Industrial Sectional Doors

An industrial sectional door, also known as an industrial garage door, is a large, robust door designed for industrial or commercial settings like factories, warehouses, loading docks, and more. It is typically made of several horizontal panels, or sections, that are hinged together and move vertically, curling upwards and over a track system into the roof space when opened. The structure and materials used in these doors are engineered for high durability and resistance, enabling them to withstand harsh conditions and heavy usage. They are often insulated for thermal efficiency and soundproofing, and can be fitted with windows or safety features like pedestrian doors. These doors can be manually operated or automated with the help of motors for convenience and efficiency.

There are several types of industrial sectional doors, each designed to cater to different needs and specifications:

Standard Lift Sectional Doors: These are the most common type. The door slides up and overhead, guided by tracks and counterbalanced by a torsion spring system.

High Lift Sectional Doors: These doors also move up and overhead, but the tracks are configured to allow the door to open to a point higher up on the wall. They're ideal for buildings with higher ceilings or where more vertical space is required.

Vertical Lift Sectional Doors: This type moves straight up and rests in a vertical position above the door opening. They are used when there is a lot of headroom available, and are common in large warehouses or industrial buildings.

Full-View Aluminum Sectional Doors: These doors are primarily made of glass panels within an aluminum frame, offering a full view and maximum light entrance. They are ideal for commercial spaces that require aesthetic appeal along with functionality, such as car showrooms.

Insulated Sectional Doors: These doors are designed with insulation materials to minimize heat loss, making them ideal for spaces where temperature control is crucial, like cold storage facilities or pharmaceutical industries.

Fire-Rated Sectional Doors: These doors have fire-resistant properties and are designed to close automatically in the event of a fire. They help in containing fire and preventing its spread to other areas.

Impact Sectional Doors: Impact doors are designed to withstand high pressure or blows without being damaged. These are typically used in environments where the door could be subject to strong wind loads or accidental impact.

Each of these types can be fitted with additional features like pedestrian access doors, windows, or specific safety devices, and can be manually operated or automated as per need.

When buying an industrial sectional door, you should consider several key factors. Here are the top 5 questions you should ask, along with typical answers you might expect:

Question: What is the purpose of the door? *Answer: The door's purpose can vary from providing security, maintaining temperature, high-frequency usage, aesthetic appeal to fire resistance. Defining the primary need can guide you to the right type of door, such as insulated doors for temperature-sensitive environments or fire-rated doors for safety.

Question: How much space is available for the door? *Answer: The available space, including headroom, sideroom, and backroom, will influence the type of door that can be installed. For instance, a vertical lift door might be suitable for a building with high ceilings, while a standard lift door can fit in more compact spaces.

Question: What are the environmental conditions the door will be exposed to? *Answer: The environmental conditions can impact the type of door needed. For example, in areas prone to strong winds or storms, impact-resistant doors would be a wise choice. In cold climates or where temperature control is crucial, an insulated door would be optimal.

Question: What safety features are required? *Answer: Safety requirements vary based on usage and site conditions. You may require safety features such as auto-reversing mechanisms to prevent accidents, pedestrian access doors for ease of entry and exit, or fire-rated doors for enhanced safety.

Question: What is the total cost of ownership? *Answer: The total cost of ownership includes the initial purchase price, installation, maintenance, and energy costs (especially for insulated doors). Some doors might cost more initially but have lower maintenance or energy costs, making them more economical over their lifespan. You would need to weigh these factors to understand which option is the most cost-effective for your needs.