FAQ

Automatic doors provide convenience and accessibility to thousands of businesses, hospitals, schools, and other public buildings throughout Northern Illinois and NW Indiana. We often think nothing of it when we walk into a building and the doors magically open for us. However, we’ve all had that close call when the doors didn’t open, or took too long to open. If you were lucky, you stopped before you ran into a closed door. If you weren’t lucky, hopefully the only thing that got hurt was your pride. Automatic doors provide the public with an easy entrance to your business or building, but without proper maintenance, these doors can malfunction. Malfunctions can deny access to your building, present security problems, or in the worst case scenario, hurt somebody.

When an automatic door malfunctions and will not open, the public will not be able to enter your building easily. For business owners this causes an inconvenience to customers and could lead to a loss of business. On the other hand, if a door won’t shut, you may invite all sorts of trouble into your building. No one wants animals and insects flying through their broken automatic doors, not to mention allowing criminals to enter after hours.

Injuries are another common problem with malfunctioning automatic doors. If the automatic door on your business or building causes an injury to someone, you may be involved in a lawsuit, not to mention losing a customer. Public safety is the most important reason to have automatic door maintenance performed on a regular basis.

Having regular maintenance performed on your automatic doors by a certified AAADM Inspector will help guarantee that your doors will remain open, or closed, when you need them to. For more information on automatic door maintenance plans, automatic door installation, and automatic door repair in Northern Illinois and NW Indiana contact the AAADM Certified Inspector at Preferred Window and Door today at 708-252-4883 or (708) 895-3667.

When it comes to choosing the right commercial overhead door for your business, there is a lot to consider. Not only must the door you choose fulfill the function it was designed to do, but also, it must be able to withstand the abuse of the day-to-day operations of your facility. Wouldn’t it be nice if the door you choose could also save you money? Insulated commercial overhead doors can do exactly that. These doors offer protection from the elements, security, and energy savings to the businesses that choose to install them. How can your business benefit from these doors? Simple. By installing insulated doors, you will stabilize the indoor environment of your facility, allowing for less wasted energy, and ultimately a better bottom line

Preferred Window and Door Offers a wide selection of insulated overhead doors from C.H.I. Overhead Doors. Whether your business needs a Ribbed Steel Pan Insulated door, a Micro-grooved insulated sandwich door, or an insulated rolling steel door, C.H.I manufactures doors with high R-Values to insure maximum energy efficiency. These energy efficient doors help to maintain the temperature of your facility, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills. As a result, these doors can pay for themselves over time.

In today’s economic environment, businesses must save money any way that they can. By installing insulating overhead doors on loading docks and other large entrances to your facilities, your business can reap the energy savings that these doors offer.

Automatic entry doors provide easy access to commercial, industrial, institutional and government facilities. The type of system that you choose to install depends on the functions that it will serve and what type of entry your building requires. Automatic door systems typically fall under following categories: Swinging door systems, folding door systems, and sliding door systems.

Automatic Swinging Doors: Automatic swinging doors, or swing doors, are often used in grocery stores, office buildings, and department stores. Automatic swing doors operate by swinging the door open much like how a traditional door opens. These doors are a practical choice when a business would like to install an automatic entry door system to an existing traditional, manual doorway.

Automatic Folding Doors: These doors are sometimes referred to as Bi-part or bi-fold doors. Automatic folding doors consist of panels that “fold” in on one another to create and opening. These doors offer benefits such as the accommodation of two-way traffic, and they will not damage floors.

Automatic Sliding Doors: Automatic sliding doors are mounted on tracks and rollers so that they slide open. These doors offer maximum entryway space, accommodate two-way traffic, and open and close quickly. These doors have become very popular in shopping centers.

All automatic entry doors offer an energy efficient way to provide easy access to the to your facilities. Whether you choose install automatic swinging doors, automatic folding doors, or automatic sliding doors will depend on the specific function the doors need to perform. Also, space and budget may also be deciding factors in your choices.

