Automatic doors are no longer a luxury—they’re a practical, often essential solution for businesses and public buildings that see high volumes of foot traffic every day. Whether you’re planning a new installation or upgrading an existing entryway, understanding the different types of automatic doors, their benefits, servicing needs, and retrofit options will help you make the right decision for your premises.

At UK Doors & Shutters, we supply, install, and service automatic doors across Bolton and the North West of England, helping businesses create safe, accessible, and energy-efficient entrances.

The Benefits of Installing Automatic Doors in High-Traffic Buildings

In busy environments such as hospitals, supermarkets, retail stores, airports, office buildings, and schools, automatic doors offer seamless, contactless access. They improve the flow of movement, reduce bottlenecks, and eliminate the need to physically handle doors—an especially important consideration for hygiene in healthcare and food-related industries.

Automatic doors also help reduce energy loss. Since they open only when needed and close quickly, they minimise the escape of heated or cooled air, making them a smart choice for improving energy efficiency. They also improve accessibility for people with disabilities or mobility challenges, ensuring your business complies with the Equality Act 2010 and building regulations.

Automatic Door Types Explained: Sliding vs Swing vs Folding

Choosing the right type of automatic door depends on your building layout, available space, and usage patterns.

Sliding automatic doors are ideal for entrances with high footfall and wide openings, such as retail stores or shopping centres. They offer smooth, quiet operation and take up minimal space when opening.

Swing automatic doors are better suited to narrow corridors or where wall space is limited. They can open inward or outward and are often used in office buildings, schools, and small healthcare facilities.

Folding automatic doors are perfect for entrances with very limited side or swing space. They provide maximum clearance in the smallest footprint and are commonly used in internal partitions or compact access areas.

Each system has unique advantages, and our team can help you assess which is the most effective for your building’s traffic flow, compliance needs, and aesthetics.

Retrofitting Automatic Doors: Can They Be Installed on Existing Entrances

Yes—retrofitting automatic doors into an existing building is absolutely possible and often more cost-effective than rebuilding an entire entry system. Whether you’re replacing manual swing doors, upgrading outdated systems, or adding automation to improve accessibility, we can integrate the new technology into your current framework.

We’ll assess your existing entrance to determine what modifications are required, if any, and provide a tailored installation plan that minimises disruption to your operations. Retrofitting is a popular option for commercial clients wanting to modernise their buildings while keeping costs manageable.

Servicing Automatic Doors: What’s the Recommended Schedule?

To ensure safety, compliance, and longevity, automatic doors should be professionally serviced at least once a year—and more frequently in high-traffic environments. Regular servicing keeps sensors, motors, control units, and moving parts in working order and helps detect issues before they turn into costly breakdowns.

Our team provides tailored preventative maintenance packages designed to extend the life of your door system, reduce energy waste, and keep everything compliant with BS EN 16005 safety standards. We also offer emergency repair services if your doors stop functioning unexpectedly.

Book Your Automatic Door Installation or Service Online

Whether you’re ready to install a new system, retrofit your existing entrance, or schedule a service, UK Doors & Shutters makes the process easy and efficient.

Call us now at 01204 918991

Or book your installation, repair, or free site survey online at UKDoorsandShutters.com

Our fully trained engineers work across Bolton and the North West of England, delivering professional service, honest advice, and high-quality workmanship every time.