Automatic Doors ‘Essential’ to Safe Buildings

CLEVELAND -- The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) is proud to support the mission of Building Safety Month, an initiative of the International Code Council (ICC).

This month-long celebration is observed each May to raise awareness about building safety. The theme for 2026 is “Built to Last,” which highlights the importance of resilient, sustainable, and safe construction practices that stand the test of time.

AAADM believes that safe, reliable, and accessible automatic doors at entrances and other key access points are essential components of buildings that are truly “built to last.” Automatic doors are more than a convenience. They are an accessibility solution, and a key element in inclusive design.

Week four of this year’s Building Safety Month is dedicated to “Communities Without Limits” (May 25–31), highlighting the importance of accessibility in building construction and design.

Automatic doors play a vital role in ensuring that buildings are welcoming and usable for people of all ages and abilities. By eliminating physical barriers, automatic entrances help create communities where everyone can participate fully and independently.

From healthcare facilities and schools to retail centers, airports, and government buildings, automatic doors provide safe, hands-free access for individuals with mobility challenges.

They also enhance pedestrian safety through sensor technology and standardized performance requirements that improve both daily traffic flow and emergency egress in high-occupancy facilities.

A significant part of AAADM’s mission is dedicated to safety code compliance, developing and maintaining industry performance standards, managing inspector certification programs, and promoting proper installation and maintenance practices.

Durability and resilience are hallmarks of quality automatic door systems. Designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, environmental exposure, and emergency conditions, modern automatic doors incorporate advanced safety sensors, redundant systems, and robust materials that contribute to long-term building performance.

Equally important, these systems embody the principle that lasting buildings must also be inclusive buildings, that accessibility is foundational to safe community design. During Building Safety Month, AAADM recognizes the essential role automatic doors play in advancing safety and accessibility.

For more information about AAADM, go to www.aaadm.com/.