Polyurethane (PU) insulated commercial steel doors open up a world of possibilities for your clients. They offer enhanced climate control, reduced energy bills, easy maintenance, and a host of other benefits.
As residential and commercial buildings account for around 38% of energy consumption in the United States, climate control doors offer a smart solution. Learn what benefits the Clopay Energy Series with Intellicore® doors offer your clients with commercial businesses.
What Is Polyurethane?
Polyurethane is a highly versatile plastic material known for its durability. We encounter PU in various applications, from the soles of our shoes to the foam in our mattresses. One other notable way PU is used is in building insulation. Contractors favor this material for its ability to reduce energy costs while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature all year round.
Clopay leverages a polyurethane foam called Intellicore® in the design of energy-efficient commercial doors. Each model in the Energy Series features an exemplary R-value — a measure of how well an insulated surface reduces heat flow — per the International Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA).
7 Advantages of Climate Control Commercial Doors
Climate change concerns and inflation's impact on businesses are two important factors to consider in commercial design. If you're designing a building for the future, insulated commercial steel doors are one effective solution. Discover some of the many reasons why these doors are a smart choice.
1. Temperature Control
PU-insulated doors help keep a business warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Even if it's snowing or blistering hot outside, workers and employees can stay comfortable thanks to polyurethane-insulated doors.
Commercial spaces benefit from a more stable temperature for two primary reasons — increased worker productivity and better storage conditions. Workers who experience heat stress on the job are more prone to suffer physical and cognitive impairments, leading to longer breaks. In addition, goods stored in humid conditions may rust or degrade over time.
Our PU-insulated doors each feature a tongue and groove section with a continuous PU foam thermal break. This allows your clients to meet their business needs with advanced temperature control.
2. Energy Savings
An additional benefit of regulating a building's temperature via an insulated door is greater energy savings for your client. They may be less reliant on air conditioners in the summertime and heating systems during the winter season, which can help reduce energy bills. Some energy-efficient building renovations also qualify for tax benefits, resulting in additional savings for your client.
Businesses across industries have one goal in mind — maximizing their profits. By designing buildings with climate control doors, you help your clients limit the impact of rising energy costs on their bottom line.
3. Reduced Sound Transmission
Climate control commercial doors have the dual advantage of containing noise within a building while blocking outdoor distractions. Insulated doors, then, allow businesses to operate heavy machinery without undermining the Noise Control Act. Similarly, clients setting up shop in busy locations can provide a more peaceful environment for their staff.
4. Increased Security
While doors serve many functions, their primary role is to offer security. Insulated commercial steel doors are inherently secure due to the material's strength and durability. In addition, Clopay has designed the Energy Series with the following features for enhanced sturdiness:
- Exterior and interior steel panels
- Superior security lock
- Heavy-duty hinges
- Heavy-duty galvanized steel end stiles
5. Corrosion Resistance
Commercial doors need to withstand strong winds, heavy rains, and snowfalls. UV radiation also takes its toll on buildings, so doors need to maintain their structural integrity even in the hottest climates. Each model in the Energy Series undergoes a three-stage paint process before installation. This process delivers a maintenance-free finish and provides improved resistance against rust. By choosing quality insulated doors, your clients can enjoy a long-lasting door and will be more satisfied with your services.
6. Green Building Compliance
Green building practices focus on using fewer natural resources, such as water, energy, and raw materials. As climate control doors offer optimal energy efficiency, they play a pivotal role in sustainable design.
Aside from the environmental benefits of green buildings, they also have significant social and economic perks. For example, businesses that invest in green building features lower their overheads and boost the value of their property. This ensures short- and long-term financial gains for all business types.
7. Endless Design Options
What's the first thing people notice about a business building? We would argue that it's the door. Whether your client operates a warehouse or a customer-facing business, it's paramount that you choose a door that enhances their commercial space.
There are countless ways to customize insulated commercial steel doors to ensure they complement a building. Here are just some of the ways your clients can put their stamp on their doors:
- Glass panels: Incorporating glass panels helps to increase the natural lighting in a commercial space. This limits the need for artificial light, helping to improve energy savings further.
- Glazing options: Clients who want to experience the lighting benefits of glass panels without sacrificing their privacy should consider tinted glass. With options such as frosted, mirrored and obscure glass to choose from, they can select a finish that best serves their needs.
- Color choices: Whether your client wants to make a statement with stately black or create a professional look with standard white, the choice is theirs. Full-view sections are also eligible for custom colors with an anodized finish.
- Additional performance features: Wider tracks, double-end hinges and other quality hardware add the finishing touch to a custom design. In addition, your clients can opt for an exhaust port to ensure the health and safety of their workers.
Consult Our Architectural Design Team to Find an Energy Series Door for Your Project
Whether you're designing warehouses or client-facing businesses, efficient temperature control is essential. Climate control doors are the ultimate solution to keeping buildings cool in summer and warm in winter. The cost-saving benefits of insulated commercial doors are a further reason to invest in these doors for your clients.
When you're looking for support when designing your client's polyurethane-insulated garage doors, explore Clopay Corporation's Architect Portal. You'll get access to our extensive Download Library, where you can access data sheets and specifications for all of Clopay's Energy Series doors, and you'll be able to consult with our knowledgeable Architectural Design Support (ADS) team. Contact the ADS team today to find an energy-efficient door that fits your client's needs!