Automatic doors are everywhere. It seems that you can’t enter a shopping center without the doors opening magically before you. However, it’s not magic. There are hidden systems at work that insure that the doors open before you reach them. These systems include pressure sensors, infrared sensors and other motion detection technologies to open and close an automatic door.

Automatic Doors With Pressure Sensors: Some automatic entry door systems utilize an opening system that depends on pressure. These systems usually have a pad that is placed on the ground in front of the doorway and are activated by the weight of a person standing upon them. Once a person walks onto the pad, the door opens. Once the person leaves the pad the door will close. Other pressure sensor automatic doors have a push plate that one must push to activate the door.

Automatic Doors With Motion Sensors: Many automatic doors today are outfitted with motion detection sensors. These opening systems incorporate infrared, microwave, and ultra sonic motion sensing technology to open doors for pedestrians. Infrared works by detecting temperature differences to operate the automatic door. Microwave and ultrasonic technology are radar based automatic door opening systems. These systems rely on a person activating the door by walking in between the path of invisible “waves” and disrupting the return pattern. This disruption activates the door.

Advances in technology have led to a variety of automatic door opening systems. In fact, some doors utilize more than one style to reduce the risk of the door not opening. Preferred Window and Door of Lynwood, Illinois offers installation and repair of all types of automatic entry door opening systems. If you are interested in providing easy, automated access to your facilities, or require a repair to your current system please visit our website or call us today at (708)251-4883 or (219)595-9680.

Whether you are considering replacing a damaged dock leveler, or looking for a dock leveler solution for a new loading dock facility, hydraulic dock levelers offer many benefits over mechanical dock levelers. If safety is a concern of your facility, and of course it is, hydraulic dock leveler systems offer safety features that mechanical dock levelers don’t.  Velocity fuses and hydraulic lip cylinders protect dockworkers during the loading and unloading process, while push button automation allows for quick and reliable performance load after load.

Safety

Hydraulic dock leveler systems incorporate a velocity fuse on the main lifting cylinder that prevents the dock leveler, and employees from falling into the pit during the loading process. On mechanical dock levelers, dockworkers must depend on the safety legs to stop a decent into the pit. These safety legs require regular maintenance that if not performed, can lead to a potentially hazardous situation. Automatic lip operation also adds safety to a hydraulic dock leveler, by limiting a dockworkers contact with the lip. On mechanical dock levelers, these lips must be regularly maintained and lubricated to prevent them failing. A broken mechanical dock leveler lip can put dock attendants at risk, and damage trucks or equipment.

Efficiency
The fully automatic operation of a hydraulic dock leveler system provides convenient, push button operation that adds speed and efficiency to any loading dock. These systems provide smooth and reliable deployment truck after truck. Lower maintenance requirements also allow for less down time and cost.

While the initial cost of a hydraulic dock leveler system is higher than that of a mechanical dock leveler, their safety, speed and low maintenance requirements provide better savings in the long term.

More and more businesses and organizations are turning to automatic doors for convenience, energy efficiency, and aesthetic reasons.

Automatic entry systems have provided universal access to millions of people since 1960. We often take for granted the ease of entry that these entry doors grant us because they have become commonplace throughout our society. It seems that automatic doors are everywhere including supermarkets, malls, airports, medical facilities, government buildings, and even churches. These doors are welcome sights to the elderly and the physically disabled. While automatic doors do help people with mobility issues, they are a modern convenience that has truly made our lives easier. These entry systems not only keep people moving in and out of buildings, they also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of a structure.

Automatic doors have advanced greatly since their inception. These doors now offer new sensor technology as well as innovative opening configurations that can be modified for any style of entry way. Opening configurations often include, but are not limited to, automatic swinging doors, automatic sliding doors, and automatic folding doors. Sliding doors use a system of tracks and rollers to slide the door panel open. These doors maximize entryway space for two-way traffic. Automatic swinging doors operate much as a traditional entry door does. These doors operate with the use of a mechanical swing arm. Automatic folding doors consist of panels that fold in on one another. Sometimes referred to as bi-fold doors, they also maximize entryway space and will not damage floors.

