July 6, 2021

Pick Three: Which Commercial and Industrial Garage Doors are Right for You?

If you’re considering upgrading your commercial garage doors, there are some things that you should know. Whether it’s your first time or not, here’s what you should know.

Sectional Overhead Doors' Model: G-5000, 14'x16', Black Color, Window: 2 G-4400 sections (Full Vision) with Anodized frame and Clear glass

Most homeowners think of garage doors as the overhead type with sections and hinged panels that run on a track and rest horizontally against the ceiling when open. However, that’s only one option.

In commercial and industrial applications, and even in agriculture, there are plenty of types of doors to choose from for every need. Doors are also available in steel, reinforced fabric, and rubber.

The #1 Choice is the Overhead Sectional Door

These are the doors that are very similar to traditional residential garage doors. However, these doors are available in much larger sizes than what would be used on the average home. They consist of panels, or sections, that are installed on top of each other.

The hardware of the door and the way that it moves is what sets these doors apart.

To ensure maximum indoor clearance, commercial garage doors are designed to move along the wall and ceiling to be out of the way. High ceilings are common in commercial buildings, offering more headroom for different types of doors. The height of the building and the size of the door itself will impact the way that the door functions. There are three common methods:

Standard lift, like what is seen in residential installations

Full Vertical Lift doors, often used on loading docks

High-Lift doors, which are designed to move up higher along the wall before turning to the ceiling.

Most sectional doors in the commercial market are designed using galvanized steel. Many also include premium polyurethane foam that improves insulation and sturdiness.

Non-insulated commercial garage doors are also available. These are frequently seen in unheated or uninsulated buildings, such as barns or garages where equipment or farm machines are stored.

Rolling Steel - The Next Choice

These rolling doors don’t need the horizontal track required by sectional doors, as the name assumes, as they just roll up over the door itself.

For these doors to function properly, the sections must have a very small height. Referred to as slats, these are typically about three inches high, but the sizing may vary from one style or manufacturer to the next.

Rolling steel door (firewall) used to divide 2 areas in a manufacturing business.

You’ve probably seen these doors in foodservice and shopping centers where metal grilles are used to block shops or provide security once they are closed for business. These doors can be used in various applications.

Most commonly, these doors will section off different areas of the building, such as to avoid spreading dust or contamination.

Some businesses may need a firewall roll-up door to meet insurance requirements. These doors can prevent the spread of fire between sections of the building, and most will provide 30 to 240 minutes of resistance to heat and fire.

They do share one thing, though: They roll rather than lifting.

Try Roll-Up Doors with High-Speed Operation

This is another less common option, but they can be found in food production, distribution, heavy industry like mining and rail transit, and more.

In the case of food production or grocery, for example, refrigerated areas can be protected with roll-up doors. These areas shouldn’t be left open for extended periods, and the door is the perfect solution.

These doors will open up to 96 inches in just a single second, making it quick and easy to access. For safety, they close at a slower speed of 48 inches per second.

High-speed vinyl door installed in a food distribution center.

These doors will typically be made of a thick rubber material that can withstand significant impacts, such as for use in rail or mining applications. Reinforced vinyl, as pictured, is another choice used in the manufacturing sector.

Curious to learn more or try out your options for a commercial door?

Those living in Fredericton and its surroundings, can contact us now at 506-450-7605.

Our commercial and industrial garage door experts are ready to help. We have a thorough knowledge of these doors and extensive experience in application.

Plus, we’ll even provide a no-obligation quotation by email. This way, you can consider your options before you commit.

Looking for more pictures and inspiration?

Free free to check out the Commercial Door Pictures Gallery for all the inspiration that you need.

Add new comment

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.

Copyright Garaga Inc. | Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use | Sitemap