The industrial sectional door is the most common closure in industrial buildings and logistics centres: it insulates, protects against break-ins and leaves the opening completely clear when open. But there are several versions, and choosing the wrong one means losing clear height or ceiling space. Here is how to find your way among industrial sectional doors and when it makes sense to pair them with a high-speed door.
How an industrial sectional door works
The door leaf is made of horizontal panels hinged together. When opening, the panels run along side tracks and move under the ceiling or vertically up the wall, leaving the opening completely clear. It is a rigid closure: it retains temperature well and offers good resistance to break-ins.
GLG industrial sectional doors
GVL, vertical-lift sectional door
The GVL vertical-lift sectional door travels almost vertically towards the ceiling: it is designed for logistics warehouses with very high buildings, where the space under the roof is to be kept free.
GHL, high-lift sectional door
The GHL sectional door combines a vertical and a horizontal section of track: an intermediate solution when the headroom above the opening is limited.
GMG, guided-traction door
The GMG door opens the leaf by means of a central rail with a single motorised traction guide.
How to choose
| Situation | Recommended solution |
|---|---|
| Very tall building, ceiling to be kept clear | GVL vertical lift |
| Little space above the opening | GHL or GMG |
| Loading bay | Sectional door + dock leveller and dock shelter |
| Very frequent passages | Sectional door + internal high-speed door |
Sectional doors and loading bays
At loading bays, the sectional door works together with the dock leveller and the dock shelter. To design the complete system, read our guide Loading bays: dock levellers, shelters and seals.
Sectional door or high-speed door?
They are not alternatives but complementary. The sectional door closes the building at night and protects against break-ins; the high-speed door handles traffic during the day with very fast openings that limit heat loss. Many facilities fit both on the same opening: the sectional door outside and a VertiGO or ZipGO inside.
What affects the price of a sectional door
- opening size and track type;
- panel thickness and insulation;
- vision panels and integrated wicket door;
- drive and safety devices;
- installation and ancillary works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a vertical-lift and a standard sectional door?
The vertical-lift door (GVL) travels up the wall and keeps the ceiling clear; versions with a horizontal track section move under the roof and require less headroom above the opening.
Can a high-speed door be fitted together with a sectional door?
Yes, it is a very common solution: the sectional door closes the building, while the high-speed door handles traffic during working hours.
Is a sectional door burglar-resistant?
It is a rigid panel closure that protects the building when it is not operating; the level of protection depends on the chosen configuration.
How much does an industrial sectional door cost?
It depends on dimensions, track type, panels and accessories. Send us the opening dimensions and we will prepare a detailed quote.
Are you a door installer or distributor? Become a GLG dealer and combine our industrial sectional doors with high-speed doors and loading bay equipment.
Request a quote for your door
Tell us the opening dimensions, the headroom available above it and the intended use: we will recommend the right version.
