Here's why they're far superior to Standard overhead doors
Overhead garage doors are made of several jointed panels that roll up on tracks above the access or across the ceiling. These doors come with different rail systems depending on the building and the space available. The tracks can either go straight up above the doorway (with a bend towards the ceiling), or they can follow the roof pitch. The overhead door is primarily used as a service door but also very popular as garage door.
In the late 70s and early 80s overhead garage doors were introduced as an alternative to non-insulated rolling shutters. Because they consist of insulated sandwich panels, overhead doors have excellent insulating qualities.
Another advantage was their ability to fill the door frame with transparent glass panels and the ability to install a wicket door. Furthermore, overhead doors are very stable and suitable for relatively large door sizes.
It's little wonder that the overhead door is currently the best selling door on the market.
The disadvantages of overhead doors
One of the biggest disadvantages of overhead doors is their rail system. The constructional facilities that are often required to enable the installation of a rail system are quite expensive. In most cases the tracks have to be welded or bolted to the ceiling or the roof structure. The continuous movement of the door can cause serious damage to this structure over time.
Another disadvantage is the use of counterbalance springs. These heavy duty springs are put under a lot of tension to compensate the considerable weight of the door so it can move in its tracks. Counterbalance springs have a very high maintenance level, since they have to be tightened and eventually replaced on a regular basis to prevent the door from sagging.
The compact door as an alternative service door
The compact door can be regarded as an overhead door, because the door panels are stored ‘overhead’ when the door is open. From the outside it even looks like any other overhead door, but all the difference is on the inside.
The main advantage is that the compact door is a folding door, which means that it saves a considerable amount of space.
Due to its universal rail system, a compact door always fits and does not require complex structures. Architects have a lot more freedom in design, and the saved space can be used more effectively.
The compact door does not have maintenance-prone counterbalance springs. What's more, the electric motor is installed on the self-supporting system of the door so it does not require structural supports.
The advantages of a compact door
There are many advantages in using a compact door, as opposed to conventional sectional doors.
For example, in buildings where crane tracks are used, compact doors do not block the daylight coming through skylights or windows above the doorway.
The extra space above the doorway can also be used:
- As storage space
- For the extra height needed for a car lifting platform right behind the door
- For a sprinkler system
- To hold a heater over the door, or
- For piping and tubes.
Talk to us about compact doors for your facility
The compact door is smarter, more efficient and the possibilities are endless. To find out more about compact doors or any other Remax products please click here or call us on 1800 010 221.