Types of overhead door
Overhead doors include sectional doors that roll up on tracks, rolling steel doors that coil above the opening, and high-speed doors used for busy traffic. They are used at loading docks, warehouses, shops, parking garages and service bays.
Options include insulation for heat control, windows for light, wind rating, and different drive systems. In Alberta, insulated and well-sealed doors reduce heat loss and drafts.
Openings, power and safety
An overhead door is a heavy moving machine. Tracks must be aligned, springs set properly and the opening framed to support the load. The opening itself may need structural review, particularly when cutting a new opening in a wall, and our in-house engineering team can help.
Openers need power and controls. Our electrical team provides the circuit, wiring and disconnects, and connects push buttons, remote controls, sensors and loop detectors. Safety devices such as photo eyes and edge sensors are tested before handover.
Where the door connects to other systems, such as access control, vehicle gates or a fire alarm, our low voltage team handles the integration. Mechanical considerations such as ventilation and heaters near the door are also coordinated within our team.
- Sectional and rolling steel doors
- Insulated and windowed options
- Electric operators and controls
- Safety sensors and edge protection
- New openings and framing
What to plan for
Frequency of use should drive the choice. A door that cycles dozens of times a day needs a heavy-duty operator and springs rated for high cycles, while an occasional-use door can be lighter.
Winter conditions matter. Seals, weatherstripping and heating around loading areas keep ice from building up and reduce energy loss.
Think about clearances. Headroom for tracks, side room for the door and space for the operator must be available, and existing buildings sometimes need creative solutions.
Finally, plan servicing. Springs, cables and rollers wear out, and safe maintenance is a job for trained personnel. A regular service schedule avoids sudden failures.