Retrofitting Existing Spaces with Balanced Doors

Energy inefficiency. Accessibility barriers. Even safety concerns.

Across the nation, a significant portion of buildings are showing their age. Many were constructed decades ago with outdated technologies and according to old construction standards. Because the demand for functional spaces is constantly changing, retrofitting existing buildings enables architects, developers, and builders to cater to new uses, technologies, and workstyles while staying relevant for decades to come.

Retrofitting today’s spaces requires an innovative approach that brings modern technologies, sustainable design principles, and enhanced functionality to bear. Retrofitting goes beyond simple renovations. It is about breathing new life into a building, whether it involves installing energy-efficiency windows and doors, upgrading to smart building technologies, or enhancing the building envelope. The result is an updated space that remains relevant and adaptable in a rapidly changing world while also retaining its original charm. 

Balanced doors can play a key role in these often dramatic transformations.

Beyond Durability: Lasting Value for Decades to Come

With a balanced door system, the unique design is what sets it apart. Comprised of three components – the door leaf, frame, and innovative balance door hardware – balanced doors reduce the force needed to operate. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas and improves accessibility.

Many traditional commercial doors are susceptible to damage and often need to be replaced. Commercial entryways must be built to endure years of heavy use, so it is essential to choose materials that can withstand the test of time. Architects and property owners are increasingly prioritizing durable, long-lasting products from reputable suppliers, and balanced doors from Ellison Bronze offer just that.

While a traditional high-traffic door typically lasts only 5 to 10 years, many of Ellison's earliest balanced doors are still in service today. Plus, with each door’s full-service records and warranties, maintenance is straightforward.

What does this mean?

With the right care, Ellison balanced doors can last a lifetime. This is important for building owners of retrofitted spaces because it provides peace of mind that the entryways will not need to be replaced.

It is the innovative design of a balanced door that caters to its ability to last a lifetime. While the weight of a traditional door rests upon the hinges, a balanced door distributes weight evenly across top and bottom arms that pivot horizontally. This reduces stress on the door frame and the surrounding building structure. Hinges are a common failure point on traditional doors, so this more balanced weight distribution reduces strain and the likelihood of early maintenance, extending its lifespan.

Built to Last for Another Lifetime of Use

Retrofitting a building is a reminder of the importance of specifying high-quality, long-lasting building materials. The doors, commonly an afterthought, should be no exception. In fact, Ellison doors are crafted from premium materials, including bronze, stainless steel, and aluminum, all known for their inherent strength and resistance to corrosion. This robust makeup forms the foundation for long-term performance.

Ellison balanced doors are crafted with high-quality metals, not only for an aesthetic appeal, but for the material’s inherent strength and resistance to corrosion. These materials lay the foundation for long-term performance, withstanding heavy use, weathering, and environmental factors, reducing the need for frequent replacements once the retrofit is complete.

When retrofitting an older building, energy efficiency is also top of mind for designers. Through comprehensive overhauls of the building envelope, windows and doors, HVAC equipment, and more, retrofitted buildings can substantially reduce carbon footprints by not having to rebuild an entirely new structure.

Balanced doors can contributed in a meaningful way to this equation. High-quality weatherstripping and insulation materials can be incorporated into a balanced door’s design through vertical stiles. Stiles allow for proper weatherstripping, which is essential for meeting strict energy codes like ASHRAE 90.1 and the IECC. A 25-mm vertical stile on Ellison balanced doors allows for polypropylene pile weatherstripping, which can help minimize energy loss. In contrast, taped-on acrylic weatherstripping used in other door applications is often ineffective. It discolors, cracks, loses adhesion, and falls off easily. A stile provides a more durable, energy-efficient seal while also reducing wind noise from door gaps.

First Impressions Matter: Preserving Historic Buildings

First impressions make a difference. People form opinions based on appearance, and a compelling design can make an impact from the second someone lays eyes on a building. Well-executed retrofits should improve curb appeal, making buildings more attractive to owners and the public.

Retrofits generally allow for improvement of materials, facades, and interiors, all while meeting modern design trends. That being said, an entryway is often where people form their first impression, and balanced doors have been the face of countless high-profile commercial developments globally.

Restoring a building’s historic look and feel can often be all that is needed to blend the charm of the past with the functionality of the present. This was the case when Ellison Bronze restored the doors on the historic McKean County Court House.

Built in 1937, it underwent comprehensive restorations that included the refurbishment of its historic doors. The original Ellison bronze doors were salvaged from a fire in 1940 and restored by Ellison Bronze at that time. Fast forward to the next century, and the second door restoration process involved deglazing the glass, removing and refinishing the hardware, replacing damaged components, and reassembling the doors. Just like the initial entryways, the newly restored doors feature an inset pivot point that allows wind to pass on both sides of the frame, ensuring smooth operation even in harsh weather conditions.

This restoration demonstrated how balanced doors can breathe new life into historic structures, preserving their architectural heritage while enhancing their functionality and appearance.

A Lifetime Investment: Performance Meets Style

Balanced doors are more than just a component of a retrofit. They are a symbol of transformation, representing a commitment to modernization while respecting a structure’s history.

Helping to create environments that are welcoming, efficient, and ready to meet the evolving needs of generations to come, balanced doors provide timeless elegance and enduring performance. This helps preserve a building’s past while also ensuring its future.