Sectional doors: advantages and disadvantages

To ensure the proper level of garage security and not worry about intruders getting in there, you should think about purchasing a sectional type gate. Of course, it is possible to purchase designs easier, but then you should not rely too much on a high level of their quality, safety and comfortable use.

However, before that, it is necessary to study the types of these structures, evaluate their advantages and learn about possible disadvantages, as well as get acquainted with their manufacturers, who today occupy a leading position in the market.

The main function of sectional garage doors is to insulate the premises, as well as to protect against intruders. Such designs make it possible to provide these conditions, since they have one distinctive feature. It is about the maneuverability of the canvas.

This is also important for the owners of such buildings.

The structure itself consists of a certain number of sections, which are assembled from the so-called sandwich panels. Those, in turn, are fastened together by means of loops.

In order to prevent the appearance of corrosion, they are treated with a special composition of polymers.

In addition, the buyer will be pleased with the wide range of these products. Everyone will be able to choose a design in accordance with their requirements.

Most people prefer doors from German companies. They are satisfied with the price-quality ratio, as well as the availability of all the necessary components.

Any mechanisms have certain pros and cons that you should pay attention to before buying. Sectional doors are no exception in this respect.

When installing them, it will be possible to get inside only when cutting through the web. However, it will not work to do all this without noise.

The next positive criterion is the durability of the structure. But in order for it to serve for a really long time, you should buy a gate made of high-quality galvanized metals.

In addition, as mentioned above, they provide room insulation. At the same time, the dimensions of such structures leave more free space than other types. This parameter is selected when measuring the opening. After that, the selection of the appropriate type is made. Ease of management can be considered the next plus. For this, some owners install automation for sectional doors.

In general, this type of construction has incorporated all the positive qualities of roller shutters and swing gates. However, in comparison with roller shutters, sectional doors have a higher reliability index.

Despite all the listed advantages, such products still have certain disadvantages.

Here is a list of some of them:

• Great weight. This is not the main disadvantage, since almost all such structures are quite heavy;
• Slightly inflated consumption of materials;
• Possibility of some difficulty in entering the garage.For the gate to open, you will have to leave the car at a distance of about 1.5-2 meters from the line of the installed structure;
• In the open state, they take about 30 centimeters of height in the opening;
• In case of serious damage to the blade, a complete dismantling is required.

It should be noted that these shortcomings still do not change the attitude of users to such mechanisms. They have earned trust and are considered a very practical and convenient solution.

Sectional doors are mostly found in the garages of private home owners. However, they are widely used in other premises as well. For example, they are common in car service stations, car dealerships, hangars and other places.

That is why experts have divided sectional structures into two types:

1. For household use;
2. For industrial use.

More serious requirements are put forward regarding the latter, since the gates installed in such places are used much more often. Accordingly, their durability should be at a high level under increased load. In addition, we must not forget about the fire protection characteristics. Also, special attention should be paid to the fact that when installing such structures, the threshold is small, which means there are no obstacles to the free entry and exit of cars.

For domestic use, buyers pay attention to rubber seals and prefer insulated models. It is also important that the device is comfortable to use.

The type of lift in the gate is determined depending on the height parameters.

There are several options:

• Standard. The headroom in this case has a height of 35 to 60 centimeters. For such a lift, the standard equipment is used. The highest indicator of the gate width with such characteristics is 7 meters, and the height reaches 9.

• Reduced. The lintel height varies from 15 to 35 centimeters. In this version, the lower section hangs down, it overlaps the opening from above.
• High. The height of the lintel must be at least 60 centimeters. To connect automation in such a mechanism, only an axial drive is used. This type of lifting involves a higher cost of the constituent elements in comparison with others, as well as a more laborious installation process.

• Oblique (high or standard). This option is provided in cases where there is an increase in the ceiling to the rear wall of the room. In this case, the height of the lintel can be from 0.5 to 1.5 meters. This type is considered the most expensive among the rest. Unfortunately, sometimes it is impossible to do without just such a rise.
• Vertical. It is divided, in turn, into two types according to the location of the spring: above and below. In any of the options, an axial drive is used for automation. It should be noted that this type can only be used on canvases whose weight does not exceed 1 ton.

