Sectional Garage Doors
There are several different kinds of garage doors available today, including overhead coil, single panel, and sectional doors. Sectional garage doors are the most popular option in the market today, and for good reason. But before we get into it, here’s a general breakdown of the different kinds of doors available to you:
- Overhead roll-up: Overhead roll-up doors (sometimes called coiling doors or a rolling steel door) are often utilized in places where a lightweight option is needed. They’re also useful in situations where horizontal space on the ceiling behind the door just isn’t accessible. Overhead roll-up doors are coiled around an overhead drum, allowing them to be very compact when open. Read here to learn more about our overhead roll-up doors.
- Single panel: Single panel garage doors are generally cheaper than any other kind. 50 years ago, they were the norm, and so they still appeal to fans of old-school style. Their ease of use and practical simplicity also make them simpler to install and repair in most cases. That being said, because they’re not as common today, it’s sometimes more difficult to find replacement parts and knowledgeable troubleshooting. Additionally, single panel doors can be less convenient and safe, since they swing out and back in order to open and close, and often need a wider margin of space as they go from vertical to horizontal and vice versa.
- Sectional: Sectional doors are something of a middle ground between these two elements. With articulating joints and separated panels, sectional doors are able to smoothly open and close without swinging wide. However, the larger panels are also hardy and able to have strong insulation and decorative properties.
Benefits of Sectional Doors
As you consider whether or not a sectional door is right for your commercial garage door, remember these factors:
Safety
In a workplace, or a public location frequented by your customers, safety is of the utmost importance. One of the biggest reasons that people have largely switched from single panel doors to sectionals is safety. Single panel doors utilize extension springs, which can become dangerous if they’re not maintained properly. Additionally, the small space in which sectional doors can operate means that visitors and employees are less likely to have injury or accidents if they’re nearby while the door opens and closes.
Aesthetics
Roll-up doors have the most restrictions in design, while single-panel doors have the least. Sectional garage doors usually strike a happy medium. In fact, many people prefer to new, segmented appearance of sectional doors to the old single-panel ones. With options to add window panels, decorative hardware, and a variety of colors and materials, sectional doors are a good way to go for aesthetics.
Convenience
There are several ways in which sectional doors are the most convenient option for commercial locations.
- Space: As mentioned above, sectional doors are able to open and close using less space than single-panel doors. This leaves more space in which to operate your business.
- Insulation and Hardiness: Sectional garage doors are usually the first choice when it comes to insulation and hardiness. Thicker than overhead coils, they can withstand weather and hold insulation. However, they also beat out single panel doors when it comes to holding up under extreme weather? Why? Well, when a single panel garage door fails, the whole things falls apart and must be replaced, whereas sectional doors can be replaced one panel at a time, ensuring that repairs are inexpensive.
- Easier repairs: Whether it’s the weather, or a minor graze with a forklift, it’s easier to repair panels of a sectional door than it is to get a whole new roll-up door, or a whole new single-panel frame.
If you have any questions about sectional garage doors for your commercial location, give us a call. We can help you determine which option is best suited to your needs.