All automatic doors require a sensor system to activate operation of the doors. Sensor systems include pressure sensors and motion sensors. Pressure sensor systems can include doors that have pressure mats or pressure plates that are used to open the door. Pressure mats are activated when a person stands on them, while pressure plates are activated when someone pushes the plate with their hand. Most modern automatic doors utilize the latest motion detection technologies to open and close the doors. These systems utilize microwave, infrared, and ultrasonic technologies that sense when a person is in front of the door and open the doors.

Automatic Doors provide hassle-free convenience for many. These systems work tirelessly to keep pedestrian traffic flowing through the doors of businesses. An automatic door may open hundreds or even thousands of times in a day to accommodate our fast paced society. However, if they are not properly maintained and regularly inspected, automatic doors can malfunction. Malfunctions may only consist of a minor nuisance such as a door opening slowly. Other malfunctions may cause a door to remain open, or prevent it from closing. However, in rare cases a broken automatic door may injure someone. That is why it is imperative that business owners and building managers have all automatic door entrance systems inspected by an AAADM Certified Inspector and perform preventative maintenance.

The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers trains all AAADM Certified Inspectors in the safe operation, maintenance, and installation of all automatic door systems. The association was founded in 1994 and promotes guidelines and rules set forth by the American National Standards Institute. Inspectors perform yearly inspections on automatic door systems, oversee new door installations to insure that safety standards are met, and can perform the annual maintenance on all automatic doors that is required for continued safe operation. When automatic doors are properly maintained and inspected, they will perform predictably without any nuisance malfunctions and without causing injury to someone.

Everyday a business, healthcare facility, or public building has automatic doors installed. These doors are becoming more prevalent and are appearing in more and more places where we may not expect to see them. Places like schools and large churches are realizing the benefits of these doors. People genuinely prefer automatic doors to traditional entry doors. Traditional doors can promote the spread of communicable diseases because you must physically touch the door. This is not the case with the hands free operation of automatic doors. They are also more energy efficient in crowded busy environments because they only open and close when necessary. Other benefits of installing automatic doors include their hassle-free operation, modern appearance, and safety.

Automatic Doors provide easy access to all. They elevate an entrance into so much more than just a door. Their simple movements and their advanced technology continue to fascinate us like a science fiction movie. They are elegant, modern, and convenient. And if the inventors of the automatic sliding door, Dee Horton and Lew Hewit, had their way, there would be one on every home in America. Maybe someday that dream will come true, but until then we’ll just have to settle for their being everywhere else.

If you live in the Calumet City area and need entry doors or new windows installed you may want to listen to a bit of advice. There are some unscrupulous companies out there that may use sub-contractors to do the work. While technically there may seem like there is nothing wrong with the practice, there are many problems that can arise.

First and foremost, it just seems wrong. After all, if you sat down and took the time to find the right company to install your new windows or entry doors, it would be nice if they did the work. Companies that use sub-contractors may not hold the same standards as a company that uses their own employees for the installation of new windows and entry doors.

These companies obviously take short cuts and cut corners to save money by not paying top dollar for skilled labor. In fact they usually find the cheapest labor they can to install your new windows and entry doors so they can maximize their profit. While this is great for them, it is bad for you. Particularly because this cheap subcontracted labor force often performs subpar installation.

This improper installation will either lead to problems with your new windows or entry doors now, or in the future. When those problems arise, more often than not, you’ll be left with the bill to fix them. Also, another very real concern is that sub contractors are not insured. This means that if one of their employees is injured at your home, you are left holding the medical bills.

