Insulated sectional garage doors

[edit] Introduction

Insulated sectional garage doors are used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings where secure access is required and thermal performance is an important consideration. They consist of a series of horizontal panels connected by hinges, which move vertically and then along tracks when the door is opened.

Unlike up-and-over doors, sectional doors do not generally project significantly beyond the building line during operation. This can be advantageous where space in front of the opening is limited. The suitability of a sectional door depends on factors including the dimensions of the opening, available headroom, frequency of use, thermal requirements, security, safety and the intended use of the building.

[edit] Construction and operation

Sectional doors are formed from individual horizontal panels connected by hinges. The panels are guided by tracks fixed to the sides and, depending on the system, the ceiling or roof structure. When opened, the door travels upwards before following the track arrangement into a position above or within the building.

The door is usually counterbalanced using springs or another balancing system to reduce the force required for operation. Doors may be manually operated or fitted with an electric operator.

Sectional doors can be manufactured from materials including steel and aluminium. Steel doors may incorporate protective coatings to improve resistance to corrosion. The panels may also incorporate glazing or vision panels where daylight or visibility is required.

The supporting structure, tracks, fixings and operating equipment should be suitable for the size and weight of the door and the anticipated frequency of operation.

[edit] Insulation and thermal performance

Insulated sectional doors commonly use panels with an insulating core between inner and outer faces. The insulating material, panel construction, seals and junctions all influence the thermal performance of the complete door assembly.

An insulated door may help to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building. This can be particularly relevant where a garage or other enclosed space is heated, cooled or forms part of the thermal envelope of a building.

The overall thermal performance of an opening is affected by more than the insulation within the door panels. Air leakage around the perimeter, gaps at joints, thermal bridging and the performance of the surrounding structure should also be considered.

Insulation may also contribute to acoustic performance, although the level of sound reduction depends on the complete construction and should not be assumed from the presence of insulation alone.

[edit] Security and automated operation

Sectional doors can provide a physical barrier against unauthorised access when closed. The level of security depends on the construction of the door, its fixings, locking arrangements and the resistance of the surrounding building structure.

Electrically operated sectional doors can be controlled using wall-mounted controls, remote controls or integrated building management systems. Some systems may provide additional functions such as automatic closing or remote monitoring.

Powered doors present additional safety considerations. Depending on the type and application, safety measures may include obstruction detection, force limitation, safety edges, photocells, emergency release mechanisms and appropriate control arrangements.

The operation of electrically powered doors should be considered as part of the overall risk assessment for the building. Controls should be positioned to allow safe operation, and doors should be maintained and inspected in accordance with the requirements of the specified system.

[edit] Applications and selection

Sectional doors are used in a range of applications, including:

• Garages.
• Workshops.
• Commercial units.
• Warehouses.
• Industrial buildings.
• Distribution and loading areas.
• Vehicle maintenance facilities.

The selection of a sectional door should take account of:

• The dimensions and configuration of the opening.
• Available headroom and internal space.
• The weight and size of the door.
• Frequency of operation.
• Thermal performance requirements.
• Security requirements.
• Wind loading and weather exposure.
• Fire safety requirements where relevant.
• Manual or powered operation.
• Safety requirements.
• Access and maintenance requirements.
• Appearance and compatibility with the building.

For industrial applications, doors may require more robust components and operating systems where frequent use or larger openings are involved.

[edit] Installation and maintenance

Installation should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the specified door system. The opening and supporting structure should be surveyed to confirm that they are suitable for the proposed door and that adequate space is available for the tracks, counterbalance system and operating equipment.

The tracks and supporting components should be accurately aligned and securely fixed. Incorrect alignment can cause uneven operation, excessive wear and damage to components.

Regular maintenance is important because sectional doors contain moving and, in some cases, tensioned components. Maintenance requirements may include:

• Inspecting panels, hinges, rollers and tracks for damage or wear.
• Checking fixings and supporting components.
• Inspecting seals and weatherproofing.
• Maintaining springs and counterbalance systems in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
• Testing the operation of powered doors and safety devices.
• Checking electrical controls and emergency release arrangements.
• Cleaning tracks and other components where necessary.

Lubrication should only be applied to components for which it is specified, using appropriate products. Springs and other tensioned components can present a significant hazard and should only be adjusted or replaced by suitably competent persons.

Damage, unusual noise or changes in the movement of the door should be investigated promptly to reduce the risk of component failure or unsafe operation.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Sectional overhead garage doors
• Choosing New Garage Doors
• Garage doors
• Automatic Door Systems for Commercial & Industrial Properties: Improve Security, Accessibility & Efficiency
• Doors
• Security
• Security gates and access-control solutions for business premises
• Insulation
• Thermal insulation
• Self-closing device for doors

--Lancashireindustrialdoor