Picking doors for your business premises is a big decision. Whether you’re running a warehouse, a factory or a distribution centre, your doors affect everything — from security to insulation to day-to-day efficiency.
Two of the most popular types of industrial doors used across the UK are sectional doors and roller shutter doors. But which is right for your business? Here, we explore what sectional doors and roller doors have in common — and what sets them apart — to help you reach a decision.
What is a sectional door?
Sectional doors — also known as overhead doors — are made up of large horizontal panels, which are connected by hinges. They’re often made from galvanised steel or aluminium.
As you open it, a sectional door slides upwards into a track inside your building. Sectional doors can lie flat against your ceiling when open. Or (if you have the headroom) they can lie flat against the wall above your doorway.
What is a roller door?
Roller doors — also known as roller shutter doors — are made from narrower slats of metal. Like sectional doors, they’re most commonly made from steel or aluminium.
The slats of a roller door roll up into a compact coil above a doorway, making these doors the perfect solution when you’re short on space.
Sectional doors vs roller doors
So how do sectional doors and roller doors stack up? Let’s look at the similarities and differences between these two types of industrial doors.
Space requirements
Roller doors are a great option for tight spaces because they need minimal room to open and close. They sit in a neat coil above the door frame when open.
In contrast, sectional doors operate along a set of tracks. They need more clearance within your building, either along your ceiling or on a wall directly above the doorway.
If space is at a premium or if you work with a lot of overhead equipment, roller doors are often a better bet.
Security
Both doors offer good protection against break-ins and vandalism — and they can be fitted with advanced locking mechanisms for an extra layer of defence.
Security is one of the primary benefits of roller shutters. Solid steel models are incredibly hard to penetrate. That being said, sectional doors have good security features too. Thanks to thick, composite panels, they offer excellent protection.
Operation
Sectional doors tend to open more smoothly and quietly than roller doors. But you can get both types of door with either manual or electric operation.
Whether you go for a sectional or a roller door, manual varieties are cheaper. They’re also easier to maintain as there are fewer parts that could go wrong.
Electric doors are more expensive. But they’re easier to use and — if you choose high-speed doors — they can help make your business premises more energy-efficient.
Insulation and energy efficiency
Energy-efficient doors keep your energy bills down, help you lower your company’s carbon footprint and keep the environment within your building at a comfortable temperature. If you work in a temperature-controlled environment, they’re a business essential.
Sectional doors, with fewer slats, beat roller doors in terms of insulation and energy efficiency. They’re great at reducing heat loss and maintaining a steady temperature within your premises.
Maintenance and durability
Maintenance of roller shutters is generally straightforward. High-quality roller doors are durable and low maintenance thanks to their simple mechanism. That being said, cheaper models may wear out more quickly under heavy use.
Sectional doors have more moving parts and may need more regular servicing to stay in top condition. And in both cases, electric and automated doors require more servicing and maintenance than manual doors.
Appearance
You can get sectional doors in a variety of different finishes and with the addition of vision panels. These panels improve the safety of your premises in areas where visibility between spaces is important. For example, where forklifts or other vehicles are in use.
Roller shutters can’t be fitted with vision panels. But they do come in a variety of powder-coat colours. They can be designed to fit with your company’s branding and improve business curb appeal.
Cost
Roller doors are usually cheaper than sectional doors. This is because sectional doors have a more complex mechanism and a wider choice of finish options. However, if sectional doors fit your space, they can offer long-term energy savings — something you should consider when weighing up costs.
Best use cases for sectional doors
Sectional doors are suited to a wide range of settings, including warehouses, factories and loading bays. You should choose sectional doors if:
- Vision panels are important
- You want strong insulation for internal temperature control
- You need quiet, smooth operation
- You have plenty of overhead space for ceiling tracks
Best use cases for roller doors
Roller doors are also very versatile. You can find them in all sorts of industrial and commercial settings, and they’re a popular choice in retail. You should choose roller shutter doors if:
- You need a low-cost solution
- You want a low-maintenance solution
- You have limited headroom
- Security is a priority
Find the right industrial doors for your business with SDS
Sectional doors vs roller doors. Which comes out on top for you?
The best door for your industrial business depends on the space you have available, the frequency of use and your priorities — whether that’s insulation, cost or aesthetics. Sectional doors are superior in terms of insulation and aesthetics. But roller doors are the cheaper option.
Once you’ve decided between sectional doors and roller doors, there are a few more choices to make. You need to decide if you want manual or electric doors — and whether you want additional insulation. You can also choose from a wide variety of finish options.
Here at SDS, we manufacture, install and service both roller doors and sectional doors in industrial and commercial businesses up and down the UK.
Still unsure which type of door to choose? Or keen to get a quote? Give our team a call and we’ll be happy to help.