When searching for a company that installs new windows and entry doors in Calumet City, be sure to ask if they use their own employees or if they use subcontractors. Companies such as Preferred Window and Door employs their own highly skilled window and door installation technicians and they are licensed, bonded and insured. They have been installing vinyl windows and entry doors in Calumet City, the southern Chicago suburbs and N.W. Indiana since 1994. To learn more about installation of new windowsand entry doors call us at (708) 895-3667.

Has your business ever had a break-in? If so, you’re not alone. According to a 2010 FBI crime report, over 60% of burglaries are forcible entries, meaning that they involve broken windows, kicked in doors, picked locks, or other methods of entering a building illegally. Even if your business hasn’t had a burglary yet, these crimes can occur at any moment. While all business owners can take the preventative measure of purchasing a good security system, one of the first steps in stopping burglaries before they happen is to have excellent and secure commercial exterior doors.

There are so many doors on the market today, so how can you know what to look for when protecting your company? Here are some features that any good commercial exterior doors should have:

1. Materials: For the most part, all security doors should be made from steel. If possible, commercial exterior doors used for security should not contain any glass. Although some windows on security doors have bulletproof or otherwise reinforced glass, it is still a good precaution to use a metal-only door.
2. Locks: All security locks should be installed with a latch guard plate, which is made for outswing doors (i.e. doors that open out of or away from the building). This plate prevents tampering with the door’s latch. For the lock itself, installing a deadbolt is a good measure for added security. If possible, a door lock that includes an electronic keypad is another great security measure.
3. Shutters: In the event that you can’t put a metal door someplace on your property, such as in a front facade, roll up security shutters can be used in front of or behind your commercial entrance doors. Steel shutters are beneficial for protecting commercial windows and doors, and they can protect against vandalism as well.

The doors themselves can only do so much. Always make sure to lock your doors and keep them in good condition. Inform your employees of any issues with security to ensure that they take part in preventing unlawful entries. Also, be sure to use internal security measures, as well, such as interior security doors and safes; use door locks in parts of the building that limit access to certain staff members only, if necessary. Finally, if you have security concerns for your business, speak to an expert about installing commercial building windows and doors for added security. Have questions? Leave a comment.

Has your business experienced a break-in? Are your energy costs at work just too high? Do your windows cause glares or other visual problems? If so, it may be time to install new commercial grade windows and doors for your business. By using commercial grade windows and commercial exterior doors, you can cut down on a variety of risks and issues.

Not sure if you need new commercial windows and doors? Check out some of the features that these upgrades can offer you and your business.

1. Better Security: If your business is at risk for a break-in or burglary, or if you’ve had one in the past, it may be the result of your doors and windows. The FBI’s 2012 crime report on burglary states that 59.7% of burglaries in the U.S. involved forcible entry. Of the total number of break-ins in the U.S. in 2012, over one quarter of them were on commercial property. Without security doors and reinforced commercial grade windows, a business is at serious risk for burglaries, vandalism, and other trespassing issues.
2. Energy Efficiency: If your business’s doors and windows are over 10 or 15 years old, you may be paying more for heating and cooling than you need to be. These windows can result in drafts during cold weather, and older windows are more likely to contain damaged or ineffectively insulated glass, as well. Having newer, high-performance windows will give your business better protection from the elements and can save you thousands of dollars on your energy costs over time.
3. Convenience: Do you notice customers struggling to open your business’s doors? Is your current entrance inaccessible to disabled individuals? If so, you might not only be causing an inconvenience for your customers; you may be violating the law, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Excluding disabled customers from your business is discriminatory and it could cause you to lose valuable sales opportunities. Installing automatic sliding glass doors or automatic swing doors can make it easier for customers to get in and out.
4. Improved Visibility: Some windows and doors cause a high amount of glare, and this can make it difficult to do your job or speak with customers. Light from windows can also cause furniture, promotional items, and products in a store to discolor or fade. Installing windows that provide better shade and less glare can also cut energy costs, too.

