High speed doors and shutters are ideal for businesses that value efficiency and want to reduce operational delays as much as possible. After all, time is money, so it’s crucial that you look for ways to minimise wasted time to increase overall productivity.
However, efficiency isn’t the only benefit of high speed doors. These industrial and commercial doors can also improve security, regulate indoor temperatures and prevent pollution and contamination thanks to
What are high speed roller doors?
High speed doors or rapid roll doors open and close much more quickly than other types of industrial doors. Typically, these doors will have operating speeds of between 1 and 2 metres per second, making them ideal for use in high-traffic areas like busy warehouses and loading bays. Not only does this speed optimise traffic flows, but it also helps regulate internal temperatures by minimising the loss of hot or cold air while the door is briefly open – this will protect sensitive goods such as food or medicine and reduce heating or air conditioning costs.
High speed doors are very lightweight, which aids their speed and energy efficiency. They’re usually constructed from thin yet strong PVC material, which rolls or slides up into an overhead canopy when the door is opened. Despite their lighter weight, high speed roller doors are incredibly durable because they’re built to withstand many opening and closing cycles each day.
However, although high speed doors are very durable, they’re not usually used as external doors. Instead, steel doors or shutters tend to be preferred as external doors as they offer extra strength, which is useful for both deterring intruders and protecting against strong winds.
Rapidor
One of the most popular high speed doors is the Rapidor range of doors. With opening speeds of up to 2 metres per second and an auto close feature, these industrial doors are one of the fastest options on the market.
Rapidor high speed doors feature a lightweight, specially designed 3mm PVC curtain with a full width window. This curtain rolls up to the ceiling rapidly when in use, gliding smoothly along the metal tracks. Plus, our Rapidor doors feature integrated wind bars for extra durability, and since they’re manufactured in the UK, you can benefit from short lead times too. Get in touch for more information about our Rapidor products or to arrange your Rapidor installation.
What are high speed roller shutters?
Although high speed roller shutters and roller doors are very similar, they’re not exactly the same. Whereas roller doors are made from thin, lightweight PVC fabric, roller shutters are constructed from heavier duty slats that roll upwards into an overhead canopy. These slats can either be PVC reinforced with steel rods or they can be thin steel sheets.
These heavy-duty high speed doors are perfect for external use due to their ability to withstand greater impacts and wind forces. As such, you’ll often see them outside locations such as hospitals, schools, car parks, fire stations and warehouses containing valuable goods.
Although these shutters aren’t as lightweight as PVC rapid roll doors, they still boast excellent operating speeds thanks to their powerful 3-phase motors. Therefore, if you want a secure external door that can handle a lot of traffic, high speed roller shutters are ideal for you.
High speed insulated roller shutters
If temperature is extremely important to you, then there are plenty of insulated high speed roller shutters that can optimise traffic flows, keep goods safe and regulate internal environments – all at the same time. Our high speed insulated roller shutters are constructed from 95mm foam-injected lath, helping you reduce energy bills and keep your goods safe by maintaining the correct indoor temperatures.
In addition, the double guide brush seal expertly blocks out draughts to minimise the amount of temperature fluctuation. If your warehouse needs light, you can also choose to install full width windows to improve visibility. Contact us today to learn more about our high speed insulated roller shutters and the installation process.
Benefits of high speed doors
Now that you know more about these industrial doors, you’re probably wondering which one is right for your business. To help you decide, here are the main advantages of high speed doors and high speed insulated roller shutters.
First, let’s look at high speed doors:
1. Fastest speeds
If you want the fastest doors possible, high speed roller doors are your best bet. Since these PVC doors are so lightweight, they can achieve the fastest operating speeds of up to 2 metres per second. This will make it much more convenient for staff to move between rooms, and if your building experiences a lot of daily traffic, this will minimise delays and optimise traffic flow. Ultimately, this reduction in delays can lower your business’s operating costs and boost productivity.
2. Reduced pollution and contamination
Another benefit relating to these rapid speeds is a stark reduction in pollution and cross-contamination. If your doors can open and close much more quickly, this will reduce the amount of noise and light pollution leaving the premises and also prevent the intrusion of contaminating particles, dust and pests. This is particularly important for businesses in the food and medical industries, but all businesses can benefit from a cleaner, more controlled environment.
3. Energy efficiency
Lightweight high speed doors have a very efficient operating mechanism, helping you reduce your energy consumption despite the larger number of operating cycles that can be performed daily. Plus, since the fast speeds will reduce the amount of hot or cold air leaving the building, high speed doors can reduce your heating or air conditioning bills. This efficiency makes high speed doors beneficial for both your finances and the environment.
Benefits of high speed insulated roller shutters
Now let’s look at the advantages of high speed insulated roller shutters:
1. Better security
The lightweight PVC construction of high speed doors can make them less resistant to impact damage and therefore less suitable for external use. If you want to install a strong, secure external door while maintaining fast operating speeds, high speed insulated roller shutters may be the best option for you. These doors are reinforced with steel rods or laths, which can be better at resisting accidental impacts, adverse weather conditions and attempted break-ins.
2. Temperature control
Both high speed roller doors and high speed roller shutters are great at maintaining internal temperatures due to their rapid opening and closing mechanisms, but insulated shutters add an extra layer of protection for businesses that need to ensure a consistent climate at all times (e.g. pharmaceutical labs and food processing units). If you want to maintain an exact temperature in your building, you may need a heavier-duty insulated high speed shutter.
3. Energy efficiency
Both high speed roller doors and high speed roller shutters are extremely energy-efficient. But whereas high speed doors are efficient due to their lighter weight and slightly faster operating speeds (leading to less hot/cold air loss), high speed roller shutters are energy-efficient due to their greater insulating and sealing properties (especially if you choose high speed insulated roller shutters, which are injected with insulating foam). Better insulation will mean better temperature control and reduced energy consumption, which will lower your energy bills and improve the sustainability of your business.
Which one should I choose?
Finding the perfect industrial door can be difficult when there are so many to choose from. Both high speed doors and high speed insulated roller shutters are a brilliant choice for business owners hoping to improve traffic flow, warehouse security and climate control, but your decision may depend on where you plan to install your new doors. High speed insulated roller shutters are great external doors due to their greater strength and insulation, whereas high speed doors like Rapidor are best used as internal doors due to their lighter weight and slightly faster speeds.
Of course, if insulation and strength are top priorities for your business, you may decide to use high speed insulated roller shutters all over the premises. Conversely, if you want to prioritise speed and efficiency above all, high speed roller doors may be your top pick for internal and external applications.
No matter what your requirements and preferences are, we have the perfect industrial doors for your business. Visit the SSS Industrial Doors website to browse our range of high speed doors, roller shutters and fire safety products, or get in touch today to discuss the installation process.
