Overhead doors are used in a variety of applications, from warehouses to residential garages. They are designed so that, when open, the door panel is lifted horizontally over the head, usually on steel tracks. There are also variations in which the door is fitted vertically against the wall over the opening, or even on an incline to follow the slope of walls or eaves. It is precisely this versatility that makes overhead doors so popular.    

Space    

When doors open inward or outward, the space they occupy must be reserved for the door panels themselves rather than for living or work space. This is a problem in industries where every square inch of space is necessary for optimum working conditions, and where such panels might get in the way of business operations. Other types of doors also usually require hinges, which reduces the space through which people, vehicles, machines, and other objects can pass.    

When choosing doors, take available space into consideration. You might not be worried about doors that take up a little extra room, but this is rare. If you are choosing doors for new construction, using overhead doors could save considerable cash on building costs because you can reduce the overall square footage.    

Clearance    

Another major benefit of overhead doors is the increased clearance height. Theoretically, an industrial overhead door can be configured to suit any clearance height up to the height of the building itself, which makes this construction choice far more flexible. This is important in industries where large vehicles and pieces of equipment must be transported into and out of a structure.    

It also makes the workplace much safer because workers are not always worrying about whether there is sufficient clearance. Should workers attempt to fit a piece of equipment inside a building when there is not enough room, significant damage can occur and workers can be injured. These worries are eliminated with overhead doors, provided they are designed to meet the specific needs of the business.    

Width clearance is also sometimes an issue. Sectional overhead doors make it possible to design an opening that is as wide as the user needs it to be. It is possible to use several doors to create different bays, which makes organization easier.    

Insulation    

Of all the industrial door options available, overhead doors offer one of the highest levels of insulation. This is particularly important if you are storing merchandise or equipment that cannot be exposed to extreme temperatures. It also helps keep the interior of a building at the desired temperature, and makes the working environment safer and more comfortable.    

Increased insulation for doors can also improve sound suppression. This can become an issue in industrial complexes where a significant amount of sound is generated. While an overhead door is not soundproof, it will decrease overall noise pollution.    

Ease of Use    

Operation of overhead doors is extremely easy. Industrial overhead doors can be operated either manually or by remote control, which makes them very safe in comparison to other options. They make very little sound when they are opened and closed, and they can be operated repeatedly throughout the workday without much wear and tear.    

Of course, overhead doors require regular maintenance to function properly. It is important to ensure the mountings are free of rust and corrosion, and that the electrical operating system is always in peak condition. In some industries, motion sensors are helpful to avoid workplace accidents. A motion sensor will prevent the overhead door from closing if something is directly underneath it. Not only will this stop workers from getting hurt, but it will also prevent damage to expensive equipment and machinery.