Your garage door isn’t just an entrance—it’s the first impression your business makes. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about sectional garage doors, from types and installation to frequently asked questions, ensuring you make informed decisions to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your commercial space.
Commercial garage doors can add style as well as functionality to any commercial building. When choosing your door, there are many options. You have to decide if you need a door that is insulated or non-insulated, depending on your building needs and the climate in your area. There are also various track and color options available to customize your garage door.
What to Look For In a Commercial Garage Door
- Smooth Operation
- Superior Security
- Durability
- Curb Appeal
Sectional Garage Doors Are Perfect for A Variety of Commercial Applications
- Commercial auto shops and garages
- Farm equipment storage buildings
- Parking
- Public works
- Police/Fire stations
- Car dealerships
- Equestrian riding arenas
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouse buildings
- and more!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sectional Garage Doors
How Does a Sectional Garage Door Work?
Sectional garage doors are made up of multiple panels that open vertically and then lay parallel to your garage ceiling when in the open position. These garage doors run along tracks placed on the side and ceiling of your garage. Each panel is connected via hinges, struts, and stiles. Sectional garage doors are operated on high-tension torsion springs and are generally automated by an opener, allowing you to open and close the door via remotes.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Sectional Garage Door?
In most cases, the average commercial garage door installation will take anywhere from as little as three to four hours to an entire day. Sectional doors may be complex to install, mainly due to their size, site conditions, and the type of door. The installer must ensure that all of the sections sync correctly with the operating mechanism.
Factors that influence the time required to install a sectional garage door:
- New Installation Only: It typically takes less time if an installer is only installing a new overhead door. Replacing an old garage door does add additional work to the job.
- Size of Door: How large of an overhead door is getting installed? A larger one can require more time.
- Number of Doors: How many garage doors are getting installed? Having dual doors can increase how long the installation takes, but not necessarily double the time.
- Weather Conditions: Sectional overhead doors are installed year-round, in all weather. Weather conditions can affect the length of installation.
What Is The Minimum Head Height For A Sectional Garage Door?
There are several critical dimensions involved when discussing overhead garage doors and clearances required to allow for proper installation. Headroom is the available space over the door height. Sectional garage doors offer various operational configurations, determined by the required gearing mechanism. Headroom requirements depend on spring placement and interior space needs. Tailoring headroom can maximize garage space.
Depending on the product selected, the required headroom for a standard installation is typically between 12 and 18 inches. So, if you are using a door that is seven feet high, the typical minimum ceiling height would be eight feet, leaving twelve inches of headroom. There is a catch: this headroom must be consistent for the entire area the door will travel under.
How Secure Are Sectional Garage Doors?
When it comes to security, sectional garage doors are one of the most secure doors available, given their excellent panel construction and steel guiding. The door splits into sections and the door folds back into the roof of the garage. This gives great resistance to attempted forced entry and break-ins. Sectional garage doors are also ideal for installing an electronic operating system. Combining this solid construction with an electric operator further improves the security of the door.
Do Sectional Garage Doors Need to be Serviced?
Sectional garage doors require regular servicing, similar to servicing a vehicle. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the garage door opener doing the heavy lifting; it’s the large spring responsible for lifting the door, along with the cables. Some maintenance tasks include:
- inspecting hinges that may have loosened or cracked
- lubricating tracks and hinges with silicone-based spray
- checking for cable frays
- documenting spring cycles if a counter has been installed.
Periodic maintenance by professionals like Twin City Garage Door Company can be set up monthly, quarterly, semi annual, or annually. These scheduled garage door maintenance plans are based on your specific needs. They are done to ensure the continued smooth and safe operation of sectional garage doors in commercial settings, contributing to the overall security and functionality of the property.
Choose a Sectional Garage Door for Your Commercial Space
Sectional garage doors offer unparalleled durability, security, and versatility, making them an ideal choice for a variety of commercial applications. From auto shops to warehouses, these doors provide efficient operation, energy efficiency, and enhanced curb appeal. With a proper understanding of installation requirements and maintenance needs, you can ensure your sectional garage door serves as a reliable and attractive asset to your business for years to come.
