High-Speed Doors: What Are Your Options?

With businesses under increasing pressure to improve productivity, energy efficiency, and internal climate control, more facilities than ever are investing in high-speed doors.

But with numerous options available, how do you choose the right one?

Here’s what you need to know about the different high-speed doors available – and how to pick the right one for your operations.

WHAT ARE HIGH-SPEED DOORS?

Also known as "fast action doors," these specialised doors are designed to open and close rapidly.

Faster than sectional doors or roller shutters, they offer opening speeds up to 2.4 m/s and closing speeds up to 1.2 m/s.

This means they allow quick access to and from buildings or rooms, making them ideal for sites where doors are opened and closed multiple times a day, like logistics hubs, warehouses, and distribution centres.

High-speed doors are also widely used in specialised environments like food processing and pharmaceutical facilities, where maintaining cleanliness and climate control is critical.

HOW SAFE ARE HIGH-SPEED DOORS? 

Safety is an important consideration, especially given their rapid operation.

Despite their speed, high-speed doors come with features designed to minimise risks and provide peace of mind.

For example, Stertil’s Flexiedge high-speed doors include:

- Soft edge design with PVC curtain free of rigid elements.

- Photo sensors to detect obstacles and halt operation.

- Self-reinserting curtain that automatically resets into side guides after impact.

- Tight door seals to minimise environmental hazards like drafts, dust, and contaminants.

WILL THEY BE USED INTERNALLY OR EXTERNALLY?

The first step in choosing a high-speed door is deciding whether it’s for internal or external use.

External high-speed doors are built to handle outdoor challenges such as wind, rain, temperature fluctuations, and debris.

For instance, Stertil’s FlexiEdge external doors feature:

- Reinforced, durable curtains to withstand strong winds.

- Patented guides to keep curtains secure during gusts.

- Tight seals to block wind and rain.

- Weatherproof materials to prevent water penetration. 

Internal high-speed doors, on the other hand, prioritise compact, efficient designs for controlled indoor environments.

They’re ideal for spaces like cleanrooms, temperature-controlled areas, or production zones, focusing on noise reduction, energy efficiency, and fast operation.

ARE THEY FOR A SPECIALIST ENVIRONMENT?

Will the door serve a specific application?

Certain industries require unique solutions, and high-speed doors can meet those needs:

- Cleanrooms: Provide airtight sealing, rapid speeds, and easy cleaning.

- Freezer storage: Insulated doors with rapid opening to maintain low temperatures, plus options for heated side posts to reduce condensation.

- High-traffic areas: Self-reinserting doors reduce maintenance downtime.

- Explosion-sensitive environments: Use stainless steel components for added safety.
 

WHAT SIZE IS NEEDED?

Choosing the right size is crucial for optimal performance.

From compact designs for tight spaces to large-scale doors for oversized equipment, high-speed doors can be customised to match your entryway dimensions.

Stertil’s FlexiEdge range is custom-made to ensure a perfect fit for your facility.

DO YOU NEED BRANDING?

This might not apply to every business, but it’s worth considering if you’re a retailer.

High-speed doors can be customised with corporate logos, colours, and designs to reflect your brand identity.

For client-facing facilities, branded doors offer a polished, professional appearance while reinforcing your company’s image.

WILL MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC OPERATION BE NEEDED?

How a high-speed door operates is another important consideration.

You have two main choices: manual or automatic operation.

If you work in a low-traffic environment, or if this is the first high-speed door at your facility, then manual options such as mushroom push buttons or pull cords may be best.

These can be paired with traffic lights and audible sounders tailored to your site’s needs.

What about for busier sites?

Advanced automatic systems minimise manual operation, reduce delays, and enhance safety, making them ideal for dynamic industrial settings.

These systems automatically detect activity or movement near the door, sending a signal to trigger its opening.

Automatic options include:

- Induction loops: Embedded wires detect vehicles and trigger the door for hands-free operation.

- Photocells: Infrared sensors detect obstructions and keep doors open for safety.

- Radar systems: Motion sensors trigger the door to open automatically for seamless access.

STILL UNDECIDED? 

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a high-speed door.

If you’re unsure, our technical experts are here to help. With over 40 years of experience in planning and installing high-speed doors, we can guide you toward the best choice for your business.

Visit our product page or contact us today to boost productivity and performance at your facility.

Contact Stertil on 08707 700471, or email info@stertil.co.uk.