A wicket door, also known as a pedestrian door, man door, service door or access door, is a smaller door built into a larger overhead or sectional door. It allows easy access to a building without having to open the entire large door, offering both convenience and energy savings.
Alternative Names
Depending on the industry or region, wicket doors may be referred to by different names:
- Pedestrian door: emphasizes the fact it’s used for foot traffic only.
- Man door: a more traditional term, still used in industrial contexts.
- Access door: highlights the function of easy entry.
Despite the different names, they all refer to the same concept—a small door integrated into a larger one.
Where Are Wicket Doors Used?
Wicket doors are typically found in:
- Overhead doors (e.g. sectional doors)
- Industrial and commercial garage doors
- Roller shutter doors (in some custom applications)
They are especially useful in industrial settings, warehouses, garages, or workshops where large doors are regularly closed for temperature control or security but staff still need frequent access.
Benefits of a Wicket Door
There are several advantages to including a wicket door in your installation:
- Energy efficiency: You avoid opening the full overhead door, reducing heat loss or cool air escape.
- Convenience: Staff or visitors can enter and exit without the noise or wait of opening a large door.
- Wear reduction: Minimizing the use of the main door helps extend its lifespan.
- Safety: In case of a power outage, the wicket door can serve as an emergency exit.
Some wicket doors also include low thresholds for easy passage, even with carts or light equipment.
Downsides to Consider
While practical, wicket doors do come with some trade-offs:
- Added cost: They increase the initial investment in your door system.
- Reduced insulation: More seals and joints can slightly affect insulation performance.
- Design limitations: Not all overhead or roller doors can support a built-in wicket door—particularly those with certain track configurations or limited height.
- Security considerations: Additional locks and reinforcements may be needed to ensure security.
Conclusion
A wicket door is an excellent solution when frequent pedestrian access is needed through a large industrial or garage door. While there are some limitations, the improved convenience and energy savings often make it a worthwhile upgrade. If you’re considering a new overhead door, it’s worth asking whether a wicket door is available for your model.
Looking for a Compact industrial door with a wicket door?
In locations where space is limited, traditional sectional or overhead doors may not be a good fit, and businesses often resort to roller shutter doors. However, integrating a wicket door in a roller door is not very practical. The Compact folding door offers an ideal alternative. With its vertically folding panels and space-saving design, it has the same dimensions as a roller door, but with additional benefits, such as the possibility to add a wicket door. This makes it perfect for workshops, showrooms, or industrial spaces where ceiling space is occupied by lighting, cranes, or ventilation systems.