A garage door is no longer just a bland addition to your house, and the garage is not just a place where you enter and exit your vehicle. Over the years, it’s become another expression of personal design tastes, and a more important component to how you use your home. Since there’s a greater aesthetic and practical value to it, there’s many options to having the door that perfectly suits you. Here are the things you need to consider, in estimating garage door prices:

• Purpose: Is this a door for a newly built home or annex, or a replacement? Is it for curb appeal to help attract buyers or renters, or just for your own appeal?
• Garage Type: Is the garage attached or not, and is it a single family or multi-unit dwelling?
• Windows: If you prefer your door to include windows, take into account the number of them, the style, whether or not they will be insulated, and the transparency. There are several degrees between an entirely clear and an entirely private surface, as well as etched and decorative features to the glass.
• Insulation: Insulation should be strongly considered if the garage is attached to the house, connected to rooms or apartments actively being used, or if the garage is also functioning as a workshop, craft room, or play area.
• Design: Do you prefer something that complements your house’s facade, or provides a unique contrast? Designs are often only limited by your imagination. Popular ones include traditional vinyl, wood grain finishes, the classic rail and stile, steel that mimics other looks, and the carriage door. Other questions to answer are how you want the door to open, either by swinging outward, rolling up, or sliding, and if you want a singular or multiple garage door panels.
• Decorative Features: Knockers, handles, hinges, and trims will add to the cost.
• Material: The type of material is a huge economic factor. Wood composite is a cheaper alternative to wood garage doors, with other options being fiberglass, steel, vinyl, and aluminum.
• Damage Risks: What are the most common risks of potential damage to the door? Weather elements, rambunctious kids and/or pets, insect infestations, rust? Assessing the likelihood of damage should be factored into what kind of material and possibly what style you choose.
• Size: A typical door measures between 8×7 to 10 x7 feet, with double doors usually being 12 x7 to 16 x 7 feet.
• Custom Features: Factor in any custom extra, such as a special color, or details that may not be standard within styles.
• Color/Finish: Staining or paint?
• Opener: Will your door require a chain, belt, or screw drive?? Keep in mind that the chain is the noisiest, and the belt is the quietest. Also, don’t forget about the kind of garage door opener you prefer, which ranges from keyless, remote, and smart control.

We have an extensive variety of garage doors and features to meet design preferences and budgets. We’ll work with your needs to install the door that you want. Contact Preferred Window & Door today to schedule a consultation!

Automatic doors and entryway systems aren’t just for hospitals; rather, they are ideal for a wide array of businesses, ranging from grocery stores to banks, retail outlets to dozens of other commercial property types. The benefits of automatic doors for business are myriad, and include:

Controlling Flow of Pedestrian Traffic

One of the top reasons that many commercial businesses seek automatic doors for their entryways is that automatic doors provide for an easy and efficient way to control the flow of pedestrian traffic. Automatic doors can be programmed to only open from one side, limiting the entrance and exit opportunities for pedestrians. In addition to controlling the flow of foot traffic, automatic doors also are handicap-friendly and in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines, allowing those who are not able to open doors themselves to enter a building with no-hands access.

Energy and Temperature Control

Automatic doors also for the control of temperature and the conservation of energy within a facility, especially when used in conjunction with air curtains. Rather than having to worry about customers leaving doors wide open – which allows heat to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer – doors only open when necessary, and close as soon as people have entered or exited.

Lighting and Aesthetic Appeal

The vast majority of automatic doors that are used in commercial businesses are large glass doors. These large glass doors allow for the natural use of light, which can conserve energy. Further, glass doors allow for a unique look, which can add to a store front’s aesthetic value. Many companies have chosen to make the switch to automatic doors for this reason, combined with the doors’ ease of use and security features.

Automatic doors and entryway systems aren’t just for hospitals; rather, they are ideal for a wide array of businesses, ranging from grocery stores to banks, retail outlets to dozens of other commercial property types. The benefits of automatic doors for business are myriad, and include:

Controlling Flow of Pedestrian Traffic

One of the top reasons that many commercial businesses seek automatic doors for their entryways is that automatic doors provide for an easy and efficient way to control the flow of pedestrian traffic. Automatic doors can be programmed to only open from one side, limiting the entrance and exit opportunities for pedestrians. In addition to controlling the flow of foot traffic, automatic doors also are handicap-friendly and in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines, allowing those who are not able to open doors themselves to enter a building with no-hands access.

