How to choose the right high-speed door

In today’s fast-paced logistics landscape, operational efficiency, energy savings, and climate control are more critical than ever. As a result, more businesses are turning to high-speed doors to optimise their facilities.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate your choices and find the best fit for your operations.

What Are High-Speed Doors?

High-speed doors, sometimes called “fast action doors,” are designed to open and close much faster than traditional roller shutters or sectional doors. With opening speeds of up to 2.4 m/s and closing speeds of 1.2 m/s, they help reduce energy loss, improve workflow, and maintain internal climate conditions.

These doors are particularly useful in high-traffic areas such as warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics hubs. They also play a crucial role in specialist environments like food processing and pharmaceutical facilities, where maintaining cleanliness and climate control is essential.

Safety First: Essential Features to Look For

Given their rapid operation, safety is a key consideration. Modern high-speed doors come with features that minimise risk while maximising efficiency. For instance, Stertil’s FlexiEdge doors feature a soft-edge PVC curtain with no rigid elements, photo sensors that stop the door if an obstacle is detected, and self-reinserting curtains that automatically reset after impact. Tight door seals also help maintain internal conditions and block contaminants.

Internal or External? Know Your Door’s Purpose

The first decision you need to make is whether you need an internal or external high-speed door.

External high-speed doors must endure outdoor conditions like wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. Stertil’s FlexiEdge external doors, for example, feature reinforced curtains and patented side guides to withstand strong winds, whilst weatherproof materials ensure durability.

Internal high-speed doors, by contrast, focus on maintaining climate control within the facility. They are often used in cleanrooms, temperature-controlled areas, or production zones, where speed, noise reduction, and energy efficiency are paramount.

Industry-Specific Solutions

Certain sectors have unique requirements, and high-speed doors can be tailored accordingly. For example, cleanrooms require airtight seals and easy-clean materials, while cold storage environments can benefit from insulated doors with heated side posts to reduce condensation. In high-traffic areas, self-reinserting curtains help minimise downtime, and explosion-prone sites may need stainless steel components for added safety.

Size Matters: Get the Right Fit

High-speed doors come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right dimensions is essential for optimal performance. Stertil provides custom-made solutions to ensure a perfect fit for your facility, whether you need a compact door for a narrow corridor or a larger door for loading bays.

Customising for Your Brand

Whilst functionality is paramount, don’t overlook aesthetics – especially in client-facing areas. High-speed doors can be customised with company logos, brand colours, and specific designs to present a polished and professional appearance.

Manual vs. Automatic: Which Operation Mode Do You Need?

High-speed doors can be operated manually or automatically, depending on your site’s traffic levels. Manual options like push buttons or pull cords are simple and effective in quieter settings. In busier environments, automatic systems improve efficiency and safety with features such as induction loops that detect vehicles, photocells that respond to obstructions, and radar sensors that trigger the door when motion is detected.

Need Help Choosing the Right Door?

Selecting the right high-speed door requires careful consideration of your facility’s specific needs. If you’re unsure where to start, the team at Stertil can help. With decades of experience supplying and installing high-performance doors, we can recommend the best solution to optimise your site’s efficiency, safety, and productivity.

Visit www.stertil-dockproducts.co.uk or contact us today to find out more.

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