A measurer or consultant will help you to choose the required type of lift when ordering a structure. To do this, it is necessary to carefully measure the opening. To choose the most suitable design, you should draw up a diagram of your opening on paper and put down numerical values.

That is, if the height of the lintel is insufficient, then you can increase it slightly. It is for this that a false panel is installed, which has the necessary parameters, on top of the opening. This trick saves budget as the cost of a standard lift is much lower than the cost of non-traditional options.

Sectional doors are lifted by spring tension.

There are two types of this mechanism:

• With tension springs. They are located on the sides of the product. During lifting, they are stretched, and at the moment of lowering, they return to their previous position.
• With shaft springs (torsion bar). A special shaft is installed above the opening. When the gate is closed, the springs are stationary. When the web is lifted, they curl. In this case, there is an accumulation of elasticity. Its release is carried out at the moment of lowering.

To determine the choice of a lifting mechanism, several factors should be taken into account. For example, the main one is the presence of heating in the garage. For heated rooms, it is more expedient to use a torsion-type mechanism, although its cost is somewhat higher than the price of a mechanism with tension springs. The high price is offset by excellent performance characteristics.

In the modern world, with its speed, time is valued most of all. When you need to be in time for work in the morning, there is no time to spend it on opening locks or bolts of garage doors. Sectional doors will help you save precious minutes. With them, it's enough just to get rid of unnecessary hassle. And for even greater comfort, the automation of the process of opening and closing structures has been created.

But as with any other device, there are many criteria to consider when purchasing a drive for automation.

Automation is designed not only for the comfortable use of this type of door, but also to protect the car and the garage as a whole from unwanted guests. This effect can be obtained using the specified settings. For increased security, you can program self-closing.

Of course, the design can also be used in mechanical mode. However, only with the installation of such an additional element, you will be able to feel all the advantages of a sectional door.

Today there are several types of automation:

• Bulk drive. The main feature of this device is a high indicator of power and intensity. It can be safely purchased by owners of large gates, which can be installed, for example, in a car service. Moreover, they have a simple working principle.

• Ceiling automatics. This appliance is great for home use. Its power allows you to open and close more compact doors. Moreover, its cost is much lower than that of a bulk drive. The installation of this device is also different from the previous one. It is located on the ceiling in the center near the opening. It is worth noting that this automation option is simple not only in installation, but also in further use.

With a built-in stopper disc that responds in unforeseen situations, you don't have to worry about damage to your car or family.

In most cases, an automatic drive is supplied as part of a sectional door set. If the gates were purchased separately or you made them yourself, then the automation device can be purchased additionally and the gate can be adjusted.

When purchasing this device, certain factors should be considered, namely:

• Gate area, as well as their mass. These two parameters are the most important when choosing the right mechanism. These figures are shown on the packaging of the drives.In order to avoid mistakes in this matter, you need to make careful measurements of the gate. In this case, you should take a closer look at models that have a power reserve of about 30 percent. Thus, the device will serve you longer and you will not have to worry about the load.

• Brand and manufacturer. It is worth remembering that a device for automating sectional doors is a rather serious thing. Its assembly is carried out through the use of modern technical developments. Although the technologies are practically the same for all firms, the materials used for products may differ. The most budgetary options are Chinese models. However, they are short-lived and become unusable after a short period of time.

• Additional functions. Any automation device has certain specific functions. For example, it is very convenient to have photocells that react when moving, as well as signal lamps or antennas that allow you to control the device from a long distance.

Having studied all the parameters and having decided on the choice, it is worth thinking about the place where this product will be bought. You shouldn't rush and make such a serious purchase at unverified points of sale.

Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to distinguish a fake product from a genuine one. Unfortunately, this can only be noticed during operation.

That is why you should trust stores that specialize in just such goods. In this case, you can get advice from a specialist and buy a device that meets all your requirements and expectations.

Sectional doors are not only reliable, but also stylish. Manufacturers have taken care of a variety of textures and shades so that metal structures fit harmoniously into any style of facade design.

So, the design of the panels can be very diverse. Among the wide assortment, you can find several surface options. They can be smooth, rough, or imitate wood.

