A Comprehensive Guide to Sectional Overhead Doors in the UK

Sectional overhead doors have firmly established themselves across the UK’s industrial and commercial space. But how did they develop over time? What advantages do they offer and how do trade bodies and associations help uphold industry standards?

What are Sectional Overhead Doors?

A sectional overhead door is made up of separate horizontal panels (sections) that slide up and over into the roof space on tracks. Unlike traditional doors, they don’t swing outwards, making them ideal for areas with limited space. They are commonly used in industrial units, warehouse, and loading bays.

Brief History of Sectional Overhead Doors in the UK

Sectional doors can be traced back to early garage and industrial door systems that first appeared in the United States during the 1920s. The concept of lifting doors rather than swinging them open gained popularity due to its space-saving nature. It wasn’t long before these ideas crossed the Atlantic to the UK.

The 1950s and 1960s saw a surge in industrial development across the UK. Manufacturing plants, distribution centres, and new commercial facilities required robust and efficient access systems. Sectional overhead doors began appearing in factories and warehouses thanks to their superior insulation and ease of use.

During the 1970s and 1980s advancements in materials such as galvanised steel and insulated pane made sectional overhead door more durable and energy efficient. Motorised versions started becoming popular, especially in larger facilities.

The late 1980s also saw an increase in safety features, such as spring break devices and finger protection, driven by EU and UK safety legislation.

In the 1990s and 2000s the push for automation changed the door industry significantly. Sectional overhead doors could now be integrated with security systems, remote controls access and advanced sensors, making them a critical component in logistics and supply chain operations. At the same time, the formation of trade bodies in the UK helped standardise manufacturing practices and safety guidelines.

With growing concerns in the 2010s and 2020s around energy efficiency and carbon footprints, modern sectional doors are now often built with high-insulations cores, air-tight seals and smart controls. They’re also more customisable, coming in a variety of colours, window configurations and materials to suit both commercial and residential properties.

Key Door Trade Bodies and Associations in the UK

Ensuring safety, compliance and quality in the manufacture and installation of sectional overhead doors is vital. Several UK trade bodies play a significant role in this area.

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF)

The Door & Hardware Federation is the most influential trade association for the sectional door industry in the UK.Established in 1897, the Door & Hardware Federation provides guidance, training and technical support for manufacturers, installers, and maintenance providers. Their codes of practice have become accepted industry standards.They’ve played a critical role in:

• • Promoting compliance with EN 1324-1 (external link) and UKCA/CE marking requirements.
  • Educating installers through recognised training schemes.
  • Publishing safety manuals and installation guides.

SDG Access is proud to be a member of the Door & Hardware Federation.

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

The Construction Industry Training Board supports vocational training and apprenticeship schemes that include instruction on industrial door systems, promoting workforce competency.

Benefits of Sectional Overhead Doors

Why are sectional overhead doors now such a popular choice across various industries?

Space Efficiency

Because the door opens vertically and runs parallel to the ceiling, it maximises both external and internal space, perfect for high-traffic commercial areas.

Thermal Insulation

Modern sectional doors feature foam-filles panels, reducing heat transfer and contributing to energy efficiency.

Security

Robust materials, locking mechanisms and automation options provide excellent security, helping businesses protect valuable inventory.

Durability

Made from galvanised steel, aluminium or high-strength composites, these doors withstand heavy use and extreme weather conditions.

Automation

Today’s sectional door can be integrated with access control systems for enhanced control and monitoring.

Varied Range

From powder coated finishes to full glass panel options, sectional doors can be customised to complement building style.

Types of Sectional Overhead Doors

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sectional doors. Here are the main types used across the UK:

Insulated Sectional Doors

These doors are made from sandwich panels (usually 40-80mm thick) with polyurethane or polystyrene cores. They offer thermal and acoustic insulation, making them ideal for food storage, workshops and temperature sensitive environments.

Glazed or Vision Panel Doors

These feature full or partial glazing to allow natural light into the building – popular in showrooms and automative facilities. Panels may be made from polycarbonate, acrylic or tempered glass.

High Speed Sectional Doors

Used in logistics and cold-chain environments, these high speed sectional doors open and close faster than standard models, reducing heat loss and increasing efficiency.

Heavy-Duty Industrial Sectional Doors

Designed for high-cycle environments, they feature reinforced frames, upgraded torsion springs, and durable drive mechanism, perfect for distribution centres and logistics parks.

Safety & Compliance

Safety is paramount when dealing with powered access systems, particularly sectional overhead doors, which often operate in high-traffic and heavy-use environments.UK regulations mandate compliance with BS EN 13241, which covers performance and safety requirements for industrial, commercial, and garage doors. Key safety features include:

• Obstacle detection to prevent entrapment
• Manual release systems for emergencies
• Finger protections built in panel design
• Spring and cable break safety devices

The Importance of Regular Servicing

Compliance is not just about initial installation, it also depends on ongoing maintenance and servicing.According to guidance from the Door and Hardware Federation and other trade bodies, regular servicing:

• Ensures continued safe operation, reducing the risk of accidents or failures
• Maintains compliance with UK legislation such as the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
• Identifies wear and tear on critical components like torsion springs, cables and safety sensors
• Minimises downtime and avoids costly emergency repairs
• Extends the service life of the door system

Most manufacturers and installers recommend at least one annual service, or more frequently for high-use environments. Service contract with certified engineers ensure that all mechanical, electrical and safety systems are thoroughly checked and remain compliant.Sectional overhead doors have come a long way and as the UK continues to prioritised energy efficiency, security and automation, sectional doors will remain a key player within modern infrastructure. Whether you’re a facility manager, architect or business owner, understanding the benefits of these doors can help you make an informed decision tailored to your business specific needs.