Energy and Temperature Control

Automatic doors also for the control of temperature and the conservation of energy within a facility, especially when used in conjunction with air curtains. Rather than having to worry about customers leaving doors wide open – which allows heat to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer – doors only open when necessary, and close as soon as people have entered or exited.

Lighting and Aesthetic Appeal

The vast majority of automatic doors that are used in commercial businesses are large glass doors. These large glass doors allow for the natural use of light, which can conserve energy. Further, glass doors allow for a unique look, which can add to a store front’s aesthetic value. Many companies have chosen to make the switch to automatic doors for this reason, combined with the doors’ ease of use and security features.

For commercial business in South Cook County Illinois and Lake County Indiana, the business’s doors are no doubt one of the most important parts of the company’s foundation. After all, the doors allow for customers and employees to enter and exit the business, provide security, protect against weather, direct traffic, and add visual appeal. For these reasons, a door problem can be an emergency situation that warrants professional help. At Preferred Window & Door, our door specialists are ready to respond to your door emergency at any time of the day.

Door Emergency Services We Offer
At Preferred Window & Door, we offer a wide array of door emergency services. Some problems that we have recently responded to include challenges locking doors, inability to close overhead doors, commercial garage doors failing to open, automatic doors refusing to open or shut, and broken doors/broken glass on doors. However, the above list is not inclusive; we are ready to remedy your door problem, regardless of how minor or massive it may be.

Types of Commercial Doors We Service<
We work with a variety of commercial companies, and service a myriad range of commercial door types. Businesses with which we partner include grocery stores, commercial warehouses, retail centers, churches, hospitals, fast food restaurants, shopping malls, and more. Types of commercial doors that we service include:

Garage doors;
Entrance doors;
Revolving doors;
Rolling doors;
Overhead doors; and
Security doors.
Why Preferred Window & Door Is the Right Choice for You
When you are experiencing a door emergency, receiving assistance in a timely manner is critical. Unfortunately, too many other door companies cannot be reached around-the-clock, and will instead direct you to a voicemail or recording. At Preferred Window & Door, though, we have a company dispatcher who answers the phone, which means that you will not have to talk to an answering service when time is of the essence. What’s more, we have more than two decades worth of experience serving residential and commercial clients in the South Cook County and Lake County areas, and have developed a reputation of trust and respect within the community.

When your commercial business is in need of a professional for automatic door installation, repair, service or inspection, typically for entry doors, it is important that you seek a professional who is AAADM certified. AAADM certification helps to ensure that the person who is inspecting your automatic door(s) has the skill set that the task requires.

What Does AAADM Stand For?

AAADM stands for American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers. The AAADM is “a trade association of power-operated door manufacturers established in 1994 to raise public awareness about automatic doors and administer a program to certify automatic door inspectors.” Those who are AAADM certified have committed to upholding safety principles, and are dedicated to staying abreast of new automatic door technology and more.

In order to acquire certification from the AAADM, an individual must participate in an AAADM Certified Inspector Training program. Prerequisites for the course include working in the industry for a minimum of six months, or working in the automatic pedestrian door industry for at least 90 days and have previously taken a factory training course.

Why Does AAADM Certification Matter?

For commercial businesses, ensuring that automatic doors are up to code and working as they should is essential. Not only can a mishap result in loss of time and productivity, but it can also be dangerous for customers and workers, creating a liability issue for your business. When you call an automatic door professional who is AAADM certified, you are calling an individual who is trained to repair, maintain, install, and inspect automatic door systems and their components, and ensure compliance with the latest safety standards. By not calling an AAADM certified professional, you are putting your business at risk, and may be making a decision that will cost you far more in the future.