Of course, its main purpose is to protect against corrosion and weather conditions, but at the same time, a large selection of color schemes allows you to give the product an original look and make it stand out against the background of other design elements. Although this is not the most important factor when choosing a sectional type door, it still deserves some attention from the buyer. And since the operation of the structure is meant for a long period, then this criterion cannot be underestimated.

Sectional doors have 3 different locking options:

1. With a spring bolt. This device is supplied complete with the entire structure. This method is suitable for garages where there is an additional passage, since the locking takes place from the inside.
2. By means of a built-in lock. This option resembles the principle of closing a roller shutter. The lock is bolted and equipped with two handles, as well as a key hole. The handles are located in the center of the canvas. Thus, by pulling on them, it is possible to easily carry out the process of closing / opening the gate.
3. Automation. This method was described above. It should be added that the locking process takes place by means of automatic blocking of the drive. She reacts to the lowered canvas. In addition, such devices are provided with a protective emergency release.

From what has been written, it is clear that the latter method is suitable for an automated process, and the first two are suitable for a mechanical one. In addition, it is always possible to install an additional valve. It can be very useful when the owner is away for a long time.

Many are interested in the question of the correct selection of sectional doors. After all, you don't want to waste your money and get a low-quality product. Therefore, there are certain selection criteria. Thanks to familiarization with them, you can find a good option for both home use, and, for example, for car washes and even freezers.

Of course, you can turn your gaze to swing gates, which are very popular. However, to ensure comfortable operation, it is still better to give preference to the sectional type.

The main characteristics to consider when purchasing a sectional door are:

• Compliance with quality standards;
• Price category and manufacturer;
• The ability to insulate heat and noise;
• Seal properties;
• Surface type;
• Additional accessories.

There are certain safety requirements. They are regulated by quality standards. All of them have been approved by both European and domestic countries.

They stipulate certain criteria, among which there are the following points:

• Is there a special protective mechanism that will protect the user in case of damage to the spring and self-lowering of the web;
• Whether the user is protected from injury when using the structure.

Hence the need to choose a manufacturer. Today the most popular are companies from Belarus, Germany and Russia. The products of their production have some differences in size, external data, as well as in a functional set. In addition, the warranty period for the product may vary.

Russian firms make good quality structures, but at the same time give them a guarantee for up to three years. Belarusian companies are doing the same. Their warranty is 2 years.

As for the German manufacturers, they offer their customers not only high quality products, but also warranty service for a rather long period - 10 years.

However, all firms offer a wide range of models. Therefore, everyone can find the best option for themselves.

Providing thermal insulation is also a rather important criterion when choosing a sectional type door for a garage. It should be remembered that you can stay in this room for quite a long time, doing repairs to your car during the cold season.

This way, you don't have to worry about possible gaps that release heat and help cool the floor. In addition, they allow you to get rid of external sounds that come from the street. This means you can work in a relaxed environment without being distracted by extraneous noise.

Manufacturers offer two designs: double-walled and single-walled. In the first case, a canvas with insulation is presented. It contains polyurethane foam, which has an increased level of density. As mentioned above, each company offers gates with different parameters.But on average, the thickness of the product is 4.2 - 4.5 cm.

To ensure complete sealing of the sectional product, a closed loop is located at the top and bottom of the panels. Its presence contributes to an increase in the service life of the entire structure, and also prevents possible delamination of the material from mechanical and climatic influences.

This condition is also provided with a seal. This reduces the heat output from the room. There are two types of material used. In the first version, it is presented with one petal, and in the second - with two. The latter is considered to be more effective. That is why it is used more often for the purpose of total sealing. It is made from polymer rubber.

It is recommended to test the automatic type sections in practice before purchasing. To do this, you need to put your hands on the canvas from the outside and inside. If you notice the appearance of cracks on the sides, then such a product is of poor quality and suggests a possible outflow of heat from the room.

Another important factor is the corrosion resistance of the structure. The thickness of the galvanized metal is 0.4 millimeters. In order to protect the outer surface of the web from possible damage, a special polymer-decorative layer is applied to it. This manipulation can increase the service life many times over. Therefore, when choosing a sectional door, it is important to clarify what material the fittings are made of, as well as the thickness of the coating.

