When it comes to cold storage doors, the smallest details can have the biggest impact.
Two of the most overlooked—but most important—details are swing direction and sill type. At Weiland, we take both seriously because they directly affect performance, safety, and efficiency in your facility.
Getting Swing Direction Right
Door swing direction isn’t just about preference—it’s about safety, workflow, and compliance.
At Weiland, we make it simple:
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Start from the “secure side” — This is the side where you’d insert the key.
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Right Hand (RH) — Hinges on the right, door pulls toward you.
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Left Hand (LH) — Hinges on the left, door pulls toward you.
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Right Hand Reverse (RHR) — Hinges on the right, door pushes away from you.
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Left Hand Reverse (LHR) — Hinges on the left, door pushes away from you.
For our Infit Cooler/Freezer Doors, swing direction is always RHR or LHR, meaning the door swings out away from the colder side and toward the secure side.
If your door uses panic bars or bump bars, it will always be a reverse swing—pushing out of the building for quick egress.
Getting swing direction wrong can mean delays, compliance headaches, or even unsafe conditions—so we guide you through it every time.
Sill Types: The Foundation of Door Performance
Just like swing direction, your sill type has a significant effect on your door’s performance and lifespan. The sill isn’t just the bottom piece—it’s the foundation that keeps your door sealing correctly, preventing air loss, frost buildup, and energy waste.
The sill is more than just the bottom of your door—it’s the foundation for how well your door seals, how easily people and equipment move through it, and how well it maintains temperature control.
Flush Sill
A flush sill is level with the floor, creating a seamless transition between spaces.
- Bottom of the door is fitted with a double sweep gasket sealing against the floor.
- Most common for interior doors and exterior doors where floor grades match or step-downs aren’t allowed.
High Sill (Step Down)
A step-down high sill transitions from the interior floor to a lower exterior landing or ground.
- Removable bottom threshold allows flexibility when pouring the interior concrete floor.
- Bottom face casing can be full-size (5-1/2”) or shortened to 2”.
- Door panel lip with compression gasket seals against the casing.
- Common for exterior doors approved for step-down exits.
High Sill (Step Over)
A raised sill design where personnel step over the bottom frame.
- Bottom face casing and back trim are typically 5-1/2” tall but can be shortened to 2”.
- Door panel lip with compression gasket seals against the bottom face casing.
- Often used for penthouses or blast freezer doors where step-over designs are approved.
Choosing the wrong sill can mean your door doesn’t perform the way you need—leading to higher energy costs and more maintenance.
Why We Emphasize the Details
A well-built cold storage door isn’t just about the materials—it’s about making sure every single detail fits your operation. At Weiland, we don’t leave swing direction or sill type to guesswork. We walk you through each decision, ensuring your doors are safe, compliant, and built to perform for the long haul.
…Because in cold storage, the right door doesn’t just look the part—it does the part.
Ready to get the details right?
Whether you’re replacing a single door or outfitting an entire facility, our team will walk you through swing direction, sill types, and every other detail to make sure your door performs from day one.
Call us today at 402-454-2106 or request a quote here—let’s build a cold storage solution that truly does the part.
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