Para-Port Retrofit at Bangor International Airport

Summary

A hydraulic, cable-lifted steel door failed at Bangor International Airport (BGR). The airport suddenly had a 10,000 sq. ft. hangar out of service. The airport faced revenue loss from an unusable hangar. Repair companies were unwilling to assume the liability and risk of servicing a damaged door. BGR needed a dependable, long-term replacement that could restore operations quickly and perform in Maine’s extreme weather efficiently and flawlessly for many decades to come.

Chiles Contracting presented a premium solution at a competitive price by partnering with Para-Port® Doors, whose proven product design enabled an efficient construction process and rapid installation. After evaluating multiple door systems, Bangor International Airport selected Para-Port® Doors for their reliability, energy efficiency, and retrofit expertise.

“Para-Port’s product design makes installation straightforward, seamless, and without major structural changes. Every trade is able to work efficiently. The door design supports a rapid and cost-effective retrofit.”

-Andrew Chiles, President of Chiles Contracting

Challenges

Maintenance

Repair companies refused to service the hydraulic, cable-lifted steel hangar door due to liability and safety of the hydraulic door.

Urgency

The door failure meant the hangar was no longer generating revenue on a 10,000 sq. ft. hangar. Additionally, an emergency service vehicle was trapped in the hangar.

Bangor International Airport needed an immediate, energy-efficient, and low-cost solution built to last many decades. BGR evaluated doors based on engineering integrity and lifetime performance, as well as hangar operating costs.

Solution

The Para-Port® Door integrated seamlessly into the existing structure. In just 10 weeks, Chiles Contracting completed engineering, minor opening modifications, and a Para-Port® Door was installed and fully operational.

“The Para-Port® system was implemented with minimal structural changes to the hangar. The install timeline was rapid, with only 8-weeks from contracted to install. The translucent design has improved the lighting of the structure even with a north facing door.”

— Francis Robbins, Airport Director, Bangor Int’l Airport

With fewer moving parts and no hydraulics, Bangor International Airport eliminated hydraulic door maintenance issues. Para-Port® Door provided BGR with a product design that yields excellent energy efficiency with tight seals, minimizing air exchange when operating the door. An efficient door system with a tension fabric PVC curtain now shelters the hangar. BGR’s hangar door always opens, regardless of ice, snow, or wind.

Timeline