Almost any serious product cannot do without additional accessories. So, a wicket is often added to the movable sash. This solution is considered advisable when installing long structures. The sash itself can be panoramic. It is not at all necessary to choose a solid canvas. Also, if necessary, users purchase grilles that provide ventilation.

When installing automatic control for the movable sash, some devices may be required. For example, remote control or transponder cards. Of course, there are many other components that will add useful functions for the ease of use of sectional doors.

If you follow all the instructions and study all the characteristics well, then choosing a design will become much easier. In addition, you can always consult with specialists and state your wishes regarding this product.

After you have decided on the choice of sectional doors and purchased a model suitable for your requirements, you should learn about the intricacies of its installation. Of course, you can entrust such work to a master, but most owners prefer to do it with their own hands. In addition, the installation of structures does not take much time and is quite understandable, provided that you have experience in such activities.

First, you need to prepare all the tools and check for the presence of the necessary elements.

Here is a list of what to cook:

1. Laser level. It will be needed if the gate width is more than five meters. When assembling sectional doors, no errors are allowed. Therefore, a water-type level is not suitable for such work.
2. Electric drill. Required for fixing some elements.
3. Perforator. Its power should be 1.5 kilowatts. It is needed in order to make the required holes in the concrete.
4. Other tools. These include pliers, wire cutters, and a screwdriver.
5. In addition, you may need a variety of fasteners and corrugations.

After you have prepared all the necessary tools, it is important to measure the opening and lintel.

Of course, it is more prudent to carry out these actions even before the purchase, but it will not hurt to re-measure the parameters. This will allow you to more accurately tighten the belt and provide increased comfort during use.

This task is performed in several steps:

• First you need to determine the height of the opening. It is not a certain height that is taken as an indicator, but the place that is required for the vehicle to enter.
• Then we move on to the lintel. This value determines the type of the structure itself.

• Next, the width is measured. In this case, it is necessary to add 2 cm to the resulting figure from all sides. This is a kind of reserve for future installation.
• Then the technical clearance is determined. It cannot be less than 8 cm. Its presence is necessary for unhindered access to fasteners during repairs.
• The most recent is the depth of the room. This indicator should be slightly higher than the height, since the principle of operation of sectional doors involves lifting the leaf to the ceiling.

Next, you need to prepare the opening itself. After you have ordered a design, you have time to complete this task. The manufacturing process takes about two weeks. This is enough for preparation.

It is also performed step by step:

1. First of all, you should plaster the ceiling and walls. If you haven't done this before, then it's time to get started. This is important because once the guides are installed, you will not have access to some places.
2. Next, the plane of all walls is checked in relation to the neighboring ones. The gate has a precise horizontal shape and does not tolerate any errors. Although in some cases it is possible to install the structure on an uneven garage. However, in such a situation, one cannot be sure that there are no undesirable consequences.
3. At the end of the preparation, you need to trim the lintel and the walls with a metal corner. It is more expedient to entrust this work to the master. Since the slightest oversight can lead to the fact that in the future the owner will often have to face various problems during operation.

When all the conditions are met and you have received your order, you can proceed to the most important thing - installation.

It is worth noting that the process of installing all the canvases is quite laborious. This can only be done by experienced professionals. Therefore, if you decide to do the installation yourself, it is better to order finished products.

The installation itself takes place in several stages:

• The first step is to remove or strengthen all fragile surfaces, as well as check the evenness of the floor. If no shortcomings have been identified, you can prepare the panels for installation. It is important not to forget that the cost of the structure is quite high, so it must be handled with extreme care.
• After that, you need to make the markup. It is required to fix the guides. The first, with the help of self-tapping screws, are the profiles of the vertical direction. And only after that you can proceed to the installation of horizontal ones.

• The next stage is the assembly of the panels (provided that you ordered a structure that is not ready for installation, otherwise you will have to pull the canvases yourself). If you nevertheless decide to install a gate in an improperly built garage, then you will have to align the distortions. This is best done with iron spacers. Moreover, their thickness should be different.
• Then you can start fixing the control and lifting mechanisms. In addition, at this stage, do not neglect the installation instructions offered by the manufacturer.

