Retrofitting for the Future: Why Businesses Are Upgrading to Smart Automatic Doors

When it comes to upgrading entrances in commercial buildings, one question comes up again and again: Should we retrofit or replace?

To help answer that, we sat down with Matt Stuka, Regional General Manager at Door Services Corporation, who’s overseen thousands of commercial door upgrades. According to Matt, retrofitting is often the better, faster, and smarter choice—especially for swing doors that are still structurally sound.

Retrofitting, he explained, is about converting an existing manual door into an automatic one without tearing out the whole system. It’s usually completed in just a day, and it allows businesses to modernize their entrances while minimizing downtime.

Why Retrofit Instead of Replace?

If your door is still working mechanically and you can get power to it, there’s a good chance you can retrofit it. Matt noted that unless a door is severely damaged or of a type that doesn’t support retrofitting—like folding or sliding doors—a retrofit is often the most practical route.

This process involves mounting a door operator and installing sensor-based activation (like a push plate or wave-to-open switch). The result: a fully automated system, with far less disruption than a complete door replacement.

For many buildings with an existing door and frame, this type of retrofit project allows for easy automation without removing the original frame or altering the existing structure. Compared to full door installation or replacement window upgrades, this option is faster and more cost-effective.

Real Benefits for Real Buildings

Retrofitting brings both immediate and long-term value. It improves building accessibility, supports ADA compliance, enhances safety, and gives entrances a more modern, professional look. In environments like hospitals, where every second counts and traffic is constant, Matt pointed out that minimizing downtime is essential. That’s one reason why facilities often choose to automate the doors they already have.

He also emphasized that accessibility upgrades are more than just compliance—they make buildings easier and more welcoming for everyone, from seniors and people with disabilities to delivery personnel and staff carrying equipment.

Whether it’s an entry door or interior doors in older buildings, automated upgrades can offer better insulation, increased convenience, and support a building’s energy efficiency goals.

Safety and Security: Built In

Automated doors aren’t just about convenience. Properly configured, they can integrate with building fire alarm systems and security setups like maglocks or key card access.

Matt explained that part of every install involves making sure the new door system works within the facility’s existing infrastructure. That includes tuning opening and closing speeds to meet ANSI code, placing activation sensors at the right distance for wheelchair users, and coordinating any tie-ins to alarms or access control systems. These kinds of upgrades are particularly valuable for a security door or a commercial door that needs to restrict access.

How Long Does It Take?

A typical swing door retrofit can be completed in a single day. That includes installing the operator, connecting power, setting up activation sensors, and testing for safety compliance. Matt shared that in many cases—especially in older buildings with basic manual doors—retrofitting is faster and easier than people expect.

He’s seen it all: hospitals, schools, hotels, and mixed-use buildings. The common theme? Most clients are surprised by how quick and clean the upgrade process really is.

For busy property managers or maintenance professionals, this kind of minimal disruption is key to keeping operations on track.
 

What Kinds of Doors Are Retrofit-Friendly?

Swing doors are ideal for retrofitting. Sliding and folding doors, however, usually require full replacement due to their framing and track systems. As Matt put it, “If it’s a swing door and the structure is solid, we can almost always make it automatic.”

Whether it’s a commercial door or a glass door in a public building, if the original frame is intact and the door is functional, it’s likely a good candidate for a retrofit door upgrade.

Where Retrofitting Makes the Biggest Impact

Retrofitting brings clear, practical value in a wide range of commercial environments. As Matt Stuka shared, certain types of facilities see particularly strong returns:

Hospitals

In healthcare environments, doorways need to support the movement of patients in beds, wheelchairs, or with mobility devices. “Almost every hallway should have automatic doors,” Matt said. “You’ve got people being moved constantly—manual doors just slow everything down.” Retrofitted swing doors allow for seamless, hands-free transport while keeping access points clear during emergencies.

Hotels

Guest experience begins the moment someone arrives. Matt explained that guests often carry luggage or push strollers—and having to wrestle with a heavy front door is far from ideal. Retrofitting main entrances or internal doors with automatic sliding or swing systems creates a smoother, more professional first impression.

Public Restrooms and Washrooms

The demand for touchless entry surged during COVID-19 and hasn’t gone away. “We did a ton of bathroom retrofits during the pandemic,” Matt recalled. “Wave-to-open plates are still popular—people don’t want to touch anything if they don’t have to.” These upgrades remain a smart solution for hygiene-sensitive areas like airports, malls, and healthcare buildings.

Each of these examples shows how retrofitting improves not just convenience, but also safety, compliance, and the overall user experience in high-traffic commercial buildings.

Whether you're replacing an old window, adding a drive-thru window, or converting an existing garage door into an automatic system, retrofitting projects can meet a wide range of needs—without the delays of new construction.

Maintenance That Keeps Everything Running

Once the system is in place, regular maintenance is key. Matt shared that every door they retrofit comes with a label that shows building staff how to perform daily safety checks. Beyond that, he strongly recommends biannual inspections by a certified technician to support reliable operation and code compliance.

Door Services Corporation also provides 24/7 emergency service and stocked technician vans so repairs can be made on the spot—without waiting on parts. Whether it’s an automatic door, fire door, or refrigeration unit access point, having technicians ready reduces risk and downtime.

Final Takeaway

For many commercial facilities, retrofitting offers the best of both worlds: enhanced safety and accessibility, with minimal downtime or disruption.

As Matt put it, “You add power, install the operator, tie it into your fire or security system—and you’re done. You’ve just brought your entrance up to modern standards without tearing anything apart.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you convert a manual door to automatic? 
Yes. Most manual swing doors can be retrofitted with a swing door operator and sensor activation in one day.

2. How much does it cost to install an automatic door? 
Costs vary depending on door type and features, but retrofitting is generally more affordable than full automatic sliding door installation or sectional door replacement.

3. What is retrofitting a door?
Retrofitting involves upgrading an existing manual door with automatic components, such as a door operator and sensor system, while using the existing door frame.

4. What are the disadvantages of automatic doors?
They require regular maintenance and can malfunction if not properly installed or inspected regularly.

5. Are automated commercial doors right for retrofits?
Yes, especially in commercial buildings with existing swing doors and a need to improve accessibility, security, or traffic flow.