If you are in the market for a new overhead door for your commercial garage, workshop, or warehouse, then choosing the right door is a must. There are a few things to consider when shopping for overhead doors.

1. Insulation

The importance of insulation can vary depending on the location of the door. For a storage space that is neither heated nor cooled, insulation may not matter. If you heat or cool the space, or if workers are consistently in the space, then a well-insulated door is a must. Insulated overhead doors prevent heat loss in winter and cool air loss in summer. In areas without climate control, the insulation can help maintain a more comfortable interior temperature.

2. Fire Proof

A fireproof door can be very useful in certain industrial applications. If your door is likely to be exposed to high heat, such as from loading dock exhausts or nearby equipment use, then fireproof doors are less likely to suffer heat damage. If fire is a real risk at your business, fireproof doors may be required to contain the flames in the event a fire breaks out. 

3. Cycle Expectations

Every industrial grade commercial door is performance rated, and cycle expectations are one way of rating the doors. Check for lifetime cycles for the door you are considering—the higher this number then the longer lasting the door. Peak cycles are another rating to check. This indicates how many cycles the door can perform in an hour, which can help you determine how quickly the door opens and closes. Higher numbers of peak cycles mean faster door operation. 

4. Material Strength

Don't overlook the strength of the materials you choose. If you are concerned about dents and damages due to the nature of your business, then make sure to choose a door with the material strength to withstand problems. A steel door, for example, is much stronger and more durable compared to an aluminum door. Vinyl doors, while fine for residential use, rarely have the material strength needed for commercial applications. 

5. Maintenance Needs

Maintenance needs can vary. If your door is being installed in a dusty workshop, for example, then look for doors with encased mechanisms to help guard them against dust. Conversely, in a relatively clean warehouse environment exposed mechanisms may be preferred for ease of access when it comes to lubricating and other maintenance tasks. 

Contact a commercial overhead door dealer and installer to see all of the available options.