces liability and total ownership costs.

9. Enhance Security and Modernize Access

Modern door systems can integrate with access control solutions for added security. Security doors equipped with card readers or keypads help control access to sensitive areas, while storefront and glass doors provide improved visibility and professional aesthetics. These upgrades also support building-wide modernization efforts, making access management more consistent and scalable.

10. Prepare for Future Building Needs

Touchless entry is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity in many industries. From hospitals to office towers, automatic doors help accommodate increasing foot traffic and reduce surface contact. Replacing outdated manual doors now helps avoid urgent retrofits later, future-proofing entry systems and simplifying long-term maintenance planning.

Comprehensive Commercial Door Solutions from Door Services Corporation

Door Services Corporation provides full-service solutions for manual and automatic commercial door systems—including repair, maintenance, installation, and emergency service. With the largest network of trained technicians in the region, they deliver dependable, fast, and compliant solutions for businesses that need their doors working, always.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the signs that a commercial door needs replacement?
Frequent repairs, difficulty opening or closing, visible hinge damage, and non-compliance with ADA push-force standards indicate it’s time for replacement.

2. Can I convert a manual door to an automatic door?
Yes, existing manual doors can be retrofitted with automatic operators, door closers,  and push plates, provided the structure supports it and ADA guidelines are met.

3. How much space is needed for a sliding automatic door?
Sliding doors typically require a 6 to 8-foot opening, with enough room on each side for the doors to retract without obstructing the entryway.

4. What are the benefits of preventative maintenance for doors?
Preventative maintenance reduces downtime, extends door life, ensures compliance, and often prevents costlier repairs in the future.

5. What’s the difference between a manual door and a security door?
Manual doors are operated by hand, while security doors often include reinforced frames and locking systems, sometimes integrated with access control.