How do I choose the right overhead door?

What is an overheaddoor?

A sectional overhead door is a vertically moving door that is placed horizontally. Usually the overhead door is installed above the entrance of a building. In addition, they are commonly used in commercial and industrial applications. Because of their efficient use of space and easy operation.

What is the purpose of the overhead door?

Before choosing an sectional overhead door, it is essential to understand its specific purpose. Will the door be used for access to a warehouse, garage, or as part of a manufacturing process? The purpose largely determines the requirements the door must meet.

What should you pay attention to while choosing?

Choosing an overhead door for a property involves a lot. It is more than just functional. It is crucial to the safety, durability and efficiency of a building.

Let's address the most important considerations for choosing an overheaddoor. Make sure it fits perfectly with the specific needs of the building and its users.

Building Requirements

When choosing an sectional overhead door, you need to take into account construction requirements. Such as mounting frames, floor details, installation procedures and suspension provisions. Accurate planning in this area prevents future problems. In addition, it ensures the smooth operation of the door.

Mounting frames

An overhead door must be placed on a carefully designed mounting frame. This is a kind of "auxiliary structure" in the wall of the building. Here, cooperation with the contractor or structural engineer is essential.

The material of the mounting frame, such as steel, concrete or wood, must match the specific situation requirements. Consult with professionals to find the optimal solution to suit the needs of the building.

Installation

When choosing a sectional door, it is important to think about how the door will be installed. Be sure to consider the cables and power that will need to go to the door.

In most cases, 230V is enough for a regular overhead door. But if you also have a dock leveller, for example, you will need 400V. Determine the location of the control box in time to route the proper wiring to that spot.

Floor details

Placing the sectional door accurately on the floor is important. Especially if the floor is not completely level.

To keep water out, there should be an edge in the floor. This edge slopes slightly so that if water enters, it automatically drains out. By choosing the right floor detail, you can prevent problems such as water flooding in the building.

Suspension devices

Overhead doors, known for saving space, require specific hanging facilities. Suspension options for overhead doors vary depending on door size, hardware and roof height.

Overhead doors that swing inward require horizontal rails that sometimes require specific hanging provisions. In situations with limited overhead space, a highlift may be a solution. Here the door first moves up along the facade before turning inward. The choice depends on the space available and the functional requirements of the building.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a key consideration when selecting overhead doors, especially in the context of environmentally conscious building projects. Several considerations play a crucial role in sustainable overhead door choices. Including insulation, operation type, automation and door speed. In addition, the potential contribution to certifications such as BREEAM can further enhance the sustainability of the building.

Insulation

The degree of insulation is important, especially for buildings with cooling or heating. Consider extra-insulated sectional doors with well-insulated sandwich panels for improved thermal separation. This contributes not only to energy efficiency, but also to comfort within the building. In the long run, this can also provide significant cost savings.

Operation type

Choose manual or electric operation depending on door size and use. Electric overhead doors are beneficial for larger or frequently used doors, with direct impact on energy consumption and sustainability

Automation

Manual or electric operation requires consistent use to reduce energy loss. If there is a risk of leaving the door open unintentionally, automation is a more sustainable choice. Automated systems improve energy efficiency. They also contribute to the security of the property.

Speed of Door

The speed of the door can be important for overhead doors that open and close frequently. A fast overhead door minimizes energy loss. It also benefits production processes and flow of goods in a building.

In sustainable building projects, BREEAM certification is often a requirement. Overhead doors can contribute to achieving specific BREEAM credits.

Safety

Safety is at the top of the list of considerations when selecting an overhead door. Ensuring optimal safety requires strict compliance with European and national standards. Here are some essential standards to check:

• Mechanical Doors: NEN-EN 12604

People often consider overhead doors as mechanical doors. Compliance with the European standard NEN-EN 12604 is essential. This standard sets requirements for the mechanical aspects of the door, including operation and safety devices.

• Installations: NEN 1010

NEN 1010 is the standard that covers electrical installations in homes, buildings and infrastructure. For electrically operated overhead doors, it is essential that the installation complies with this standard. For electrical safety.

• Lifting cables: NEN-EN 12385

The safety of overhead doors depends heavily on the quality of the hoisting cables. Lifting cables must meet specific requirements for reliability and safety according to NEN-EN 12385. Regular inspection and maintenance of these cables are also crucial for safety.

In addition to standards, there are additional safety features that further increase the protection of an overhead door. Below are some overhead door security options.

• Finger pinch protection

The panels of the overhead door are equipped with finger pinch protection as standard. This prevents injury when closing the door.

• Spring and cable break protection

The overhead door is standard equipped with spring break and cable break protection. This detects any breaks immediately and keeps the door operating safely.

• Underrun and Slack Cable Protection (Option with Electric Operation)

Choosing electric operation enhances safety with underrun and slack cable protection. This provides an additional layer of protection against possible accidents. An overhead door with wicket door can also be chosen.

Security

When looking at overhead doors, security is one of the most crucial aspects to consider. Especially when the door serves as an access point to valuable goods or property. Here we take a closer look at why burglar resistance is so important. How can advanced security features help prevent unauthorized entry?

The importance of burglar resistance

Overhead doors can be a weak link the security of a building. They provide potential entry points for unwanted visitors. That is why it is essential to make burglar resistance a priority. Especially in environments where valuable goods or sensitive information is kept.

Aesthetic considerations

People often overlook aesthetics when choosing an overhead door. Thus, we rightly consider functionality and security as top priorities. However, the appearance of an overhead door can play a distinctive role. For example, in the overall design and appearance of a commercial building.

Outside Functionality and Safety: The Role of Appearance

Functionality and safety are of paramount importance when selecting an overhead door. But appearance affects the overall appearance of the building.

Color choices, windows, full glazing and other design elements contribute to the visual appeal of the building. They can also reinforce brand identity. For example, choose an overhead door in any ral color. This way, it fits seamlessly with your branding.

Consider matching the door to the architectural style of the building. Or choose to incorporate corporate colors. Windows in the door can let in natural light, enhancing the internal environment.

Consultation with professionals is essential to ensure that the overhead door chosen is functional and safe. But also fits seamlessly with the overall design of the commercial building.

Optimize your premises with the right overhead door!

Wondering about the ideal overhead door for your business? Discover the perfect balance between functionality, security, and style! Take the next step now: find your door!

Let our experts guide you to the ideal overhead door that meets all your requirements. Contact us for customized advice.