Choose Preferred Window & Door for All Automatic Door Needs

Protecting your business from the inside and the out is important; if your business is not properly secured, it could be more vulnerable to thieves and other risks. One thing that you can do to improve security is to consider the value of commercial security doors.

Security Threats Your Business Faces

Your business faces a number of security threats, some of which you probably have not even thought about. The more outdated your (garage) doors are for your commercial business, the more vulnerable your space may be. Some of the threats to your business may include:

• Mother nature. Harsh weather, rain, and wind can cause damage to a door, especially over time. However, in the most severe of cases, it only takes a single storm to penetrate your garage doors. Further, if your garage door is outdated, moisture may be able to enter, damaging whatever it is you have stored. You can protect your goods by replacing your garage door to one made of sturdier and more durable materials.

• Animals. Unwanted pests and animals can be a pain to deal with, especially if they get into your goods, warranting a possible recall and rendering an entire shipment useless. Just like weather and moisture, pests and unwanted creatures are good at getting into places that they shouldn’t be, and an outdated garage door is their most favorite entry way. The smallest of cracks or holes serve as an invite to rodents and other pests.

• Thieves. Of course, the older a garage door is, the more likely it will quickly cave under pressure, allowing entry to your business. A door that is rusted or broken tells a thief that your business may be easier to access.

Rolling Security Doors, Shutters, and Grilles

At Preferred Window & Door, we offer a variety of door security solutions for commercial businesses in South Cook County, IL and Lake County, IN. Security options include rolling security doors, rolling shutters, and security grilles. Wrought-iron security gates, as well as scissor security gates, may also be a smart option for your business.

Your Indiana and Illinois Security Solution

For many commercial businesses, dock levelers are a key part of moving large shipments and goods. But, like all large pieces of machinery, dock levelers can be dangerous, too. Here are a few tips to make sure that those in the workplace are protected when it comes to dock leveler use:

1. Do Not Go At It Alone

A single individual should never be responsible for loading/unloading goods alone; there are too many risks involved. Instead, make sure that there are always at least two people. This is very important when a truck is backing up to a loading dock, as a spotter can be an essential safety component. A spotter can also be used during the actual loading/unloading process, guiding others in how high the dock should be lifted to avoid obstacles.

2. Keep Everyone – and Everything – Clear During Loading and Unloading

Dock levelers are used to move extremely heavy and large items. These items, based on their weight alone, can be extremely dangerous. A dock leveler, with its moving parts, can also pose the risk of crush injuries and caught in/in-between injuries. To mitigate any risks that are associated with loading and unloading, it is best to keep the space clear of any obstacles, objects, or extra people. Only the operator and the spotter should be near the loading/unloading site; everyone else should stay clear.

3. Take Action to Avoid a Back-up Accident

Some of the most devastating loading and unloading accidents occur when a large truck is backing up to the loading dock; if someone or something is in the way, the results can be catastrophic, causing property damage at best and personal injury at worst. A tip to make backing up more safe is to add chock blocks to the area before the loading dock, signaling where a truck should stop. Adding extra mirrors to help an operator see, as well as bumpers, is also advised.

4. Make Sure Your Dock Leveler Is Maintained

A poorly maintained dock leveler – or one that is malfunctioning and is not fixed – is a serious risk to workers. If your dock level is in need of repairs, seek them; if your dock leveler is outdated, consider dock leveler replacement.

Dock Leveler Specialists in South Cook and Lake Counties

A dock leveler is an important part of your business, and improves your company’s efficiency. At Preferred Window & Door, we are trained in all dock leveler repairs and service needs, and have emergency technicians on call who can help you get your dock leveler up to par in no time at all. To request a free quote, contact us today at 708-895-3667.

Commercial fiberglass doors are a popular choice for many businesses in the South Cook County and Lake County’ areas. These doors have gained their favoritism for a reason; compared to traditional wood and metal doors, fiberglass doors have a number of noticeable benefits. For fiberglass door installation, repair, or replacement in Illinois or Indiana, call Preferred Window & Door today.