• After the installation of the main elements is completed, additional ones are installed (locks, hinges, handles, cables, etc.).
• The springs are mounted last. They are responsible for lifting and lowering the web. And the final chord of the installation work is the limiters. They provide the required limitation of the web movement.

Adhering to the planned scheme, this work will take only one day, with a stretch - two.

When the installation has come to an end, there is a certain check to be done again. This time, regarding the already installed and ready-to-use structure.

If it is absent, then you did everything right and the seals will fully fulfill their function. In addition, if the seals are visible from the outside of the web, then most likely an error was made in the measurements.

Then you need to inspect the lower part. The seal that is located here must completely adhere to the floor covering.

The last thing to do is check the balancing (springs).

There are times when sectional doors become faulty. It may also require replacement of individual parts that are out of order. To prevent some problem situations, it is recommended not to neglect maintenance.

In addition, this applies to all types of gates: swing, sliding, sliding, etc. This is especially important if the gates are installed in places with adverse weather conditions and are often exposed to them. Also, this check is recommended for structures that are used in industrial production.

During the maintenance process, the hinges are lubricated, the various elements are checked for damage, and the locking function is checked.

Of course, any malfunctions can be avoided. But if this did happen, then first of all you should turn to professionals for help. If they decide that you can fix this breakdown yourself, then with the help of step-by-step instructions, you can start repairing.

You can also carry out the replacement of some elements yourself, if it does not concern any serious devices. In addition, after a certain period of time, you will learn to do a lot on your own. And with proper care of the structure, you will be able to extend its service life.

At the moment, there are many manufacturing companies on the market for the sale of sectional doors. Moreover, it can be both foreign and domestic firms.

However, there are three companies that stand out from the rest:

1. Hörmann (Germany);
2. Alutech (Belarus);
3. Doorhan (Russia).

Indeed, the products are of a high level of quality, and are also presented in a fairly wide range. In addition, the long warranty period attracts buyers.

However, Russian and Belarusian firms are quite capable of providing worthy competition to this manufacturer. Their indisputable advantage is their more affordable cost. At the same time, you can be convinced of the quality of the product and be surprised at the level of performance.

The products of the presented manufacturers can be purchased from dealers whose branches are located throughout our country. In addition, by contacting such stores when ordering sectional doors, you will be sure that you have purchased a really high-quality product.

The main feature of these three companies is that they have developed their network in all regions, in contrast to the Novosibirsk Zaiger, which has good qualities, but at the same time, only residents of Novosibirsk and the surrounding regions can appreciate its merits.

There are also other manufacturers that, to one degree or another, are also worthy of attention:

• Nice;
• Protrend;
• Rsd02;
• Came;
• Ryterna.

All named brands are constantly improving and strive to gain user recognition. However, today they are not competitive, so their positions are not included in the list of the first.

Unfortunately, at a low cost, the level of quality of such products is corresponding. That is why they are not recommended to buy when frequent use is expected. That is, they are completely unsuitable for operation for industrial purposes.

As for the sectional doors, the owners have left many different reviews about them.

Of course, most of them are laudatory. This is especially true for the three named manufacturers. The owners note the ease of use, and are also pleased with the kit they received when ordering the sectional door. In addition, some praise the ease of installation thanks to clear instructions.

Buying a sectional door is a very responsible and serious undertaking. So that in the future, when using this design, you do not have to regret the money spent, you cannot neglect the advice on the selection of such a product. Therefore, one should objectively assess the necessity and possibility of installing sectional doors, think over all the nuances and carefully study their features. Only then will you get the desired result. And the design you purchased will serve you for many years.

To avoid disappointment in the future, it is better to buy sectional doors at dealerships of famous brands. Such businesses care about their reputation and treat each client with due respect. In addition, you can get all the necessary answers to your questions from real professionals in their field. Also, this will be a certain guarantee of quality and you can be sure that in the event of any malfunction you will not be left without help.

See the following video for step-by-step installation instructions for sectional doors.