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What is a Sectional Door? What is a Panel Door?

April 30, 2019

Sectional garage doors are made of separate panels that lift upwards and rest parallel with the garage ceiling. These sectional garage doors are made up of between three and eight sections fixed together by strong hinges. Castors are fixed to the panel edges, allowing the door to move up and down the track system which is fixed to the door frame and roof.

Sectional doors are also called panel doors. They can vary considerably in size, from as small as 1900 high x 1500 wide up to as large as 3700 high by 9000 wide. The maximum height and width of a sectional door is determined by the strength and materials used to manufacture the door. When choosing the perfect garage door for your property, understanding these specifications ensures you select the right garage door type for your needs.

Sectional garage doors are generally operated on a torsion spring system. Most modern sectional garage doors are now operated automatically using automatic garage doors opener technology, but all doors should be balanced so that they can be lift manually. Having your garage door regularly serviced by a trained professional ensures optimal performance and safety.

Sectional garage doors are made from many different materials, including steel, wood, vinyl, aluminium, and glass. The material used to make your garage sectional door is normally determined by the door’s purpose and your budget. Whether you’re looking for a new garage door installation or replacing an existing one, the choice of materials affects both durability and style.

sectional garage door

A brief history of the sectional garage door

Although the origins of the sectional garage door can be traced back to some early science journals published in 1906, it is accepted that the first person to design and manufacture overhead sectional garage doors was Mr C.G. Johnson, who started the ‘Johnson’s Overhead Door Company’ in 1921.

As the age of the automobile took off, so did the need for a convenient way for motorists to store their car in a secure garage. In 1926 ‘Johnson’s Overhead Door Company’ took things a step further designing the first electric overhead garage door opener. Unlike today’s wifi enabled sectional garage door motors, back then you needed to push a button on a post to open the door. The first radio controlled remote controls were designed in 1931, revolutionising how the door opens for homeowners.

Sectional garage doors are designed using a varying number of panels depending on the height and width of the garage door. A standard sectional garage door will have between 4 and 5 panels opening upwards and overhead, using a torsion system to counteract the weight of the door. Over the years, sectional garage doors have been designed using many materials, including steel, aluminium, wood and glass. These doors lay parallel to the ceiling when fully opened, maximising driveway space.

sectional garage door

Advantages of Sectional Garage Doors

Unlike tilt doors, sectional doors require no space outside of the door to open. Cars outside the garage can park very close to the door, making efficient use of your driveway space. This garage door opening mechanism provides significant advantages over roller doors and other garage door types.

The use of multiple panels places less pressure on the castors than on a standard tilt door, contributing to enhanced durability and longevity. When you invest in high quality products like sectional garage doors, the distributed weight across panels ensures smoother operation.

Damaged panels can be replaced individually, making repairs affordable compared to replacing an entire door. This feature makes sectional garage doors a cost-effective choice for homeowners seeking long-term value.

Sectional doors can be made out of many materials and can be purpose built for things such as ventilation, natural lighting, fire protection, insulation, and added security. Whether you need windows for natural light or premium finishes to match your home’s exterior, sectional garage doors offer extensive customisation options.

Sectional garage doors are stronger and more resistant to wind damage than roller doors, providing added protection for your garage and belongings. This enhanced security makes them an ideal choice for areas prone to severe weather.

Sectional garage doors are very secure, offering multiple locking points and robust construction that protect your property and provide peace of mind.

Disadvantages of Sectional Garage Doors

A sectional door takes up approximately 250mm of space below the ceiling that could be used for storage. This overhead space requirement should be considered during installation planning.

A sectional door has many moving parts that require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The tracks, hinges, and spring system all need periodic attention to maintain safety and functionality.

Repairs need to be carried out by qualified and experienced garage door technicians, as sectional doors can be dangerous to the amateur home handy person. Professional installation and maintenance ensure safety and proper operation.

Colourbond Sectional Garage Doors

Colourbond steel garage doors are the most popular type of sectional door used in Australia. These doors are the standard ‘go to’ door for all builders and residential clients across the market. Available in a full range of colours, Colourbond sectional garage doors suit various architectural styles and can perfectly match your house design.

At Dynasty Garage Doors, we provide our customers with one of the largest ranges of Colourbond sectional doors from which to choose. We supply and install all major Colourbond garage door brands including B&D, Steel-line, CSi and Centurion. Our B&D garage door range includes the popular B&D Panelift series, known for reliability and performance.

Each manufacturer produces a door of varying strength and quality. Our team of technicians can provide you with honest and impartial advice on which brands would suit your needs and budget. From entry-level options to premium finishes, we help you find the perfect sectional door for your specific requirements.

Custom Designed Sectional Doors

Sectional doors can be made from almost many different materials. Whether for residential or commercial use, the scope and design of a custom garage door is usually up to the imagination of the client. Custom garage doors allow you to create a unique entry point that enhances your home’s exterior appeal.

Only a select few manufacturers make it their business to specialise in these types of doors. Making a custom designed door look aesthetically pleasing is only one half of the job. Making a custom designed sectional door last a long time can only be guaranteed by using a manufacturer who uses benchmark manufacturing techniques and the highest quality products.

custom designed garage door

At Dynasty Garage Doors, we can provide you with custom sectional garage doors from Australia’s number one custom garage door manufacturer. Such is the quality of doors from our supplier, that they are the only garage door manufacturer in Australia that exports doors for installation overseas. Whether you prefer wooden panels, western red cedar finishes, or modern steel construction, our custom solutions cater to every style preference.

Sectional Garage Door Openers

One of the most important components of any quality sectional garage door is the automation system. At Dynasty Garage Doors, we supply and install only the highest quality sectional door motors and openers. Our garage door motor range features the latest technology and comes with the longest manufacturer backed warranties.

These modern openers are equipped with advanced safety features and can be controlled remotely, making your garage door opening experience both convenient and secure. Whether you’re in Perth, Western Australia, or anywhere across Australia, our automatic garage doors provide reliable performance.

Our manufacturers have been in the business for between 26 and 75 years, ensuring you receive products that are safe as can be. From basic models to feature-rich systems with smartphone connectivity, we offer solutions to suit every need and budget.

Why Choose Sectional Garage Doors?

Sectional garage doors consist of multiple advantages that make them the preferred choice for many homeowners. Unlike roller door alternatives, sectional garage provide superior insulation, security, and aesthetic appeal. The panels slide smoothly along tracks, ensuring quiet operation that won’t disturb your household.

When properly installed and maintained, sectional garage doors can protect your vehicles and belongings for many years. The combination of durability, functionality, and style makes them an excellent investment for any property.

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing garage door, sectional garage doors offer the perfect balance of form and function. Their versatility in materials, colours, and features ensures you’ll find the perfect garage door solution for your needs.

View our extensive range of sectional garage doors to find out what we can do for you! Contact Dynasty Garage Doors today to discover how we can enhance your property with the perfect sectional garage door installation.

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  • ABOUT US

    Dynasty Garage Doors is an innovative industry leader, providing an unparalleled garage door installation and repair service throughout the Perth Metropolitan area and greater Western Australia.

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