There are several different styles of automatic doors for building owners to choose from, each with its own unique advantages. Automatic sliding doors and automatic revolving doors are two particularly popular options with their own benefits. Let’s break down the major differences between sliding vs. revolving doors and help you answer the question, “Which is right for my building?”

Ease of Access

The purpose of any door is to give customers, clients, and employees a convenient way in and out. While all automatic doors increase the accessibility of an establishment, sliding and revolving doors do it in different ways.

Sliding doors allow guests to enter and leave the building simultaneously. The wider your doorway, the more guests can come and go at the same time. Without a need to touch anything, wheelchair users also have easy access to your facility with sliding doors.

Revolving doors, on the other hand, limit the pace of guests entering the building. This makes revolving doors ideal for avoiding crowds of people in cinemas, hotels, or attractions, where guests often must queue immediately upon entry. Revolving doors lack the same ease of use as sliding doors and can intimidate guests who move at slower speeds.

Triggering Mechanisms

Both automatic sliding doors and revolving doors typically rely on motion sensors to initiate the process.

For revolving doors, the rotation begins when a guest approaches the door. If the guest comes too close to any of the doors, they slow down or stop entirely using infrared safety sensors.

Automatic sliding doors also rely on motion sensors, but building owners have other options for this door type as well. Many automatic doors rely on pressure mats or plates instead.

The Impact of Each

When deciding which is right for your building between sliding or revolving doors, consider the impact each door has. As part of a guest’s first impression of the establishment, getting the message right is crucial.

Automatic sliding doors are a constant in modern life, present in grocery stores, shopping malls, and small businesses alike. Sliding doors communicate convenience and ease. Many guests already understand how to safely interact with automatic sliding doors and barely register their presence as they enter a shop.

Revolving doors, on the other hand, present a sense of grandeur. They are both an elegant and fun experience for guests and are well-suited to luxury businesses. However, the prospect of going through these doors can frighten children and make it harder for people to enter your building as a group or family unit.

No matter what kind of automatic door you choose for your building, our team at Pacific Entrance is here to help. Our licensed technicians handle automatic sliding door installation for any brand name as well as repair services for all types of automatic doors, including sliding, revolving, swing, and ADA. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and get your building operating at its best!