A commercial overhead door is a type of automatic access system that covers an entryway when not in use. These are different from standard doors because they generally require electrical power to function correctly. They are also larger than standard residential doors with stronger materials to support heavier loads and continuous use over time.
Commercial Overhead Doors Options
There are three main types of commercial overhead doors to choose from if you’re in need of a new door for your commercial building. Depending on your specific needs, one of these three options will likely be the best choice for your business. They are as follows:
Sectional Doors: Sectional overhead doors consist of several individual panels that are hinged together. They are commonly used in commercial buildings that require large open spaces to be covered by a single overhead door. These can be very helpful in areas that require access to large vehicles and machinery. Sectional overhead doors are also ideal for warehouses that require frequent loading and unloading.
Rolling Doors: Rolling commercial overhead doors are very similar to their residential counterparts in design and function. They can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for something that is a little less conspicuous and much easier to open and close than a sectional door. Keep in mind that they can be more difficult to open when they are fully extended and in place.
Vertical Lift Doors: Vertical lift doors are a great option for businesses that require a lot of clearance with minimal effort. This type of door uses a hydraulic system to lift the door up, making it easier to go over rough terrain and obstacles like curbs and poles. Vertical lift overhead doors are also very easy to open manually, making them an ideal solution for high-traffic areas.
How Much Space Do You Have?
The first thing to consider when selecting a commercial overhead door is the amount of space you have for installation. Standard residential overhead doors are generally only about 8 feet wide. Depending on the type of business you have, you may need something that is much wider to accommodate your needs. You may also be interested in a door that can be split into two separate panels.
This is a great option if you need to cover a very long space that would not be able to accommodate a single door. Other things to consider when assessing how much space you have include the height of your door, how much clearance above is needed, and how far away your building is from the road.
Will The Door Be Used Continuously Or Only When Needed?
Another factor to consider when selecting a commercial overhead door is how often it will be in use. If it is only used intermittently, you may want to consider an automatic door that is easy to open and close manually. Otherwise, you may want to look at a door that is easier to open and close automatically to save you time and effort.
If the door is in continuous use, you may want to look for a model that has a locking system and optional foot or push bar opener, along with great safety features like sensors and a reversing motor to prevent accidents.
How Much Weight Is Being Lifted?
If you are lifting heavy materials or machinery, you will need a door that can withstand the extra weight. Most residential overhead doors are not designed to accommodate that kind of weight, making them unsuitable options for commercial use.
Lock-Out Timer And Electricity Requirements
If you are installing a commercial overhead door, you may need to install a circuit breaker or additional wiring. You can often find information regarding any special electrical requirements online or with the manufacturer. This is particularly important if your door will be used around large vehicles and machinery.
You want to make sure that the door is safe and will not cause any issues. If you are installing a new commercial overhead door, you may also want to consider including a lock-out timer. This can be very helpful in preventing accidents associated with workers forgetting to close the door and people tripping on the open door when entering or leaving the building.
Johnsons’ Mobile Garage Door – Installation and Repair Of Commercial Overhead Doors in Burnsville, MN!
One of the last things to keep in mind when selecting a commercial overhead door is the work required to install it. Depending on the type of door you choose, you may need a professional to install it for you. We’d be happy to provide you with an estimate and answer any questions you may have. Johnsons Mobile Garage Door Repair can also deal with commercial garage door openers and many other commercial garage doors service.