Roll Up Garage Doors: Commercial and Residential Applications

Roll up garage doors work differently than the sectional doors on most homes. Instead of panels tracking back along the ceiling, the door coils around a barrel above the opening. This design offers specific advantages for certain applications.

At Bronson Door Co., we install roll up doors primarily for commercial clients, though they work in residential settings too. Here's what you should know about this door type.

How Roll Up Doors Work

A roll up garage door consists of horizontal slats connected by interlocking joints. When the door opens, it coils around a drum or barrel positioned above the opening.

The mechanism is simple and robust. Fewer moving parts mean less that can go wrong. The coiled door takes up minimal space, leaving the ceiling clear.

Opening and closing can be manual or motorized. Commercial applications almost always use electric operators for convenience and speed.

Roll Up vs Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors use rigid panels connected by hinges. They track along rails that curve from vertical at the opening to horizontal along the ceiling.

The main differences:

• Space Requirements

Sectional doors need ceiling depth for the horizontal track run. Roll up doors coil above the opening and need minimal headroom.

If your ceiling has obstructions, HVAC equipment, or limited depth, roll up doors might be the only option that fits.

• Durability

Commercial roll up doors built from steel slats handle industrial use exceptionally well. The coiling action distributes stress across the entire door rather than concentrating it at hinges.

Rolling steel doors resist forced entry better than many sectional designs. Interlocking slats are difficult to pry apart.

• Appearance

Sectional doors offer more style options. Raised panels, carriage house designs, windows, and decorative elements all work well in sectional construction.

Roll up doors have a more utilitarian appearance. They suit commercial and industrial buildings but may look out of place on residential homes.

• Cost

For equivalent sizes, roll up doors often cost more than basic sectional doors. The materials and construction methods differ enough to affect pricing.

Premium sectional doors can exceed roll up door costs, especially with insulation and design features. The comparison depends on specific models.

Types of Roll Up Doors

• Rolling Steel Doors

The heavy duty option. Steel slats interlock to create a solid barrier. These doors handle abuse that would destroy lighter construction.

Rolling steel doors are common in warehouses, loading docks, and commercial storefronts. Security models resist cutting and forced entry.

• Sheet Doors

Lighter duty roll up doors made from flat steel sheets instead of interlocking slats. Less expensive than rolling steel but also less durable.

Sheet doors work for storage units, light commercial use, and applications where maximum security isn't required.

• Counter Doors

Small roll up doors designed for service counters, concession stands, and pass through openings. They secure openings too small for full size doors.

• Fire Rated Roll Up Doors

Specialized doors that close automatically when triggered by heat or fire alarms. They compartmentalize buildings to slow fire spread.

Fire ratings indicate how long the door maintains integrity during a fire. Building codes specify requirements for different applications.

Commercial Applications

Roll up doors dominate certain commercial sectors.

• Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Loading docks need doors that stand up to constant use. Roll up doors handle the traffic while minimizing space requirements.

For high traffic areas, motorized operation speeds throughput. Some facilities use roll up doors in combination with high speed doors at critical bottlenecks.

• Self Storage Facilities

Most storage unit doors are roll up designs. They're economical, durable, and space efficient. The coiled door doesn't intrude into the storage space.

• Retail Storefronts

Shopping mall stores, kiosks, and counter service businesses use roll up doors to secure after hours. The door disappears above the opening during business hours.

• Industrial Facilities

Manufacturing plants, maintenance shops, and industrial buildings use roll up doors for their durability. They handle forklift traffic, chemical exposure, and demanding environments.

Residential Applications

Roll up doors can work in homes, though they're less common than sectional doors.

• When Roll Up Makes Sense

Limited headroom or ceiling obstructions rule out sectional doors. Detached workshops or barns where appearance matters less. High security requirements justify rolling steel construction.

• When Sectional Is Better

You want style options like carriage house designs or window inserts. Energy efficiency is a priority (insulated sectional doors typically outperform roll up). The garage is attached and appearance matters.

Insulation Options

Commercial roll up doors generally offer limited insulation compared to residential sectional doors. The slat construction creates gaps that reduce thermal efficiency.

Some manufacturers offer insulated roll up doors for climate controlled facilities. These use foam filled slats and improved sealing.

For residential applications where insulation matters, sectional doors usually make more sense.

Installation Considerations

Roll up door installation requires expertise. The barrel, springs, and guides must be precisely aligned. Spring tension must match the door weight.

Commercial installations often involve structural considerations. The opening must support the door weight and operating loads.

Our commercial team handles roll up door installation throughout Southern Ohio. Blake leads projects for warehouses, storage facilities, and industrial buildings.

Maintenance Needs

Roll up doors need regular lubrication of the coiling mechanism. The slats should be inspected for damage that could cause binding.

Commercial doors in high traffic environments benefit from maintenance programs. Regular service catches problems before they cause downtime.

Getting the Right Door

Roll up doors solve specific problems. When ceiling space is limited, when security is paramount, or when industrial durability is required, they're often the best choice.

For residential applications and situations where appearance, insulation, and style matter, sectional doors usually fit better.

Bronson Door Co. installs both types throughout Clinton, Highland, Hamilton, Brown, Clermont, Warren, Greene, and Adams counties. We'll help you determine which approach works for your situation.

Need a roll up door for your business? Request a quote and we'll schedule a site visit.