If you’re in the market for a new door, but don’t know your sectionals from your roller shutters, don’t worry – we’re here to help. Keep reading for our explanation of the difference between the two, and how to decide which one’s right for you.

What is a sectional garage door?

A sectional garage door is divided into a number of sections which are split horizontally, they open upwards vertically on a track and lay flat against the ceiling, tucked away to maximise garage space.

Sectional doors are insulated and well-sealed, so they’ll reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and reducing wasted heat. The thick, robust panels also provide extra security, as they’re very difficult to break into. These types of doors are usually used in large commercial buildings such as warehouses and factories.

A sectional garage door is a highly technical product with a more intricate three-dimensional structure, making it comparatively challenging to assess, market, and install without the right expertise. Nevertheless, even a fundamental sectional door, such as a single-skin steel door, boasts superior strength and reliability when compared to an inexpensive roller door. This inherent strength translates to enhanced security and overall performance.

These types of doors are well suited to garages, but they’re also used on a larger scale for commercial and industrial buildings.

Sectional garage doors open vertically and are suspended under the ceiling, optimising space utilisation. This design allows you to fully maximise both the interior and exterior space of the garage for parking and manoeuvring.

What is a roller shutter door?

A roller shutter door consists of lots of narrow horizontal slats. Constructed from either steel or aluminium, the slats close by rolling up around a barrel. This type of door takes up more space than a sectional but is cheaper to repair if needed as sections can be changed individually without replacing the whole door.

This type of door can also be used in commercial and industrial applications as well as domestic garages. Both types of door can be set up to operate either manually or automatically. Automatic operation is quicker and easier but does come at a higher price.

Roller shutters offer remarkable control over the room’s lighting. You have the flexibility to lower the shutters entirely, creating complete darkness, or raise them fully to flood the room with sunlight. Additionally, you can set them at any desired position in between, putting you in complete charge of the lighting to suit your preferences.

The key distinction between these two types of doors lies in their opening mechanisms. Roller doors operate by rolling upward into a barrel mounted at the top of the garage door when opened. In contrast, sectional garage doors slide back onto ceiling-mounted runners inside the garage, moving section by section, or slat by slat.

Choosing between roller shutter and sectional garage doors is a matter of aligning your personal preferences and specific requirements. Roller shutter doors shine when space constraints and minimal upkeep are top priorities, while sectional garage doors excel in offering insulation and aesthetic appeal to those who value these features.

Choosing The Right Door For You With Access Services

If you’d like to explore our extensive range of commercial doors, or if you find yourself uncertain about the ideal style for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our skilled engineers. They’ll provide you with a complimentary, no-obligation quote and expert guidance to help you select the perfect door solution for your building and budget.