Transparent polycarbonate doors for showrooms and malls

A showroom owner wants the goods to be seen even when the shop is closed. That is where a transparent door comes in. This article covers its features, how this type of door generally works, and what to check before you order.

Features

• Overhead sliding and transparent.
• Auto-reverse when it meets an obstacle.
• Auto-close.
• A separate control board.
• Remote range of over 25 m.
• Works by hand in a power cut.

Why a transparent door for a showroom

The shopfront is part of the marketing. A transparent door lets passers-by see the display and the interior lighting after hours while the entrance stays closed. Some shop owners like it because the premises look tidy and lit even at night, and there is less need to cover the frontage with curtains or boards.

On the practical side, overhead sliding means the door travels above the opening rather than swinging outward, so it takes no space in front of the entrance and does not get in the way in narrow mall corridors.

What is polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is a transparent plastic made into sheets that are generally light and far more impact-resistant than ordinary glass. It is common in roofs and frontages. A general comparison with glass:

This is a general comparison between the two materials, not a specification of a particular product, so ask which sheets your quote uses.

How an overhead sliding door works

The door runs on an upper track with rollers, and the motor drives it, typically through a belt, chain or similar. The separate control board receives the remote's commands and runs the motor. Auto-reverse means the door changes direction when it meets an object in its path, and auto-close means it closes again after a set time open. Settings are usually adjusted at installation to suit your needs.

Where it is used, and what is checked on site

In malls and showrooms. By its nature it suits businesses that rely on visual display, such as car, appliance or furniture showrooms. At the site visit these points are generally reviewed:

• Size: the opening width and height, and the overhead and side space the door moves into.
• Support: an upper track needs fixing to a structure able to carry the door and its movement.
• Power: a supply near the control board, with the board protected from damp and dust.
• Board location: somewhere only your staff can reach.
• Reflections and lighting: a clear frontage can reflect light, so judge its look by day and by night.

Care and cleaning

Transparent sheets are generally cleaned with water, mild soap and a soft cloth, avoiding abrasive pads or strong solvents unless the manufacturer advises them. Keep the track free of dust and grit, lubricate only as the manufacturer advises, and never force the door by hand while the motor runs. In a public space, make sure children do not hang on the door or play beside it.

Common mistakes

• Fitting the door without thinking about glare and reflections on the frontage.
• Not checking the overhead space and side room before ordering.
• Leaving the track dirty or obstructed.
• Cleaning with harsh products that scratch the sheets.

Common questions

Does it work in a power cut? Yes, it works by hand in a power cut.

What if a person or object is in the way? The door has auto-reverse, meaning it reverses its movement when it meets an obstacle.

What is the remote range? Over 25 m.

Does it close by itself? Yes, it has auto-close.

Does it suit a small shop? It depends on the frontage size and use. Send a photo of the place and we will suggest what fits.

Summary

• A transparent overhead sliding door suits showrooms and malls.
• Auto-reverse, auto-close, a separate control board and manual operation in a power cut.
• Check size, overhead space and power before ordering.

Learn more: polycarbonate doors. For other options for shops: aluminium shutter doors or contact us.