06 Nov Garage Door Installation: Steel Sectional Doors vs. Rolling Steel Doors
Buying a commercial garage door is not the same as purchasing a garage door for your home. The needs of a business owner are a lot different than that of a homeowner. When selecting a residential garage door, you generally only need to consider function and style. Choosing commercial garage doors is different; you need to also take into account strength and durability.
To help you make a decision, the first thing you need to do is choose between steel sectional doors and rolling steel doors. These two kinds of garage doors are sometimes considered interchangeable. However, there are stark differences between them that most people don’t notice. Some of these differences are based on pricing, installation, durability, and materials.
Before deciding which one’s the better option for you, let’s define them first.
Steel Sectional Doors
Steel sectional garage doors are cost-effective, so it’s a popular choice for most small and medium-sized businesses. These doors are made up of multiple sections of panels connected to a track that helps it move smoothly.
One of the best benefits of the sectional overhead doors is the different kinds of insulation options that fit your specific needs. Sectional doors can also be sized to fit any opening.
Most of the sectional doors we see today have been constructed for minimal maintenance and reliable use. Sectional doors come in a wide variety of materials and applications, from standard/light duty to heavy duty, and have architectural options that can be customized according to your requirements.
Rolling Steel Doors
These are also known as rolling shutters, rolling fire doors, or coiling doors. Rolling steel doors are created to provide top-notch security for the inside or outside of an establishment. Rolling steel doors range from medium duty to heavy duty/extreme applications available. They provide security and the use of maintenance for industrial applications.
Rolling steel doors also have applications as fire doors, grills, counter shutters, and the like. It does, in fact, have many configurations to suit your needs.
DIFFERENCES
Sectional doors are generally made from much lighter gauge materials. They are a great choice for commercial establishments, when finances are a bit tight or when insulation and/or architectural appearance is preferred.
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Rolling steel doors, on the other hand, are metal slatted doors that can be rolled up and stored in a coil just above the opening. They are the best choice if you need protection against extreme weather and/or building security.
Durability & Longevity
Sectional doors normally float overhead and fold into the building. They don’t require any connection to the roof or ceiling, making them the sturdier option.
Rolling steel doors, on the other hand, are typically mounted to the wall. Industrial-grade rolling steel doors are made to last the lifetime of the structure they are installed in. This means that you won’t be spending a lot in terms of care and maintenance—which is a good bonus.
Budget & Maintenance
Sectional doors tend to cost less than rolling steel doors, making it a better option for you if budget is a consideration. Maintenance may be more important for sectional doors, though, considering the number of moving parts.
Meanwhile, rolling steel doors have a higher upfront cost. However, they do provide much more specific applications and require considerably less maintenance over sectional doors. Less maintenance, less lifetime cost.
Whether you are looking for a heavy-duty garage door for top-notch security or simply need a sectional door that’s within your budget, it’s essential to do your research about your options first. Doing so will save you a lot of time, effort, and money on your garage door installation since you’re one hundred percent sure that the door you have matches your needs. We always recommend speaking with a commercial overhead door professional before making your final decision.