How a roller door works
B&D describes a roller door as a metal curtain that rolls up and sits like a rolled-up carpet directly above the opening. Because it rolls into a drum above the door, the garage ceiling stays clear, which suits low garages, carports and sheds.
Helical springs inside the drum balance the weight of the curtain, so the door can be lifted by hand or run by a motor. Steel-Line says that with proper maintenance a roller door can last 15-20 years or more, depending on the material and how often it is used.
The room a roller door needs
| Steel-Line "A" series | Steel-Line "AA" series | |
|---|---|---|
| Opening width | 750mm to 3430mm | 3435mm to 5500mm |
| Headroom above the opening | 430mm to 510mm | 430mm to 510mm |
| Side room, opened by hand | 90mm | 125mm |
| Side room, with an opener | 120mm | 150mm |
Reading those figures
The table is one maker's guide, and Steel-Line says the headroom figures are a guide only. Other brands differ, so the door specialist measures the opening, the headroom and the space either side before quoting. An opener adds a little to the side room because the motor sits beside the roll.
Wind-rated roller doors
In cyclone areas the door has to stay in its tracks. After Cyclone Yasi the Cyclone Testing Station found the main roller door failure was the curtain coming out of its tracks, and that wind locks were able to prevent it.
Steel-Line sells a wind-rated roller door with a moulded lug on the curtain that locks into a matching side guide. It says the door was tested at the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station against AS/NZS 4505-2012. If you are in wind region C or D, ask for a door rated to the wind classification on your plans.
Looking after a roller door
- Hose the door down with clean fresh water at least every six months, and more often near the sea: BlueScope says salt spray builds up where rain does not wash it off.
- Keep grease and oil out of the side guides. B&D's care guide says a silicon spray may be used after cleaning.
- Have it serviced regularly. B&D's care guide suggests every 12 months for roller doors, more often with heavy use.
- Check your warranty: some makers make regular servicing a condition of it.
Never tension a roller door yourself
Steel-Line warns: 'Do not attempt to tension your Roller Door, at risk of serious injury or death.' Loosening the U-bolts can release the spring tension and bring the door down hard. A door that will not stay up, rolls up loosely or slams shut is out of balance and needs a door specialist.
What we would do
If you are choosing between a roller door and a sectional door, measure the headroom first. A roller door needs room above the opening for the roll, while a sectional door needs ceiling space for its track, and the answer often decides the door for you.