A garage door can greatly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your business. Whether you’re preparing to purchase your first commercial door or you’re getting ready to update your existing doors, there are a few things you should know before speaking with a commercial door salesperson.
Application
First, you’ll want to consider how your commercial garage door will be used. This might seem like a no-brainer: obviously, the garage door will be used as a garage door. Unlike residential garage doors, which generally serve the same purpose in generally the same conditions, commercial garage doors are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, the commercial rolling garage door at a manufacturing plant will be vastly different from a commercial garage door at a restaurant. Consider how you'll be using your door and what features are most important for your situation. For example, if you own a distribution warehouse with significant traffic, then you'll want a door and operator designed for high cycles. How you’ll use your garage door should influence everything about the system you choose.
Material
Next, consider what type of material will be best for your application. Commercial doors come in a variety of different materials, but the primary options are steel and aluminum. Steel is a very durable, low-maintenance option. Aluminum also requires little maintenance and resists corrosion as well. Steel doors are incredibly sturdy and stand up well to high cycles, while aluminum works well in situations with a lot of water or moisture. If you’re uncertain which material will best benefit your business, your local garage door specialist can help you make an educated choice.
Size
Unlike residential doors that typically come in a standard one- or two-car option, commercial garage doors can be just about any size you need. What size you need will likely be one of the first things your salesperson asks, so be sure to measure your door areas before reaching out. Keep in mind that one option is to use a larger door and compartmentalize space using separate door frames. Consider what layout is most functional for your situation. Don’t forget to measure your building’s headroom as well.
Operator
A major part of a commercial garage door is the operating system. While you don’t have to know exactly what model you want before speaking to an expert, it is a good idea to have an understanding of the options available to you. Commercial operating systems can provide increased security and usability, so do your research beforehand to identify the features that will be most valuable for you.
Features
Many features are available on the commercial door market. Keep in mind these criteria to find a door that works well for you and your business:
- Insulation
- Automation
- Safety
- Motor
- Cycle speed
- Aesthetics
- Price
- Maintenance
- Security
If you’re ready to speak with a commercial garage door salesperson, reach out to WD Door. As a leading distributor and installer of commercial garage doors, the WD Door team has the answers to all of your commercial garage door questions. Contact WD Door for repairs, consultations, or new door installation.
