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When purchasing a garage door for your home or workplace, it's essential to do some research first. While they may seem interchangeable, there are several major differences between residential and commercial garage doors. It's important to be aware of these differences to get the best possible garage door for your needs and good value for your money.
Residential garage doors can be a major architectural feature of a residence, so buyers should take care to choose a new door that suits their home's aesthetic. Commercial or industrial garage doors, however, are a staple in various industries, including restaurants, mechanic facilities, retail stores, and many more. To ensure that you purchase the appropriate garage door for your needs, please read our list of notable differences between residential and commercial garage doors!
Appearance
There are some notable visual differences between residential and commercial garage doors. This is because residential garage doors tend to prioritize aesthetic appeal, whereas commercial clients tend to focus exclusively on functionality. This is why many residential roll-up garage doors have extra features, like windows, and are available in a wider array of colors.
Commercial and industrial garage doors usually look more conventional and are almost always bought in white. They don't necessarily add to the building's aesthetic, but they're neutral in a way that doesn't take away from the building's aesthetic either. Clients interested in buying a commercial door in a color other than white may need to have it custom designed.
Materials
One other visible difference between residential and commercial garage doors is the materials used to construct them. Residential garage doors can be made with a variety of materials, including wood and steel. The materials used typically depend on the homeowner's budget and aesthetic preferences.
Commercial overhead doors and industrial garage doors are usually made with more durable materials like aluminum or galvanized steel. In comparison to the materials used for residential doors, aluminum and galvanized steel are stronger, longer-lasting, and offer a higher level of security. Needless to say, these qualities are very sought after by commercial clients.
Garage door Sizes
Size may be the most significant difference between residential and commercial garage doors. Residential garage doors are usually about seven feet high and eight or nine feet wide. While this is appropriate for most homeowners, those with RVs may opt for garage doors closer to 12 feet high.
Commercial garage door sizes, on the other hand, typically surpass even the largest of residential doors. The size will vary depending on its application. Commercial overhead doors, for example, tend to be about 32 feet wide and 24 feet tall. Industrial garage doors may be even larger than that to accommodate the size of the machinery going in and out throughout the day.
Opening Capacity
Another major difference between residential and commercial garage doors is the opening capacity. While residential garage doors are only meant to be opened a few times a day, commercial overhead doors are designed to open and close all day long. If one were to use a residential garage door when they really need an industrial garage door, the door opener would sustain damage over time, shortening its regular lifespan.
High-quality garage door openers are essential for any commercial or industrial work environment. For that reason, commercial garage door openers are often designed to open and close faster than residential door openers. This helps keep things running smoothly and efficiently.
Contact Door Systems Today to Learn More
With over 120 years of expertise, it's no surprise that Door Systems is trusted by commercial and residential clients across North America. Our overhead doors, loading dock equipment, and other solutions are reliable, high-quality, and fairly priced.
Have any other questions about residential and commercial garage doors? Our team of experienced garage door experts would be happy to help. Please reach out to us at your next convenience by filling out our convenient contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.
