How to choose the right glass for automatic doors to ensure safety and aesthetics

1. Why choosing the right glass is essential for automatic doors

Glass plays a dual role as both a structural and visual element, directly influencing the door’s safety, durability, and how smoothly the system operates. With the correct glass specifications, the door remains stable during repeated opening cycles, minimizes the risk of cracking, and creates a modern and elegant appearance for the entire space.

1.1 The role of glass in safety, performance, and aesthetics

High-quality glass enhances resistance to impact, prevents rattling during operation, and ensures user safety in daily use. At the same time, the clarity, transparency, and color tone of the glass contribute significantly to the architectural harmony of the entrance, elevating the overall impression of the building in a subtle yet impactful way.

1.2 Risks when choosing the wrong type of glass

Glass that is too thin or not rated as safety glass can crack upon impact and pose a serious danger to users, especially in high-traffic locations. Low-grade glass also tends to vibrate strongly during operation, reduce structural stability over time, or create unpleasant noise that disrupts the experience of occupants.

1.3 Key factors affecting durability in automatic door applications

Glass durability depends on thickness, manufacturing quality, impact resistance, heat tolerance, and environmental conditions over long-term usage. In addition, the frame, clamps, gaskets, and fittings must match the glass type to ensure stable movement, prevent misalignment, and avoid unnecessary breakage during extended operation.

2. Common glass types used for automatic doors

Each glass type offers distinct benefits in terms of strength, safety, and aesthetics. Understanding these characteristics helps you select the most suitable option for your building’s functionality and design requirements.

2.1 Tempered glass

Tempered glass is the most popular material for automatic doors thanks to its impact resistance, which is multiple times stronger than that of standard glass. Typically 10-12 mm thick, it provides excellent stability and a clean, flat appearance. When broken, it shatters into small rounded particles, which are safer, but proper selection is still vital to prevent vibration or bending in daily use.

2.2 Laminated safety glass

Laminated glass consists of two glass layers bonded with a PVB interlayer, ensuring the shards remain adhered and do not fall apart even when broken. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic public areas or spaces requiring enhanced security. Its superior noise reduction and thermal insulation properties offer added performance compared to standard tempered glass.

2.3 Insulated glass (double-glazed glass)

Insulated glass features two glass panels separated by an air gap, providing excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. This type is suitable for hotels, offices, showrooms, or premium buildings that require a quiet, comfortable, and visually refined environment, despite a higher cost compared to traditional options.

3. Safety criteria when choosing glass for automatic doors

Glass used in automatic doors must meet strict standards regarding thickness, resilience, and impact resistance, as it is directly affected by the motor’s pulling force and continuous opening cycles. Selecting the right glass for the door’s load and usage environment ensures long-term stability and operational safety.

3.1 Glass thickness based on door size and load (8 mm - 10 mm - 12 mm)

Larger door panels require thicker glass to withstand daily stress safely. Most automatic doors use 10-12 mm glass to reduce vibration, maintain structural integrity, and prevent breakage under repeated motion. Glass under 8 mm is suitable only for small doors or low-traffic areas.

3.2 Mandatory impact and load-resistance standards

The glass must meet safety standards for impact strength, thermal resistance, and load-bearing capacity. For busy buildings, laminated or high-grade tempered glass should be prioritized to minimize risks caused by sudden impacts or temperature changes.

3.3 Compatibility with frames, clamps, and hardware

The frame, clamps, and accessory system must match the chosen glass thickness and design. If components are mismatched, the door may tilt, vibrate, or exert uneven pressure on the glass, increasing the risk of cracks. A well-coordinated combination ensures smooth motion and long-term safety.

3.4 Safety standards for public and high-traffic environments

In commercial centers, hospitals, or public buildings, the glass must withstand stronger impacts and frequent contact. Laminated or premium-grade tempered glass reduces hazards and maintains operational safety in areas with constant movement and high usage intensity.

4. Aesthetic criteria when choosing glass for your project

Besides safety, glass contributes to the overall architectural expression of the building. Choosing proper transparency, color tone, and visual style helps create a refined and cohesive appearance that complements the surrounding space.

4.1 Glass color options and architectural harmony

Clear glass offers an open and spacious feel, suitable for most applications. Frosted glass provides gentle privacy, while black or tinted glass delivers a bold and contemporary look. The color choice should align with the façade and interior style for a cohesive design.

4.2 Transparency, reflective effect, and anti-glare performance

High-transparency glass enhances natural lighting and creates a brighter, more luxurious environment ideal for retail spaces and showrooms. For glare control or reduced reflections, anti-glare coatings or darker tinted options provide greater comfort for users.

4.3 Matching the architectural style of the building

Automatic doors often serve as a focal point at the entrance, so the glass must match the building’s design language. Clear glass suits minimalist architecture; black glass enhances upscale hotels or fine-dining restaurants, while frosted glass complements offices, spas, and serene professional environments.

4.4 Logo printing, safety decals, and brand identity

Logo printing or safety decals enhance brand recognition while improving user awareness to prevent accidental collisions. This dual-purpose solution is especially important for high-traffic entrances, balancing aesthetics with safety requirements.

5. Common mistakes when choosing glass for automatic doors and how to avoid them

Incorrect glass selection can compromise safety, stability, and the visual integrity of the project. Understanding common mistakes helps prevent unnecessary risks and reduces future maintenance costs.

5.1 Choosing glass that is too thin, causing vibration, cracking, or instability

Using 6-8 mm glass for large doors leads to excessive vibration and high breakage risk. For automatic doors, a minimum thickness of 10-12 mm is essential to guarantee durability, stability, and safe operation under frequent movement cycles.

5.2 Ignoring glass certification or source verification

Glass lacking proper certification may warp, crack at the edges, or fade prematurely. Checking product codes, safety stamps, and manufacturing certificates is critical to ensuring long-term safety for the entire door system.

5.3 Using mismatched frames or clamps that compromise stability

Even high-quality glass becomes unsafe when paired with weak frames, incorrect clamps, or poorly fitted gaskets. These mismatches cause misalignment, operational noise, and higher breakage risks issues commonly found in low-cost installations.

5.4 Overlooking external factors such as wind, heat, and usage frequency

Doors exposed to strong winds or direct sunlight require higher-grade, heat-resistant and impact-resistant glass. Busy locations such as storefronts, commercial buildings, and showrooms also demand laminated or tempered glass to withstand frequent collisions and heavy use.

Choosing the right type of glass for automatic doors ensures safe, smooth operation while enhancing the architectural value of your project. Understanding each glass option, relevant safety standards, and environmental factors allows you to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your design vision and functional needs.

If you need guidance on selecting the ideal glass for your automatic doors or wish to request an on-site assessment for the best safety and aesthetic solution, feel free to contact Thuy Linh Long. We are ready to support you with professional evaluation, proper glass recommendations, and a complete installation service for durable and visually appealing results.