Retail Store Fit-Out: Factors to Consider When Buying Sliding Doors for Your Store

Are you fitting out your retail store? Why don't you install sliding doors in the place of standard commercial doors? Sliding doors add a modern and classy feel to your retail store. They have a practical design that maximises natural light while providing unobstructed views of the outdoors. As you consider installing sliding doors, here are a few factors to help you choose the best ones for the space.

Consider the privacy levels

When buying sliding door glass, consider the desired privacy level. Clear glass doesn't offer any privacy, and it allows people to see inside the store. It is ideal if you want potential customers to have a peek at the merchandise as they pass by the store. However, if you want to achieve some privacy, you can choose the following glass options:

• Tinted glass: Tint prevents individuals from peeking inside the store. However, those inside the store can see the outdoors.
• Frosted glass: Frosted glass has a foggy appearance, and you can use the frost to cover a portion of or the entire door.
• Satin glass: Just like frost, satin glass has an opaque finish that prevents individuals from seeing through the glass.

All the above types of glass come in a variety of designs. There are both standard and custom patterns and colours to suit your retail store's style.

Compare glazing options

Sliding doors come in three glazing options: single, double and triple glazing. The best glazing options are double and triple-glazing. Quality glazing plays two major roles in a store. First, it increases energy efficiency throughout the year by preventing solar heat gain and heat loss through the glass. 

Second, glazing acts as a soundproof barrier between the shop and the outdoors. If your store is in a busy street, you can keep out the noise with double-glazed or triple-glazed sliding doors. Both options have excellent energy-efficiency and soundproofing properties. However, triple-gazed doors have a more superior performance, but at a higher price tag. 

Choose between manual and automated doors

Sliding storefront doors can either be manual or automated. Manual doors run on tracks, and one has to slide the doors manually to open them. These are ideal for stores that leave their doors open during the day. Customers don't have to operate the doors every time they walk in and out of the store. However, if you heat or cool your store, leaving the doors open can increase your energy bills.

Automated doors have optical and motion sensors that operate the door's opening and closing functions. When someone approaches the door, it opens automatically and closes once they pass through. Automatic sliding doors save energy by preventing the loss of heat and conditioned air through open doors. 

Consider the above factors when buying sliding doors for your retail store. Talk to sliding doors suppliers to learn more.