What to Consider When in the Market for a Rapid Roll Door
A rapid roll door can be needed in any temperature-controlled facility, or in a facility that is located in areas with extremes in weather. The door opens quickly to allow in forklifts or foot traffic and then closes just as quickly behind them. This can mean less risk of a temperature change in a storage area and also means losing less heat and air conditioning during bitter winters and hot summers. When you're ready for a rapid roll door for your facility, note a few things to consider and look out for so you know you get the right choice.
1. Thresholds and tracks
Roller doors of any sort may work with a threshold or track at the bottom to keep the door in place. However, this type of impediment may slow down a forklift, especially if it's heavily loaded, as it may then need to go carefully over this bump or gap. This can also cause a tripping hazard for foot traffic, especially in an entryway where persons are trying to get through quickly to protect the inside temperature or get out of the heat or cold from outside. Consider if you need a rapid roll door without such a threshold or track for maximum safety and speed of traffic.
2. Wind resistance
Most rapid roll doors are made of a thick fabric so that they can fold up into their exterior housing more quickly than a solid panel. However, that fabric may rustle in high wind and cause gaps between the door and the frame itself. If your location is in a windy area or winds get kicked up due to heavy trucks and the like, you may need a reinforced PVC or vinyl-covered fabric to keep the door in place and keep it secure. Note the wind resistance of any door if your facility may face this hazard.
3. Footprint
As with any door you install, you need to know the overall footprint of a rapid roll door. This includes the overhead compartment that the door rolls into, as well as the area of the track itself. Some rapid roll doors might have larger tracks so they can ensure the door stays in place as it lifts and lowers quickly, but this might cut into a small entryway and create a hazard. This can also be a problem if your facility uses oversized forklifts or scissor lifts that need to move in and out of this entryway. Ensure you know the overall footprint and size of the tracks so you get a door that fits with plenty of clearance.