Industrial doors come in a range of different shapes and sizes, covering every need in a commercial setting from security to temperature control. With so many different types to choose from, it can often be difficult to find the right solution for your business needs. To make your choice easier, here is our guide to some of the most common types of industrial doors and their uses.
Roller Shutter Doors
Roller shutters and roller grilles are both constructed from multiple panels to form a solid physical barrier when shut. Because of their construction, roller shutters doors are not only an affordable form of physical security, but they also take up very little space when the door is open. Although both roller shutters and roller grilles are often used by businesses for additional security, grilles are more likely to be used indoors, such as inside shopping centres, while roller shutters are usually an external solution, often found in large buildings and loading bays. Like most industrial door types, roller shutter can be automated manually or automated for ease of use and added operational safety.
Further uses for roller shutters and roller grilles include acting as access points to large industrial buildings where another type of door would not provide enough room, warehouse doors, and as added physical security in multi-storey car parks.
High-Speed Doors
High-speed doors, as the name implies, are industrial doors which can be opened and closed at a much faster rate than other industrial door types. This type of industrial door is usually made up from steel sections with some manufacturers adding in thermal breaks and PU foam for added insulation. Aside from their fast operation and insulation properties, high-speed doors are also popular due to their sturdy construction which makes them a long lasting choice.
Because of their fast operation, high-speed doors are most commonly used in cold storage facilities as they can minimise the temperature changes that occur when accessing temperature controlled environments. They are also used to optimise the flow of traffic in busy industrial areas – such as a warehouse – and to increase energy efficiency in commercial properties.
Sectional Doors
Sectional doors have multiple benefits, making them ideal for industrial use whether you are looking for added security, a door solution that will offer a large opening space, or are concerned about insulation.
Like roller shutters, sectional doors are made up from multiple panels, which allows the door to have a vertical actuation that takes up minimal space, making sectional doors the perfect space-saving option for industrial environments. Since they are most commonly made from aluminium and steel, sectional doors are not only lightweight but will withstand heavy use with frequent daily operation.
Due to their thermal qualities, sectional doors are often used in spaces where a large access area is required, such as loading bays. Like some other industrial door types, sectional doors can be insulated to minimise heat loss when the door is closed.
Strip Curtains
Far cheaper than other industrial door types, PVC strip curtains offer an economical way of separating production areas while providing some protection against heat loss and protecting products and staff.
They are often used to avoid cross-contamination in food production as well as pharmaceutical production areas. Because they can withstand extremely cold temperatures before the PVC material breaks, strip curtains are also widely used in cold storage areas and commercial freezers.
Fire Doors
While fire doors aren’t strictly limited to the commercial door market, they are one of the most popular types of industrial doors due to their specialised function. Sliding fire doors, in particular, are often used in areas that are used by both vehicles and pedestrians in order to provide a quick exit in case of an emergency.