Are you installing the wrong doors in commercial premises?

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Nick Dardalis

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Drive through any town or city and it is often the case that you will see domestic doors fitted in shops and other public buildings. However according to current Building Regulations, the fitting of PVCu panelled or glazed doors is not acceptable because they cannot be specified with the hardware that is required to comply with BS8300, Approved Document M and the all important EqualityAct 2010.

these doors are a main entrance to a recently built retirement village but are in the same colour with contrasting handles.
Professional window installers acknowledge that for commercial buildings only aluminium commercial doors will do.

However the installation of what is arguably not fit for purpose doors continues with many residential entrance doors be they PVCu, aluminium or timber being installed in non dwelling situations.

Why are the wrong types of doors installed in public buildings?

In this article we will examine scenarios where the wrong types of doors have been installed. We will offer some guidance for installers, shopkeepers and for commercial buildings as to why wrong doors are installed and what can be done about it.  Liability for the consequences of failing to comply with the relevant regulations can fall on the building owner, the manager of the building or potentially both.  Let alone any considerations as to the terms of a commercial lease.

However is it also the fault of the window company and the installer for supplying the wrong product because they were be unaware of what exactly needs to be installed?

Why is it important what kind of door is installed?

Many installers and indeed many property owners would arguably question why installing a fit for purpose product is important. For the small shopkeeper that simply wants a new door because he needs one, that may be the primary concern. There are also a diverse range of window companies. Many serve only the residential and local domestic market. Others specialise in commercial work such as office blocks, schools and hospitals. Many window companies choose to do both. Others specialise only in the specialist sector of high rise glazing, housing association work and large scale contracting. Therefore the correct specification of a door will be down to several parties such as:

  • An architect
  • The main contractor or builder
  • The client such as the building owner or shop keeper
  • The type of door installer.
  • The door supplier

The Architect.

In the construction of new commercial premises an architect will be involved. Where this is the case it is unlikely the wrong product will be installed. Having said this, it is well known in the sector that Architects will spend a huge amount of time and resources drawing up comprehensive building specifications for the tender stage of a project.This specification drawn up by an Architect will often be firm even to the point of specifying the door or window system to be used and even who is to install it. But it is not uncommon when a project reaches the stage where it is secured by a main contractor that cost savings well be sought and often breaking specification is one area where money can be saved. Therefore whilst a knowledgable architect will rarely specify a plastic door in a commercial building this is sometimes out of his control.

The main contractor or builder.

A main contractor will often rely on the expertise of the sub contractor trades. For the window installer about to embark on tendering for a project it is not uncommon if they receive a specification for a product that they do not supply for them to quote using an alternative. If this alternative product is cheaper than the one specified and again several parties are looking to find cost savings, it is another situation where the wrong product may be installed due to the specification being broken.

The Client.

If we use a local shopkeeper as one example of “the client” they will often be the first point of contact when a new door to his premises is required. The local shop owner or member of the public responsible for a building may start the process for installing the wrong product in their premises. And there are several reasons why.

Lack of knowledge is the most common reason. It is often the case that a shop owner had double glazing installed in their home by their local domestic window firm. They will have no idea of what kind of door must be fitted to their shop all they know is that they need a new door. Consequently they will call a local firm or one they have used before themselves in their own home. If they call out a domestic firm with no knowledge about commercial doors this is a classic scenario where the domestic window firm views this as a simple door and window job. Here they will sell whatever product they can to secure a sale with no thought or consideration for the legal considerations involved.Even if they call out a firm that does offer commercial doors it is the knowledge of that particular window firm that will determine whether the right type of commercial door that meets the required specifications will be installed.For larger scale construction projects, the client will be relying upon the professionalism of their architect, quantity surveyor, builder and other professional people involved in the project. Therefore the above scenario is far less likely to ever apply.

The type of door installer.

The experience of the door installer is also critical in ensuring that whether the correct commercial door is specified. Whether they make their own doors or buy them in from trade supplier can so be key reasons for not meeting specifications. Our article for Door Manufacturers and Installers explains more about the supply process for commercial doors.

The Door Supplier.

For those window companies that buy in all their products ready made from a supplier it is unfair to expect the supplier to ensure that commercial doors are correctly specified. Whilst there is an argument that a commercial door will probably only be going into a commercial building and must therefore comply, what the trade manufacturer will never know is where those doors are located and if there are other doors in the building that do comply as part of “reasonable adjustments” called for in the Equality Act. Most professional trade suppliers have comprehensive order forms to ensure that in the absence of a site visit or other information they make the doors correctly.

Does the correct specification and installation of doors matter?

Building Regulations, Legal frameworks and British Standards all exist for a reason. The general domestic home improvement industry is very focused on their marketing efforts in promoting window energy ratings, security, design and rightly promoting themselves as competent and expert installers.

However there is an argument that these very competent domestic installers are falling short when it comes to providing compliant commercial products. This is even more important when we consider the very large number of people that actually use commercial doors in public buildings compared to the doors in dwellings.

Lack of information and education by many in the supply chain is also a reason. One only needs to look at the dismal failure that was the Green Deal at launch to see how not getting the right message across correctly can affect a scheme or initiative. Systems companies, trade manufacturers and the window industry bodies and federations are also either unaware or simply not providing the home improvement sector with the right information .

There is often criticism of bodies such as FENSA, CERTASS, BFRC and the GGF that they cannot monitor or police every installation. Therefore this is another reason why so many public doors are being installed without:

  • the required opening and closing forces
  • the contrasting colours
  • the contrasting and warm to the touch hardware
  • the low thresholds
  • the requirement to withstand high traffic and be reliable unlike domestic PVCu doors.
  • the ability to meet legal requirements and legislation.

Ultimately the correctly specified commercial door in any public building enhances the user experience in the same way a domestic product does. We know of cases where claims against service providers have been brought by the disabled and other groups but these are largely settled out of court and not making the news.

So what can you do?

We’ve tried to cover the basics of what is potentially a complex area of regulation.  We give this information based on our understanding of the legislation and regulations as of May 2015.  Regulations do change over time.  If you are in need of advice about your specific circumstances we recommend that you consult your own suitably qualified advisers.

We also recommend that you consult the current Building Regulations Documents that provide information about how doors can comply with Approved Document M, BS8300 and The Equality Act.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
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17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
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It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
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Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
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11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
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17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
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22:39 22 Aug 22
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