sectional doors Archives - UK Doors & Shutters

In the fast-paced world of industrial operations, efficiency and safety are paramount. Every aspect of the workspace, including entry and exit points, plays a crucial role in maintaining productivity and minimising downtime. This is where high-speed doors step in as indispensable assets, offering a myriad of benefits that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and overall performance.

Increased Productivity

High-speed doors are engineered to open and close rapidly, significantly reducing the time it takes for goods and personnel to move in and out of industrial spaces. This swift operation streamlines workflow processes, allowing for seamless transitions between different areas of the facility. With minimal waiting time, productivity levels soar, and operational bottlenecks are effectively mitigated.

Energy Efficiency

Traditional industrial doors often contribute to energy loss due to prolonged opening and closing times. High-speed doors, on the other hand, minimize heat transfer and air exchange, helping to maintain optimal indoor temperatures and reduce heating or cooling costs. By acting as effective thermal barriers, these doors contribute to energy conservation efforts and promote sustainability within industrial environments.

Enhanced Safety

Safety is a top priority in industrial settings, where the risk of accidents and injuries is ever-present. High-speed doors incorporate advanced safety features such as motion sensors, bottom edge detectors, and photoelectric cells to detect obstacles and prevent collisions. Their rapid opening and closing speeds minimise the risk of accidents, protecting both personnel and equipment from potential hazards.

Improved Security

Industrial facilities house valuable assets and equipment that require protection against unauthorised access and theft. High-speed doors provide enhanced security by swiftly closing off access points when not in use, thereby reducing the likelihood of intrusions or break-ins. Additionally, optional features such as reinforced panels and access control systems further bolster security measures, safeguarding assets and maintaining peace of mind.

Durability and Reliability: High-speed doors are constructed from robust materials such as steel, aluminium, or PVC, ensuring durability and longevity even in demanding industrial environments. Engineered for high-cycle operations, these doors can withstand frequent use without compromising performance or integrity. Their reliable operation minimises downtime due to maintenance or repairs, contributing to uninterrupted workflow and operational continuity.

Customisation and Versatility: Industrial operations vary widely in terms of size, layout, and specific requirements. High-speed doors offer versatility in design and functionality, with options for customisation to suit the unique needs of each facility. Whether it’s size, colour, insulation properties, or automation features, these doors can be tailored to fit seamlessly into any industrial setting, optimising functionality and aesthetic appeal.

High-speed doors are indispensable assets for industrial spaces seeking to maximise efficiency, safety, and security. With their rapid operation, energy-saving capabilities, advanced safety features, and durability, these doors offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to enhanced productivity and operational excellence. By investing in high-speed doors, industrial facilities can unlock their full potential, ensuring seamless operations and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape.

A sectional door is a specialised type of door commonly used in industrial settings and warehouses. At its core, it consists of multiple horizontal panels, or sections, connected with hinges. When the door is operated, these panels move vertically along tracks, bending over a curve and eventually settling horizontally along the ceiling of the structure, parallel to the floor. This mechanism makes sectional doors particularly versatile and space-saving.

For industrial and warehouse purposes, sectional doors are ideal for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a tight seal, ensuring that the internal environment remains consistent, which can be crucial for warehouses storing sensitive goods or materials. The vertical operation means that vehicles or equipment can be positioned right up to the door, maximising space usage. This is in stark contrast to traditional rolling doors or swing doors, which might require additional space for operation.

The robust construction of industrial sectional doors ensures that they are durable and can withstand the rigorous demands of busy warehouse environments. They are often constructed using high-quality steel or aluminium, sometimes with insulation layers, making them sturdy and energy-efficient. The segmented design also means that, in the case of minor damages, individual panels can be replaced without needing to change the entire door.

Another significant advantage of sectional doors for industries is their adaptability. They can be customised to fit a wide range of sizes and can be integrated with windows or pedestrian doors. Furthermore, these doors can be manually operated or motorised, depending on the frequency of usage and user preference.

In essence, a sectional door for industrial and warehouse applications offers a blend of functionality, durability, and space optimisation, making it a popular choice for businesses prioritising efficient operations.

Things to Consider When Repairing A Sectional Door

Fixing a sectional door involves addressing a variety of potential problems, from simple to more complex. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to diagnose and fix some common issues:

Safety First

Before attempting any repairs, unplug the automatic door opener (if you have one) to ensure it doesn’t activate while you’re working. Always wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself.

Diagnose the Issue

Door Won’t Open or Close

This could be due to an obstruction in the tracks, a broken spring or cable, or issues with the door opener.

Door is Noisy

The rollers might be worn out, or there might be an issue with the tracks or hinges.

Door Doesn’t Seal at the Bottom

The door seal (also known as the astragal) might be worn out and need replacing.

Door is Off the Tracks

The door might have been hit or misaligned, causing it to go off the tracks.

Inspect the Parts

Rollers

Check for signs of wear or damage. If they’re worn out, replace them.

Hinges

Ensure they are securely fastened and not damaged.

Tracks

Look for any dents, bends, or obstructions. Clean the tracks of any dirt or debris.

Springs

If they’re broken or look worn out, they will need to be replaced. Remember, torsion springs are under high tension, so replacing them can be dangerous and might be best left to professionals.

Cables Inspect for fraying or damage. Replace if necessary.

Tighten All Hardware

Over time, the hardware of a sectional door can become loose. Use a socket wrench to tighten bolts and screws.

Replace Worn-Out Parts:

If the rollers are worn out, replace them with new ones.

For a damaged astragal, remove the old one and install a new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace any damaged or missing hinges.

Realign the Door:

If the door is off its tracks, carefully realign it. It might require you to loosen the brackets securing the tracks and make adjustments.

Use a level to ensure tracks are straight.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Using a silicone-based lubricant or garage door spray, lubricate the rollers, hinges, and springs. This reduces friction, noise, and wear.

Check the Door Balance

Disconnect the automatic opener (if applicable) and try to lift the door manually. It should lift smoothly and stay open around three or four feet off the ground. If it doesn’t, it might be out of balance, indicating spring issues.

Reconnect and Test

If you’ve disconnected the automatic opener, plug it back in. Test the door several times, ensuring it operates smoothly.

If you’re ever unsure about a repair or if the problem seems beyond your expertise, especially when dealing with high-tension components like torsion springs, it’s essential to contact a professional. Garage and sectional door repairs can be dangerous, and ensuring safety should always be the top priority.

If you are looking for a quality fast repair service for your sectional doors, roller shutters or automatic doors in the North West then UK Doors & Shutters are the premier go-to company. With over 25 years in the industry and a team of quality installers of rollers shutters we can provide the support you need to keep your shutters and doors functioning to minimise business downtime.