Most people are familiar with residential garage doors. They are the ones that we drive by and into in our homes. But what about commercial garage doors? What’s the difference and what are they used for?
Just as residential garage doors are utilized for easy vehicular and storage access, commercial garage doors similarly provide easy access to outbuildings and commercial structures. Commercial doors are designed to be more durable and handle greater wear and tear than any residential door option.
Depending on the type of building or business, there are different types of commercial doors that will work better. In this article, we’ll explore what commercial garage doors are and some common uses for them.
What Are Commercial Garage Doors and What Are They Used For?
Commercial garage doors reflect a variety of uses. They can be used as entrance and exit points for vehicles, or as loading docks for deliveries. This would make it easier for employees to load and unload products from trucks without having to go into the building.
In some cases, a commercial garage door can even be used as a partition between different sections of a warehouse or factory floor, such as to seal off an area that is being refurbished or is under construction. Other companies use oversized garage doors for aircraft or construction vehicles.
Commercial businesses often have a lot of equipment and supplies that need to be stored, so a garage can provide an easy way for employees to access this equipment. Industrial garage doors can also be helpful for businesses that have limited storage on their premises.
Different Types of Commercial Garage Doors
There are three main types of commercial garage doors: sectional, rolling, and overhead.
Sectional garage doors are the most common type, recognizable among most residential garage doors. This type of door is made up of several panels that hinge together and roll up on tracks when opened.
Rolling garage doors work similarly to sectional doors but do not have hinges. Instead, this popular commercial door choice rolls around a drum above the door opening.
Overhead doors work by swinging down on hinges attached to the door frame in one smooth movement. Glass panels are most typically seen in this style and are used by a plethora of homes and businesses for curb appeal.
What Makes a Commercial Garage Door Stronger Than a Residential Garage Door?
As we mentioned, commercial garage doors tend to be heavier and more durable than their residential garage door counterpart. Commercial doors can be made from various materials, including wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass.
Metal
Galvanized steel is the most popular material for industrial garages because it is strong and durable. Aluminum is a good choice for businesses that want a lightweight door that is still quite sturdy. Fiberglass is a good choice for businesses that want a fire-resistant door.
Wood and Other Materials
Wood is not as popular as it once was because it is not as durable as other materials; however, some businesses still prefer wood grain finishes for their garage door. Additionally, the garage door may also have extra materials for weatherproofing, insulation, or improving curb appeal.
Property Owners: Know the Facts Before You Buy
Depending on the type of building or business, there are different types of commercial doors that will work better. Business owners must keep a few things in mind when choosing a commercial garage door over a residential one.
The first is the size of the opening. Commercial garage doors come in a range of sizes, from small single-car doors to large industrial doors that can accommodate larger vehicles or even aircraft.
After size comes the important aspect of security. Because some businesses require more security than others, there are commercial door features such as reinforced frames and deadbolts to deter would-be thieves.
What’s the Purpose?
The most important question to ask is, “What is my primary reason for upgrading or installing a new garage door?” Do multiple people need commercial garage door openers? Would a double door be more effective for a detached garage that acts as an airplane hanger?
Location factors might require the need for hurricane-resistant panels, or to coordinate with the nearby home’s exterior. While all doors have the same primary function, each business has unique needs they must consider when purchasing new garage doors.
Protect Your Commercial Investment with Overhead Door’s Experts
Whether you’re a business owner or a commercial real estate investor, consider these important differences between residential garage doors and commercial doors. While a standard residential garage door may work for the space, commercial doors reflect an owner’s investment in their products and services.
Overhead Doors in Puget Sound is the premier commercial and residential garage provider for the Tacoma area. We can provide a well-designed garage door for anything commercial businesses typically need, on top of special requests for a garage door repair or an extra garage door opener. Give us a call today to get all your garage door needs answered in-house and on time!
