In commercial buildings, the front door is more than an entrance—it’s a security checkpoint. Whether it’s a bank, healthcare facility, government building, or corporate office, the main entry door is often a prime target in a forced-entry or ballistic event. The reality is that standard commercial doors aren't designed to withstand these threats.
Upgrading to a high-security front door—with reinforced framing, impact- or ballistic-rated glazing, and access control integration—creates a reliable maximum security barrier without sacrificing design intent.
Key Takeaways
- Commercial security doors protect against forced entry, ballistic threats, and high-impact tools.
- Steel and aluminum doors outperform wood and hollow-metal doors in resistance and durability.
- Anti-pry features and UL 752-rated glazing are key components.
- Doors can integrate with access control systems and fire ratings and meet ADA requirements.
- Partnering with a qualified provider maximizes the performance and lifespan of high-security doors.
The Need for Exterior Door Security Solutions
The front entry of a commercial facility plays a critical role in daily operations, but it also presents a key vulnerability. Whether it’s a storefront, school, healthcare entrance, or government access point, exterior doors are frequently targeted for forced entry.
Most intrusions begin at ground-level entry points, using basic tools like crowbars, hammers, or drills. Without the right reinforcement, standard doors can be compromised in under a minute.
High-security commercial entry doors are built to slow, withstand or altogether prevent these intrusions—protecting staff, assets, and continuity of operations. When integrated properly with access control and surveillance systems, they serve as the first and most visible layer of a layered security strategy.
The Security Shortfalls of Traditional Commercial Front Doors
Most standard commercial entry doors—particularly those made from hollow metal or aluminum storefront systems—are designed for accessibility, aesthetics, and light security. But when it comes to resisting determined intruders or ballistic threats, they often fail in critical ways:
- Lightweight framing and hardware: Many doors are secured with light-duty hinges and thin aluminum frames that can be pried open or disabled with common tools in under a minute.
- Non-rated glass: Most storefront and entry doors include standard safety glass, which shatters on impact. This leaves a gaping access point, especially vulnerable to smash-and-grab thefts or forced entries.
- Lack of forced-entry or ballistic certification: Traditional doors aren’t tested to standards like UL 752 or ASTM F3038, which means there’s no guarantee of performance during a real-world attack.
The Importance of Purpose-Built Security Front Doors
Materials like steel and aluminum provide strength needed to resist sustained force. Steel offers superior rigidity and fire performance, making it ideal for high-risk facilities like banks, public safety buildings, and critical infrastructure. Aluminum, while lighter, delivers strong protection with excellent corrosion resistance and design flexibility (often preferred for schools, hospitals, and corporate entries). But the material alone isn’t enough.
The design and engineering of a door system—how glazing is anchored, how a frame is reinforced, how locking hardware is protected— determine real-world performance. A heavy-duty steel door without prying protection at the hinge is still a vulnerability. An aluminum storefront featuring laminated glass but no structural reinforcement won’t delay entry long enough to matter.
True protection comes from systems designed as a whole—doors that:
- Are reinforced at critical attack points like latches, frames, and hinges
- Pair material strength with glazing rated for forced-entry or ballistic resistance
- Seamlessly blend with architectural design goals without compromising performance
Whether you’re securing a glass-heavy corporate lobby or a hardened public entry, choosing the right material is only step one. How that door is engineered, fabricated, and installed determines whether it holds—or folds—under pressure.
System Integration: More Than Just a Door
High-security front doors are a critical part of your broader physical security blueprint. They should integrate seamlessly with the systems your facility already uses or plans to implement.
TSS works directly with your facilities team, general contractor, or access control integrator to support smooth coordination between your exterior door security solutions and other systems. These include:
Access Control Systems
- Electronic strikes or magnetic locks (maglocks)
- Keypads, RFID badge readers, or biometric scanners
- Fail-safe or fail-secure configurations depending on fire and egress codes
- Remote access systems to allow or restrict entry based on time or authorization level
Surveillance & Communication
- Camera integration for real-time visual confirmation at entry points
- Intercom or audio systems for identity verification in vestibules or secured lobbies
- Entry notification alerts sent to central monitoring or front-desk staff
Building Life Safety Systems
- Fire-rated assemblies available up to 90+ minutes, per NFPA standards
- Panic hardware and ADA-compliant thresholds ensure safe egress and accessibility
- Compatible with automatic door operators for public facilities or healthcare environments
Optional Enhancements for Security Front Doors
Threats aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are the doors that protect against them. Security-grade enhancements can help elevate your door’s performance and customize it to your environment.
At TSS, we offer:
Ballistic Glass Options
- Acrylic laminated polycarbonate for UL Levels 1–3 (handguns)
- Glass-clad polycarbonate for UL Levels 4–8 (rifles)
- Glazing can be customized for tint, low-iron clarity or privacy films
- Optional use of voice ports, pass-throughs, or transaction trays where interaction is required
Frame & Edge Protection
- Anti-pry guards and astragals prevent crowbar leverage
- Heavy-gauge welded steel frames improve resistance to kick-ins and frame tampering
- Available integration into vestibules or mantrap systems for layered access control
Environmental & Aesthetic Options
- Weather-rated seals and thresholds for exterior applications
- Powder-coated or stainless-steel finishes for branding, durability, or sanitary environments
- Hardware and glazing that match architectural design or storefront standards
Work With a Partner That Understands Every Part of Building Security
At TSS, we specialize in complete ballistic barrier systems—not just doors. We assess your entry points, specify the right UL level, and engineer systems that:
- Meet threat-level and code requirements
- Seamlessly integrate with your existing hardware or new construction
- Maintain your facility’s visual and functional integrity
- Are installed by trained professionals, nationwide
Request a quote today, and we’ll help you secure your first line of defense—without compromising design, function, or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can single entry doors be used for high-security commercial applications?
Yes, single entry doors are commonly used in commercial security projects—but they must be purpose-built with reinforced frames, ballistic-rated glazing, and tamper-resistant hardware to meet forced-entry and UL 752 standards. Unlike typical residential-grade doors for home security, commercial single doors must be engineered as part of a complete security system to offer reliable protection.
What role does prying protection satin nickel hardware play in commercial door security?
Prying protection features—such as hinge reinforcement and anti-pry guards—are essential to high-security commercial doors. While satin nickel and aged bronze finishes may be common in home hardware, commercial-grade prying protection is less about finish and more about structural function. These components are designed to resist crowbar attacks and physical tampering at latch points and hinges—common failure points in standard storefront systems.
Can my local contractor install a security front door, or do I need a specialized provider?
While a local contractor might install entry doors on a house or light commercial entries, high-security front doors require experienced providers familiar with ballistic materials, UL standards and system integration. These doors often include custom frames, locking systems, and glazing that must be installed to precise specifications to maintain performance. Working with a specialist ensures your security investment delivers as intended.
Related Resources
Ballistic Door Solutions Guide
10 Things That Make or Break a Bullet Resistant Barrier Project
Guide to Improving Physical Security By Addressing the Human Factor
