Revolving doors are a popular option for commercial spaces. They create airtight seals and help reduce energy consumption.
However, they must be flanked with adjacent outward swinging doors to ensure code compliance and emergency egress in case of a fire.
In addition, revolving doors can be integrated with access control systems to add security capabilities. This is essential to protect the facility and those within it from unauthorized access.
Energy Efficiency
Revolving doors prevent cold air from blowing inside and reduce street noise, making them a good fit for buildings with high volumes of foot traffic. They also help to save energy costs by reducing the amount of work that a building’s HVAC system has to do to equalize temperature and pressure between the outside and the interior of the building.
Modern codes, such as those set by ANSI and the International Code Council, require that revolving doors be flanked on both sides by side-hinged swinging doors with panic hardware to facilitate free egress during emergencies. They must also have a built-in collapsing or “book fold” mechanism to prevent tailgating, which can occur when multiple people simultaneously enter and exit the turnstile.
Thanks to advanced technology, doors with revolving door code compliance are now capable of locking instantly, helping to limit access to a building in the event of a security threat or other dangerous situation. This feature can buy facility or reception staff time to alert law enforcement or other emergency responders, preventing harm, stress, and liability.
Noise Reduction
Revolving doors don’t slam, so they are a natural barrier to noise and can help create a quiet indoor environment for guests in high-density spaces. They also prevent drafts from entering the building, making them an excellent energy-saving option.
Security is another reason revolving doors are popular, particularly at higher-security businesses. They can be locked instantly in case of a security threat, providing a physical barrier and buying time for staff or law enforcement to address the situation.
Revolving doors can be fitted with presence detection sensors that slow or stop the door when someone approaches, preventing piggybacking (an unauthorized person following an authorized user through the entrance) and tailgating (when an unauthorized person follows an employee into the building). This feature makes them an excellent choice for employee-only entrances/exits. They can also be outfitted with access control integration, allowing them to unlock when presented with an authorized entry credential.
Safety
Revolving doors help to reduce noise, creating a quiet, peaceful indoor environment. They also prevent cold air and street noise from entering buildings and offer many safety benefits. These doors don’t slam and can be remotely locked from a control console or integrated with access control systems to limit unwanted entry by those seeking to harm or create liability.
Security revolving doors with presence detection sensors monitor the door compartments to verify proper credentials and stop tailgating and piggybacking, a standard security breach. They also close automatically once an authorized person passes through, eliminating the risk of unauthorized persons following or intercepting a person’s exit.
ANSI and IBC codes require that revolving doors be flanked by adjacent swing doors for egress in an emergency, preventing blocked or jammed entrances and exits. They also have a built-in collapsing or “book fold” mechanism to facilitate safe exits from the turnstile and to prevent people from being trapped inside.
Aesthetics
In addition to energy efficiency and security, revolving doors provide an attractive aesthetic that enhances the design of any building. They are often paired with automatic pass doors to maximize capacity and accessibility. Durability is also a key consideration when choosing a door system for an entrance. Whether you opt for a manual or automatic revolving door, the system should have durable materials and mechanisms to withstand heavy usage.
Revolving doors are an excellent choice for buildings in warmer climates, as they minimize the influx of unconditioned outdoor air and unwanted debris. They also help to reduce noise by sealing the building interior. Additionally, revolving doors are becoming more integrated with a building’s emergency and security systems, making them even more valuable. When equipped with a magnetic lock, revolving doors can be locked securely overnight or during after-hours events. Similarly, revolving doors can be fitted with access control integration to prevent “tailgating” (an unauthorized person following an authorized person through the door). This feature is available for both manual and automatic models.