What You Need To Know About Revolving Doors

There is something inherently more classy about a grand revolving door. It practically transports you to another era, like a spinning time machine. Aside from the refined aesthetic that revolving doors lend to an atmosphere, they are very practical in their functionality. So what is most important to know about these most elegant entryways?

What Is a Revolving Door?

Let’s start with the basics. A revolving door is actually 3 or 4 doors fixed to a central spinning shaft. These doors are then enclosed in a cylindrical vestibule with two openings for entering and exiting the building. They serve a very practical purpose of relieving air pressure inside the building while also allowing groups of people ease of access.

Are They Safe?

Revolving doors are as safe as any other entry point. Whether powered manually by the sheer force of a user or automatically with a motorized mechanism, these doors are equipped with a speed governor. According to revolving door code compliance, manual doors are allowed a maximum of 12 revolutions per minute while automatic ones are allowed approximately 7. This is all dependent on the size of the door as well. The larger the door, the fewer revolutions allowed.

Are They Energy-Efficient?

Besides adding a touch of charm and regulating traffic flow for security purposes, revolving doors are extremely energy efficient. Because of their self-contained nature, these doors are approximately 8 times more energy-efficient than other door options like sliding and swinging designs. They create an insulated buffer between the inside and outside where there would otherwise be opportunities for drafts to be created and for A/C to escape.

Are They ADA-Friendly?

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility standards demand a doorway must be at least 32 inches wide with no hindrances and most building codes are written to adhere to this measure. While a revolving door can be installed to meet this standard, it is also not allowed to be the only point of entry or exit for a differently-abled individual. There are many styles of the revolving door with large enough sections for shopping carts and wheelchairs which would seem to fit with ADA compliance. However, if automatic doors were to fail, or they were manually operated types, this would create an issue for persons with a disability. So could the doors work? Yes. Are they compliant with the codes and standards set forth by the ADA? No.

The old-school appeal and practical benefits of a revolving door make it lovely addition to the architecture of any building.