Available in all shapes and sizes, metal commercial doors are a varied product category that are vital for a range of different industries. Ideal for manufacturing facilities, warehouses, retail stores and everything in between, commercial rolling doors are known for their reliability and heavy-duty composition. These doors save space and operate using a metal curtain construction that rolls up on itself and is contained neatly within a hood mounted at the top of the assembly. Unlike sectional doors, rolling doors have no wheels, hinges or cables, making them low maintenance and easy to repair.
With thousands of commercial rolling doors to choose from that satisfy both aesthetic and working requirements, the intended purpose of a space should be top-of-mind when determining what door is best suited. To ensure architects and businesses choose the appropriate commercial rolling door, there are several considerations that must be taken into account.
Function and Specialization
Suitable for a diverse array of industrial and commercial facilities, rolling doors come in a broad range of slat profiles, curtain materials and colors and provide nearly limitless capabilities depending on the situation.
In projects that require advanced security measures, there are several material, gauge and locking choices depending on the type of business. Customer-facing retail facilities like those in a mall, for example, typically demand visual access and air flow such as those offered by a security grille or rolling doors with fenestrations or vision lites. Grille patterns provide smaller openings to keep hands out and are made of metal that won’t break like glass. When visibility is not desired, such as at pharmacies, hospitals or retail locations, a heavier-duty door such as a security shutter can be used instead.
Additionally, some applications have fire-rated or wind load requirements that must be considered. Outdoor storage units benefit from wind load rated rolling sheet doors whereas common applications for fire-rated doors include factories, warehouses, mills, distribution centers and parking garages. Other considerations to keep in mind are air infiltration and insulation for conditioned spaces.
High-Speed Performance
Whether protecting the interior or separating the environments of adjacent rooms, high-speed rolling doors provide a barrier from cross-contamination and contribute to a building’s thermal efficiency, which is especially important if the door is constantly opened or closed throughout the day. To be considered high-speed, rolling doors must feature an opening rate of at least 32 inches per second and a closing rate of at least 24 inches per second. Food and beverage production facilities and hospitals perhaps have the most critical need for fast-acting door systems.
As a key element to keeping operating costs low, rapid moving rolling doors minimize wait time for staff and reduce the thermal effect the constantly changing external environment can have on the interior and its potentially sensitive products or materials. Whether or not it is a hot and humid summer or cold and dry winter, it is critical for facilities to have a solution (in addition to high speed) that includes a thermal barrier to help prevent conductive or convective cooling loss across the door, increasing overall efficiency of the workplace.
Cycle Life Requirements
The constant opening and closing of rolling doors has a significant impact on a door’s durability over time. Wear and tear cannot be completely avoided, but for applications that require excessive use on a daily basis, the door’s cycle life should be carefully considered. Traditional rolling doors are designed for 10,000 or 20,000 cycles, and the typical upgrade is to enhance the spring system.
Alternatively, high-performance doors provide a worthy investment as they are designed with advanced capabilities and superior construction that allows several hundred thousand cycles. Minimizing facility downtime, high-performance rolling doors are designed and tested as a whole system, including motor, bearings, control system and the balance of the electrical and mechanical components. Built for lasting durability, they are often equipped with a springless design that can withstand more cycles while minimizing interruptions and downtime for maintenance. Before purchasing a rolling commercial door, ensure that the manufacturer offers the appropriate warranties and guarantees a reliable cycle life.
From function and speed to durability and cycle life requirements, there is a plethora of rolling commercial door choices that require expert counsel to make the right decision for your project. Trusting top industry professionals such as overhead door manufacturers, distributors and installers, ensures you will be able to better navigate the virtually endless options and achieve the result you have envisioned.
Moses Colunga is the rolling steel product manager at Overhead Door Corp., Lewisville, Texas. To learn more, visit www.overheaddoor.com.