Roll-Up Doors vs. Rolling Steel Doors

Every garage has a purpose, and its door should meet the space’s specific needs. When choosing commercial garage doors, many compare steel rolling doors with steel sectional doors. During commercial garage door installation, deciding which one is better can sometimes be challenging. Therefore, the following are some considerable differences.

Roll-Up Doors and Rolling Steel Doors

Roll-up doors are made from metal sheets like steel or aluminum; these doors roll into a compact drum when opened. They are commonly used for light-duty purposes, such as in storage units or retail shops.

While rolling steel doors are built with interlocking steel slats, these doors are heavy-duty, durable, and secure. They are ideal for high-traffic areas like warehouses, parking garages, and industrial facilities.

Difference Between Roll-Up and Rolling Steel Doors

Following are some noticeable differences between roll-up and rolling steel doors.

Material Composition

• Roll-Up Doors: Made from lightweight sheet metal, these doors are roll-formed into a continuous sheet. However, they are less sturdy than rolling steel doors.
• Rolling Steel Doors: Built from heavy-duty interlocking steel slats, they are stronger and more impact-resistant.

Durability and Security

• Roll-up Doors: Best for low-security needs and light use. They may not handle harsh weather or break-in attempts well.
• Rolling Steel Doors: Designed for durability and security, they withstand tough conditions and frequent use, making them ideal for industrial settings.

Applications

• Roll-up Doors: These are used in places with occasional use, like storage units or small shops.
• Rolling Steel Doors: Perfect for high-traffic areas needing frequent access and security, like warehouses or loading docks.

Insulation

• Roll-Up Doors: These can have insulation but don’t offer the same thermal efficiency as rolling steel doors.
• Rolling Steel Doors: Provide better insulation, which is important for temperature-sensitive areas.

Maintenance

• Roll-Up Doors: Need regular upkeep for smooth operation due to simpler construction.
• Rolling Steel Doors: Require less maintenance and allow for easy repairs by replacing damaged slats rather than the whole door.

Cost

• Roll-Up Doors: Cheaper upfront, good for cost-saving needs.
• Rolling Steel Doors: These have higher initial costs but are more durable and have lower long-term maintenance expenses.

Considerations for Choosing Roll-Up Doors Vs. Rolling Steel Doors

When deciding between sectional steel and rolling steel garage doors, it’s important to consider the following.

• Performance
  Rolling steel doors generally last longer and handle more cycles than sectional doors. However, a simpler, cost-effective option may be enough if your garage doesn’t have heavy traffic.
• Mounting
  Rolling steel doors mount to walls and require minimal overhead space, making them ideal for small garages. Sectional doors need ceiling or roof support and offer mounting options like standard, high, vertical, or low-headroom lifts, which require varying amounts of space.
• Space
  Sectional doors take up more overhead space, potentially blocking fire sprinklers, lights, or storage. Rolling steel doors coil into a compact drum, saving overhead room and avoiding obstructions.
• Cost
  Sectional doors typically cost less upfront due to their simpler design, but rolling steel doors are more durable, resulting in lower long-term maintenance costs.
• Size
  Rolling steel doors can be custom-fitted to exact dimensions, while sectional doors are often limited to fixed-size increments. If your garage opening has unique measurements, rolling steel doors may fit better.

Final Word

If you are still indecisive about whether you should choose a roll-up door or a rolling steel door, we can help. Our professional garage door specialists at Garage Door Service Master are experienced in working with residential and commercial garage doors. Dial any of the following to reach out.

(832) 391-8827
(832) 838-9090
(713) 769-8365