What is a Rolling Door?

A rolling door style differs from the usual folding garage doors used in most home garages. These rolling steel doors may be added to newer houses, but are typically found in commercial, industrial and institutional spaces. A rolling door is strong and usually in one piece, unlike multi-paneled folding garage doors that are much less sturdy. Rolling doors are extremely durable and long lasting.

Whereas typical residential quality folding garage doors tend to get stuck, the rolling industrial door is made to withstand constant use. Many retail stores as well as companies located in business parks have delivery entrances that have a rolling door. A business park is an area of commercial warehouse spaces that companies usually occupy through leasing. Rolling metal door styles are even used for the large aircraft storage buildings called hangars. They can also be found in parking garages, car repair companies and many more industrial or commercial buildings.

Some companies specialize in rolling doors for residential use. These may be a good alternative to the typical home folding garage door. The look of a steel rolling door is particularly suitable for contemporary style houses.

Steel rolling doors provide good security. Even rolling steel door styles that feature spaced bars or some openwork grills are considered ultra-strong. These more open types of metal doors allow some air to pass through while still providing security. Mesh commercial doors are often sold as rolling grills or grilles. Although most rolling doors open and close vertically, some move horizontally.

Strips and springs along the sides of a rolling door guide its smooth operation. These metal pieces allow the main part of the door to roll smoothly rather than shifting from side to side. The main part of a rolling door is called the curtain. Bottom and top metal bars support the steel curtain against force such as strong winds. A barrel shaped roller mechanism near the door's top lets the curtain coil around it when the rolling door is opened.

Metal rolling doors are typically easy care and coated with an anti-rust finish. Some rolling steel doors go right to the floor, while others aren't full size. Insulated rolling doors are used in cold climates. These types feature padding on the main door section as well as weather stripping along the edges near the rolling mechanism. Steel rolling doors offer not only security from burglars, but also fire protection. Some rolling door models close when a fire alarm sounds; in this way, rolling fire doors can prevent fires from spreading.