Tougher than Other Door Materials

One benefit of fiberglass doors is that they tend to be tougher than some other door materials, including wood and vinyl. Not only are they stronger, but they also last longer – these doors stand up to tough weather, and are less likely to peel, warp, or scratch than are their (wooden) counterparts. Fiberglass is also harder to dent than is steel, and won’t fade like wood will.

Available in a Variety of Styles and Colors

Another benefit to fiberglass doors is the variety that these doors provide. Not only can they be manufactured in a number of different colors and styles, but they can even be made to look like real wood. The fact that fiberglass doors look like real wood is a plus for many people who prefer the style and feel that wooden doors provide.

Fiberglass doors are rather maintenance free, unless the door finish is made to simulate the look of stained wood (which is the greatest benefit to fiberglass doors). In these situations the ultraviolet rays from the sun will break down the protective coating on a fiberglass door as quickly (or very close thereto) as if the finish was on a real wood door

Great Insulation. While fiberglass doors may seem warmer that a steel door, the fact is that a high quality steel door has every bit as much (and in some cases) higher R-Value as fiberglass doors

In case you needed another reason to avoid  fiberglass doors, consider the fact that they are almost impossible to prevent air infiltration around the door perimeter. High quality steel doors utilize a magnetic weatherstrip around the perimeter of the door. This way, if the door is even close to closed, the weatherstrip will adhere to the door. With fiberglass doors, the weatherstrip can ONLY be compression type, so the only way to get a tight seal is to make the lock strike very tight and then close the door hard.

Contact a Fiberglass Door Specialist Today

If you are considering fiberglass door installation or are in need of fiberglass door repairs, contact Preferred Window & Door today. We have been in business for more than 20 years, and can answer all of your fiberglass door questions. You can reach us now at 708-895-3667.

Whether you are setting up a new business location or need to renovate an existing one, the type of entrance door that you choose will have a big effect on appearance and attractiveness, control of pedestrian traffic, security, and energy costs. The following considers some top choice for entrance doors for commercial businesses in South Cook County, IL and Lake County, IN.

Revolving Doors

Revolving doors are a favorite of businesses with high foot traffic, such as banks or large business centers. These doors are preferred because they direct pedestrian traffic, and offer energy conservation benefits as well. They also prevent rain, sleet, and snow from entering a building in the event that weather is adverse. Revolving doors can also be a security measure, as they can quickly be locked to prevent anyone from entering or exiting.

Automatic Doors

There are a number of different types of automatic door models to choose from. For example, there are:

• Automatic sliding doors. Automatic sliding doors are usually characterized by four glass panels, two of which slide laterally to open and close when the sensor is triggered by a person’s presence. Also common at grocery stores, automatic sliding doors are great for business that have a larger entryway.
• Automatic bi-fold doors. Rather than sliding laterally to open, these doors – which are also characterized by glass panels – fold in half to allow patrons to enter.
• Automatic swinging doors. These types of doors swing open in a single direction, and are a great option for businesses who want customers to enter at one location and exit at another. We recommend the Gyro Tech GT400 model, which we have installed and serviced countless times.

Considerations When Choosing the Right Entrance Doors

When thinking about which entrance doors are best for your business, there are a few things that you may want to think about. First of all, consider space and entrance door size – the size of your entrance may limit your entrance door options. Next, consider your budget – how much do you have to spend for your entrance doors? Finally, think about the type of business you have, how much foot traffic you expect, and your general style. In some case, a regular door may suit you just fine. In other cases, automatic doors may be a necessity.

Contact Our Entrance Door Professionals Today

At Preferred Window & Door, we have installed, maintained, and repaired hundreds of entrance doors for South Cook County and Lake County businesses for more than 20 years. If you have entrance door questions, call our professionals today for a free quoteat 708-895-3667.