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Roller doors

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Roller doors 
Roller doors are secure, and make good use of space.

What is a roller door?

A roller door is a type door normally found in garages and sheds. Roller doors consist of a corrugated steel curtain that, when lifted to open, rolls up into a bundle at the top of the door. The corrugations in the door allow the door to flex - the wider the expanse the door has to cover, the deeper and sturdier the corrugations and steel have to be. This means a larger bundle must be accounted for when the door is fully open.

Other materials can be used in the construction of these doors where impact is not going to be an issue, but since these doors are by and large used in garages where a bump from a car is more likely to occur, the most commonly used material is steel.

 

How do roller doors work?

As the door is lifted, the corrugations flex around, allowing the steel curtain to roll up on itself. Torsion springs hidden inside the roll allow the door to be opened easily as they take a lot of the weight off the door. Larger doors though must be manually opened, usually with a pulley and chain. The door can be locked by way of a lock attached to long bolts that hold each side of the door secure.

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It's very common these days for roller doors to be attached to a motor, which allows the door to be opened and closed using a remote control - meaning you don't have to get out of your car to activate it.

 

Where are roller doors used?

These doors are most often used in carports and garages, though can also be found adorning shop fronts because of their high resistance to impact and relatively compact size when rolled up. Roller doors are rarely used anywhere else in the home, although roller shutters can also be installed on windows to help improve security or control heat.

 

Are there any variations on roller doors?

Apart from materials, each manufacturer has a slightly different style of corrugating the curtain, which can affect the final appearance. Choice of colour is an important factor too, as these doors cannot easily be repainted.

 

Advantages
  • Rolls up into a compact bundle
  • Only small amount of ceiling clearance required
  • Does not require any lateral space to open
Disadvantages
  • Can be difficult to repair if door becomes misaligned
  • Torsion spring requires professional attention if adjustments are required
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