Commercial garage doors, or overhead doors, can seem like a straightforward part of a business. But, they often aren’t just a point of entry. They can be a crucial component in streamlining operations and managing your business as a whole. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of commercial garage doors available, discuss some of their customization options, and give you a few signs that your commercial overhead door is due for replacement with something better!

Types of Commercial Garage Doors

Commercial garage doors, or roll-up doors, come in many different types and configurations that serve different purposes. Below are a few of the best types of commercial exterior doors for the garage, and their most common uses for different business needs.

Classic Roll-Up Commercial Doors

Roll-up doors are a staple in many businesses, like warehouses, storage facilities, retail spaces, mechanic shops, and more. Known for their compact design and unmatched durability, most roll-up doors are made of metal and roll into a compact space when not in use. This saves space in facilities where maximizing your real estate is essential.

This space-saving option can also help prevent damage to your door, as there are no overhead tracks to worry about dealing with equipment. They are also constructed with numerous panels that allow the door to roll up into a tighter coil than a traditional garage door. This can make repairs and replacing panels much easier to complete.

Sectional Commercial Doors

A sectional door is another term for a commercial garage door. They are made with larger panels, or sections, that are connected by hinges and move on wheels along a track above the doorway. Traditionally, sectional doors are made of metal and are some of the most widely used overhead doors in commercial settings.

When it comes to customization, sectional doors are an excellent choice. They are great for many applications, from loading docks, to stockrooms, to automotive shops. 

Glass Overhead Doors

Typically chosen for their modern and sleek aesthetic, glass overhead doors are popular in retail shops, bars, restaurants, and other customer-facing establishments. They let in a lot of natural light and allow establishments to let the outdoors in nice weather.

Glass overhead doors typically operate just like traditional sectional doors. They are, however, not intended to serve industrial purposes where damage from machinery or frequent use is possible. Most business owners choose them for aesthetic purposes.

Insulated Roll-Up Doors

Insulted roll-up doors are another sub-type of sectional doors but with an added benefit. In buildings where maintaining temperature to preserve merchandise or keep people comfortable is important, insulated roll-up doors are a great choice.

These doors contain insulating materials that help keep outside temperatures from entering the building. They help regulate temperature and can even help save on energy costs from heating and cooling. They can also help with noise reduction.

Rolling Grilles

Rolling grilles are more of a security feature than a typical overhead door. They are made of metal grilles that roll up when not in use and roll down over an existing door to provide an extra level of security. 

You can find rolling grilles in many different types of businesses. Most commonly, they are used on retail storefronts, service windows, or business entrance doors that need an added touch of security. 

High-Speed Doors

High-speed doors are a type of overhead door that are specifically designed to move quickly and efficiently. Instead of using metal like most overhead doors, high-speed doors are usually made of lightweight and flexible materials like special types of plastic and fabric. This allows these doors to move quickly due to their flexible nature and lighter construction.

High-speed doors are great for areas where access management needs to be fast, efficient, and secure with little downtime. They are best for areas that do not require intense security or insulation, as they are made with efficiency in mind.

Rolling Fire Doors

Rolling fire doors are a type of roll-up door intended for fire-safety precautions. In some instances, depending on ordinances and building codes, fire-resistant doors like these are required. While not always required, installing a rolling fire door can be worth the investment for some businesses.

When it comes to containing hazards like fires, protecting merchandise, or ensuring the safety of staff in areas where fire risk may be more apparent, rolling fire doors are an excellent option. They contain fires and prevent them from spreading within buildings.

Customizing Commercial Garage Doors

Despite how straightforward overhead commercial doors may seem, there are quite a few custom additions you can make to them. Doors can serve multiple purposes, not just access management! In some cases, your doors may be crucial to other systems in your building. Here are a few examples:

1. Vents/Ventilation: Some areas, like garages or other spaces that need ventilation, can benefit from having vents or other types of ventilation fixtures installed on overhead doors. They can help prevent the buildup of warm air or fumes from equipment in enclosed spaces.
2. Windows: In areas where visibility is important for safety and smooth operations, windows can be installed on overhead doors. This allows employees to see outside of the door for potential obstructions or pedestrians.
3. Mail Slots: While not as common as other overhead door customizations, you can add a mail slot to your door. This allows for easier mail collection in some cases. This works well for businesses that have overhead doors that are more accessible for mail carriers than other doors on their building.
4. Sloping Bottoms: For buildings that sit on uneven ground or sloping foundations, sloping bottoms can be affixed to overhead doors to prevent gapping when the door is closed. This small touch makes a huge difference in energy efficiency by improving insulation.
5. Wind Load: Some types of overhead doors can be fixed with high wind-resistance materials and parts that help them withstand high winds and severe weather. In Oklahoma especially, wind load doors are crucial for protecting your building from tornado and severe weather damage.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Commercial Garage Door

Overhead doors may be durable, but everything wears out with age and use! Here are some signs your overhead door needs to be replaced:

1.  Unusual Noises: If your overhead door is making unusual sounds like creaking or grinding, they may need some attention. If lubrication isn’t doing the trick and your door isn’t working as well as it used to, call a professional!
2. Inconsistent Operation: Overhead doors that jam or stick when moving, occasionally stop working, or vary in speed during operation can have issues with their motor or other parts. Your door should work consistently and be reliable to ensure the best operation.
3. Missing or Damaged Parts/Panels: Panels and other parts of commercial garage doors are often damaged by vehicles and machinery in certain settings. When this happens, the damage is sometimes cosmetic, but it can still impair the functionality of your door. 
4. Signs of Significant Wear and Tear: If you’ve been consistently using your overhead door for years and haven’t kept up with maintenance, signs of wear and tear can build up significantly over time. Start with some much-needed maintenance and an inspection from a commercial door company. From there, you can find out if you need a replacement.

Overhead Door Options: Final Thoughts

Overhead doors are known for their versatility and durability, but they can be configured to suit the needs of many businesses. If you’re in the market for a new overhead door system, talk to your commercial door company about your needs. You might be surprised how many options you have!
If you’re looking for commercial door installation, maintenance, or services in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Tulsa, or surrounding areas, give us a call at Commercial Door. We specialize in all commercial door services, including overhead doors, glass-aluminum storefronts, hollow metal doors, and more. Get in touch with us on our contact page, and learn more about us and our services.