When a life is at stake, emergency responders maximize every second, starting from the moment they receive an alert or phone call. Once that message arrives, they must work fast to exit the facility in their emergency vehicle. 

Most facilities use garage doors for emergency responders because they open and close quickly. But, if the door doesn't function as efficiently as possible, the team could lose valuable time. Fortunately, you can maximize emergency first responders' time with high-performance doors. 

What Are High-Performance Doors?

Power-operated, sliding, or folding non-residential doors that have an opening speed of 20 inches per second or accommodate 100 cycles or more per day are high-performance doors. High-performance commercial doors enable police officers, firefighters, and other first responders to quickly enter and exit the station during emergencies.

Benefits of High-Performance Doors for First Responders

High-performance doors offer many benefits for emergency first responders. You can find these high-speed doors at fire, EMS, and police stations. Here are some of the benefits:

• Reliable: Emergency environments require high-performance doors because they can withstand heavy traffic and frequent open-and-close cycles. High-speed doors are reliable during critical events and inclement weather conditions. They consist of robust materials, like aluminum and steel, so they remain functional for a long time. Some high-performance doors are springless or have a smoother motor, which decreases wear on the parts and further increases the door's durability and longevity.
• Faster emergency response time: Since high-performance doors open at speeds of 20 IPS, they allow for rapid vehicle exits from facility bays. First responders don't have to wait for the door to open or close, enabling them to respond to emergencies sooner.
• Minimal maintenance: The high-quality materials manufacturers use to make the doors grants them a longer life span with fewer repairs and maintenance tasks. Most high-performance doors only require routine checks. When you spend less money on repairs, you decrease your downtime and can reallocate the extra funds to other aspects of your organization or department.
• Improved energy use: Because high-performance doors are only open for a few seconds each time, more of the facility's conditioned air remains inside. Minimizing air exchange allows for better climate control and less air conditioning unit usage, saving money on energy bills. Additionally, some doors have insulation, which helps maintain the internal temperature.
• Versatility: Many models make it simple to choose one that fits your needs. They're useful in several applications, including first responder departments and other high-traffic areas. 
• Increased efficiency: The fast opening and closing speeds minimize the risk of a door closing on an emergency vehicle. Emergency vehicles can smoothly exit, increasing efficiency by preventing delays and damage to the vehicles and doors.
• More safety: High-performance doors have built-in safety measures like reversing mechanisms and photoelectric eyes. These prevent employee injuries and vehicle damage.

Choose the Perfect High-Performance Door for Your Department

Cookson has numerous high-performance doors to meet your department's needs. Our doors are dependable and quick. They have speeds of 24 IPS and remain maintenance-free for at least 300,000 cycles. We also offer various customization options.

Extreme™ Series Sectional Door

Our Extreme Sectional is a perfect high-performance door for first responders. It's highly efficient and allows for faster response times. Its other benefits include the following. 

• Speed: Our Extreme Sectional has speeds up to three times faster than other sectional doors. These allow quicker entrances and exits and maximize your department's efficiency.
• Durability: This door features heavy-duty hardware that increases its life span and optimizes performance. Its springs last twice as long as traditional sectional doors. The tandem nylon rollers reduce operating noise, so it's smooth and quiet.
• Safety: The door has a light curtain that offers three feet of protection. If anything breaks the light curtain plane, the door returns to its open position. It also has a cable management system and monitor that prevents accidental door movement. Additional safety features like wireless edge options are also available. 
• Customization: You can customize the door to fit precise specifications. Some models have a full-sized window. Others feature insulation for noise and temperature control.
• LiftMaster® operator: LiftMaster has an operating speed of 24 IPS and can complete about 600 daily cycles. This advanced tech also connects to Wi-Fi for seamless operation, a readable display, and limit-setting technology.

Extreme® 300 Series High-Performance Roll-Up Door

The Extreme 300 Series High-Performance Roll-Up Door is another excellent high-speed door for emergency responders. Its many benefits include the following. 

• Minimal maintenance: Our easy-to-install rapid roll-up door can remain maintenance-free for up to 300,000 cycles. It has a variable frequency drive that ensures gentle starts and stops, reducing wear and tear on its parts.
• Speed: This springless door opens and closes flawlessly. It has opening speeds of 24 IPS.
• Energy efficient: The insulated models have an air leakage rate of less than 0.3cfm/ft2. This air leakage rate meets and exceeds California's Title 24, ASHRAE® 90.12, 2015, and the IECC® air infiltration requirements. With such minimal air loss, the insulated models help you maintain your desirable indoor temperature.
• Smart controller: This high-speed door features our Apex SmartController, with an easy-to-use control panel that quickly communicates door status and sets limits.

Extreme® 1024 Long-Lasting Roll-Up Door

If you need a long-lasting door, look no further than the Extreme 1024 Long-Lasting Roll-Up Door. It can perform for many cycles without requiring maintenance and consists of durable materials to ensure it lasts. Its advantages include the following. 

• Longevity: Our Extreme 1024 roll-up doors have the longest life spans. They can perform 1 million maintenance-free cycles.
• Speed: This door boasts an operating speed of 24 IPS.
• Security: The steel door prevents unwanted intrusions and improves security.
• Energy efficiency: It has a perimeter seal system that reduces temperature loss and maximizes energy savings.

Shop High-Performance Doors at Cookson

Efficiency is a crucial asset of high-performance doors. When your door operates smoothly, emergency response teams can enter and exit the facility as quickly as possible, giving the lifesaving seconds you need.

Cookson is a leading door and grille manufacturer. We produce custom solutions so you can get everything you want. Contact us today for a free quote or to learn more about our high-performance doors. If you know what you need, find a dealer near you.

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