What Are the Best Materials for Access Doors in Canadian Commercial Buildings?

Steel, aluminum, and stainless steel are commonly used, offering durability, corrosion resistance, and suitability for various Canadian environmental conditions. These materials are also favoured for their added benefits, including versatility in different settings and ease of maintenance.

Before selecting material for a project, it's important to assess each option's specific advantages and applications to ensure it meets the requirements of the commercial building.

In this article, we'll explore the top materials for access doors in Canadian commercial buildings, focusing on their properties and key features.

Steel Access Doors

Durable: In 2022, the building and infrastructure sector accounted for 52 percent of global steel production, while the automotive industry represented 12 percent. Several factors contribute to this demand, with steel’s durability being a major driver. Steel access doors are built to withstand significant impact, making them best for areas with heavy foot traffic or environments, such as warehouses or industrial facilities. This ensures the doors stay functional and secure over prolonged periods, even in demanding conditions.

Secured: Their solid construction provides enhanced security, making them significantly more resistant to breaches than other doors. This makes them a top choice for areas where preventing unauthorized access is essential.

Sustainable: Besides providing functionality and aesthetic versatility, steel is recyclable, making it a sustainable choice for projects prioritizing eco-friendly building materials. Its long lifespan and recyclable properties align with green building practices.

Customizable: Steel access doors can be styled in various finishes and fitted with different hardware options, making them adaptable to diverse environments. A prime example is the BA-CTR aesthetic access door, featuring a DuPont high-quality white powder coat that can be painted to match the desired look.

Aluminum Access Doors

Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum access doors resist corrosion effectively by forming an oxide layer on their surface. This natural barrier protects against rust and degradation, making aluminum doors especially well-suited for environments with high humidity or coastal regions.

Lightweight: One key benefit of aluminum is its lightweight nature. This makes aluminum access doors easier to handle and install, lowering labour costs and simplifying installation. The light weight also reduces the load on the building’s structural framework, enhancing overall structural integrity.

One example of a lightweight solution is the BAC-AL aluminum insulated access door. It's ideal for exterior applications and specific interior areas where corrosion or moisture might be a concern.

Visually Appealing: Aluminum access doors offer a wide range of aesthetic options. They can be painted in various styles to complement the architectural design of a building. This flexibility lets them fit seamlessly into different design schemes, making them a preferred choice for projects where visual appeal and design are key factors.

Thermal Efficiency: Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity, which is beneficial in applications requiring effective temperature regulation. For instance, aluminum doors in HVAC systems can help manage airflow and support energy efficiency. Their thermal properties help balance temperatures and enhance overall climate control within the building.

Stainless Steel Access Doors

Easy to Clean: Stainless steel features a non-porous surface, making cleaning and maintenance simple. This is especially helpful in environments where hygiene is critical, such as hospitals, laboratories, or food processing facilities. The smooth surface prevents contaminants from building up and allows for easy upkeep.

Temperature Resistant: Capable of withstanding temperature extremes without losing its strength, stainless steel is ideal for environments with significant fluctuations or high heat, such as industrial or laboratory settings.

Sustainable: As a sustainable material, stainless steel has a high recycling rate. Often made from recycled steel, it can be recycled again at the end of its lifecycle. This eco-friendly property aligns with modern building practices emphasizing sustainability and responsible material use.

Minimal Maintenance: Requiring minimal maintenance beyond regular cleaning, stainless steel doors offer excellent resistance to staining, corrosion, and damage. This durability prevents the need for extensive upkeep, making them ideal for busy environments where easy care is essential, contributing to more efficient facility management.

Gauge Galvanneal Steel Doors

Fire Resistance: Gauge galvanneal steel doors, such as the BAC-PFN-GYP fire rated access door, are designed to delay the spread of flames. This essential feature improves safety by providing additional time for evacuation and helping preserve a property's structural integrity during a fire.

Thermal Efficiency: Many galvanized steel doors offer insulation options for improved thermal performance. This helps maintain stable interior temperatures, reduces heating and cooling costs, and enhances energy efficiency.

Versatile: These doors come in many sizes, configurations, and finishes, making them adaptable to multiple applications. Whether for industrial, commercial, or institutional use, they can be customized to meet functional and design requirements.

Cost-Effective: The combination of durability, minimal maintenance, and long-term performance makes galvanized steel doors a cost-effective investment. They provide significant value over their lifespan, helping reduce the overall ownership cost.

To Sum Up

Choosing the right material for your access doors is crucial to ensuring they offer the durability, security, and performance required for Canadian commercial buildings.

At Best Access Doors Canada, we offer a wide range of access doors crafted from various materials, each designed to address the specific needs of commercial settings throughout Canada.

Our diverse selection includes options suitable for exterior and interior applications, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging conditions.

Request a quote today to find the perfect access doors for your project. You may also call us at (800) 483-0823 for personalized advice.