Commercial Glass Doors: Enhancing Security with Advanced Hardware

Commercial glass doors offer businesses a modern, aesthetically pleasing entryway that invites customers in while maintaining a professional appearance. However, the increased use of glass in entryways can sometimes raise security concerns. At Guardian Safe & Lock, we’re the commercial locksmith company that specializes in helping businesses in the Greater Houston area fortify their premises with the right security hardware, ensuring that their commercial glass doors remain both functional and secure. In this article, your local Houston locksmith will explore the best security hardware options for commercial glass doors, focusing on solutions that are effective and maintain the door’s sleek and modern design.

Why Security for Commercial Glass Doors is Crucial

While glass doors provide a clean, transparent look, they can also be perceived as a weak spot in a building’s security. Criminals may view glass as an easy entry point, which is why it’s essential to pair your commercial glass doors with robust security hardware. This ensures that your doors remain a deterrent to unauthorized entry, protecting your assets, employees, and customers.

Keep in mind that there are several types of commercial glass doors available for businesses, such as revolving doors, folding doors, unframed ‘Herculite’ style glass doors, and standard aluminum-framed commercial glass doors. Not all types may be compatible with every type of hardware, and your local Kingwood locksmith can help assist you with what is available for your unique installation. For the purposes of this article, we’ll mainly be discussing aluminum-framed glass doors for businesses, as they are by far the most common type of commercial glass door and most hardware types are compatible with them.

Notable Security Hardware for Commercial Glass Doors

1. High-Security Keys

2. Electric Strikes

Electric strikes are another effective solution for securing commercial glass doors. These devices work by replacing the standard door strike plate with an electrified version that controls access. Electric strikes can allow authorized personnel to enter without compromising security when connected to an access control system.

Electric strikes are particularly useful for businesses that need to control access to certain areas. Electric strikes come in many shapes, sizes, and applications that integrate seamlessly with keycards, keypads, or even biometric readers, allowing only authorized individuals to enter while maintaining a sleek appearance on glass doors.

3. Panic Bars (Crash Bars)

Commercial buildings, especially those with high foot traffic, are often required by law (such as the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act) to have panic bars installed on exit doors. Panic bars, also known as crash bars, provide an easy way for people to exit a building in the event of an emergency while simultaneously preventing unauthorized entry from the outside.

For glass doors, several options for installing panic bars maintain both safety and security without compromising the visual appeal of the door. Modern panic bars can be fitted with alarm features or connected to access control systems to provide real-time monitoring and secure access. Additionally, rim exit devices—ideal for glass doors—combine functionality with an unobtrusive design.

4. Magnetic Locks

Magnetic locks, or maglocks, are another popular choice for securing commercial glass doors. These locks use a strong electromagnet mounted on the door frame and a corresponding armature plate on the door. Or; in the case of there being no metal to mount to, the armature plate can be mounted directly to the glass either with a strong adhesive or clamped on with a boot to not damage the glass. When the system is activated, the door is held securely in place, much like an electric strike in function. Entry then requires a keycard, keypad entry, or other electronic access method to release the lock.

Magnetic locks provide a high level of security and are often paired with access control systems, allowing businesses to track and control who enters specific areas. Since magnetic locks are mounted above the glass panel, they do not interfere with the clean lines and transparent appearance of glass doors, in most cases. Keep in mind— when maglocks lose power, the door becomes unlocked. Therefore; it is crucial to have a solid, dependable mechanical backup.

5. Door Closers

Door closers are typically overlooked with regard to security, but they play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of your commercial glass door security system. A door closer ensures that your glass door shuts properly and stays locked after every use. This is especially important for exterior doors, where a door left ajar can become an invitation for unauthorized entry.

For glass doors, sleek, concealed door closers can be installed to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the entryway while providing the functionality and security you need. Most models are often adjustable, allowing you to control the speed and force with which the door closes, ensuring a balance between safety and convenience.

Enhancing Security with Additional Measures

7. Alarmed Locking Systems

Alarmed locking systems are a great way to secure glass doors and immediately alert you to any unauthorized access attempts. These systems typically integrate with deadbolts or panic bars and can be set to trigger an audible alarm if the door is forced open without authorization. This provides a second layer of security, deterring intruders and drawing attention to any attempted security breach.

8. Access Control Systems

Access control systems are the backbone of modern commercial door security, and they integrate seamlessly with glass doors. Access control systems ensure that only authorized individuals can enter your building or specific areas within it, whether you’re using a keycard system, keypad entry, or a mobile app.

Access control systems can be programmed to work with multiple hardware options, such as electric strikes and magnetic locks. These systems are often discreet for glass doors, blending in with the overall design while providing robust security. As an aside— the city, state, or nation you live in may have specific laws or regulations regarding permitting for use of a magnetic lock. Consult your local laws, rules, ordinances, and guidelines to be sure!

9. Door Intercom Systems

For businesses that want to vet visitors before granting access, a door intercom system is a valuable addition to your glass door security setup. These systems often feature video and audio communication, allowing you to see and speak to visitors before unlocking the door. This can be especially useful for businesses with restricted areas or offices requiring a higher security level.

Door intercom systems can be paired with electric strikes or magnetic locks to create a seamless, integrated security solution. This allows for real-time monitoring and control over who is allowed into sensitive areas of your building. Popular brands include options such as Comelit, Hikvision, and Aiphone.

10. Security Door Hinges

Security hinges are a small but important detail in the overall security of a commercial glass door. Regular door hinges can sometimes be pried apart or removed, making it easier for intruders to gain access. Security hinges, on the other hand, are designed to prevent tampering, adding an extra layer of protection.

For glass doors, pivot hinges or concealed hinges are often used to maintain the sleek design. These hinges are not only functional but also harder for criminals to manipulate, providing an added level of security without compromising aesthetics.

Guardian Safe & Lock: Your Partner in Commercial Door Security

At Guardian Safe & Lock, we’re the Conroe locksmith that understands that each business has unique security needs. Our team specializes in providing tailored security solutions for commercial glass doors that blend seamlessly with your building’s design while providing maximum protection. With our extensive experience serving the Houston area, we have helped countless businesses secure their premises with the latest in security hardware technology.

Whether you’re looking to install high-security deadbolts, upgrade to an electric strike system, or integrate a full-on access control solution, we have the expertise and products to meet your needs. We pride ourselves on offering customized security solutions that not only protect your assets but also enhance the functionality and appearance of your commercial glass doors.

Securing your commercial glass doors doesn’t mean sacrificing style. By incorporating the right security hardware, such as high-security key systems, electric strikes, panic bars, and access control systems, you can ensure that your business remains both secure and visually appealing. At Guardian Safe & Lock, we’re committed to providing businesses in the Houston area with the best security solutions for their commercial glass doors, ensuring peace of mind and protection against unauthorized entry.

Looking for more than just business security solutions? We proudly provide the Greater Houston area with most forms of security; including car key duplication, residential locksmith services, surveillance camera installation, and some of the best gun safes Houston can buy. For these or many other services we offer, give us a call at 832-534-8687 for a free quote today!