Overhead Door

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Overhead Door

What is Overhead Door?

A large door that opens vertically by rolling up into tracks above the opening, commonly used for garages, warehouses, and commercial buildings.

Description

An overhead door is a large door system that opens vertically by rolling up into horizontal tracks mounted above the door opening, providing maximum clearance and efficient use of space in front of the opening. These doors consist of multiple horizontal panels connected by hinges that allow the door to bend and follow the track system as it opens and closes. Overhead doors are commonly used for residential garages, commercial warehouses, loading docks, aircraft hangars, and industrial facilities where large openings require secure closure with convenient operation and minimal space requirements for door swing clearance.

Overhead doors are available in several configurations including sectional doors with multiple hinged panels that roll up in sections, rolling steel doors with continuous curtains of interlocking slats, and specialty doors such as aircraft hangar doors or high-speed industrial doors. Door materials include steel for durability and security, aluminum for lightweight applications and corrosion resistance, wood for aesthetic appeal in residential applications, and composite materials that combine strength with insulation properties. Each type offers different advantages in terms of insulation, security, durability, and operational characteristics based on the specific application requirements.

The components of overhead door systems include the door panels or curtain that forms the closure, track systems including vertical and horizontal sections that guide door movement, counterbalance systems using springs or weights to assist door operation, operating mechanisms such as manual chains, electric operators, or remote control systems, and safety devices including photo-eye sensors, emergency stops, and manual release mechanisms. Quality installations also include weather sealing, locking hardware, and proper structural support for the track system and operating components.

FAQs

  • What is an overhead door?

    An overhead door is a large door system that opens vertically by rolling up into horizontal tracks above the opening, maximizing clearance and space efficiency.

  • What are the main types of overhead doors?

    Main types include sectional doors with hinged panels, rolling steel doors with interlocking slats, and specialty doors for specific applications like aircraft hangars.

  • How do overhead doors operate?

    Overhead doors operate using counterbalance systems with springs or weights, and can be operated manually, by chain hoist, or with electric operators.

  • What safety features do overhead doors have?

    Safety features include photo-eye sensors, emergency stops, manual release mechanisms, and automatic reversal systems on electric operators.

  • How often should overhead doors be serviced?

    Overhead doors should be professionally serviced annually, with regular user maintenance including lubrication and safety device testing.

  • Can overhead doors be insulated?

    Yes, many overhead doors offer insulated panels that improve energy efficiency and reduce noise transmission.

  • What causes overhead door problems?

    Common causes include spring wear, track misalignment, operator malfunction, safety device failure, and inadequate maintenance.

Fun Fact

Fun Fact: The first overhead garage door was invented in 1921 by C.G. Johnson in Hartford City, Indiana, revolutionizing garage design by eliminating the need for swing-out doors that required clear space in front of garages.

CSI Code

08 36 13

NAHB Code

1430