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Commercial Roll Up Door Sizes ‒ The Definitive Guide

June 9, 2022 | Commercial Doors

group of docking baysGiven the proportions of most warehouses, few people would suspect size and spacing would be an issue when it comes to doors. However, while commercial roll up doors are designed to save space, they still require room to accommodate the opening, hood, mounting bracket, and vertical guides.

As a result, business owners need to ensure their doors have sufficient clearance before they’re installed. Once they’re familiar with commercial roll up door sizes, they’ll be able to choose an entryway that provides safe and convenient access to their building.

Roll up Commercial Doors vs. Overhead Doors

Roll up doors and overhead doors have no standard height or width. Because loading doors are typically 8-10 feet high and 8-8.5 feet wide (to accommodate standard cargo trucks), most are built to these dimensions. However, they can be custom fit for larger or smaller openings ‒ whatever meets the needs of your business.

While overhead doors serve the same function as commercial roll up doors (access, security, efficiency, and weather resistance), they require significantly more headroom or backroom. The open space above or behind them has to at least be equal to the height of the door itself. For buildings with ducts, pipes, and other equipment mounted to the ceiling, this can be a major impediment.

Commercial Roll Up Door Sizes

Commercial roll up doors offer the same advantages as overhead doors, but require significantly less clearance ‒ inches rather than feet. When it comes to sizing, the biggest concern is headroom. The taller the door, the more space you need for the hood and motor.

While they’ll never take up as much space as an overhead door, the amount of room roll up doors require may be a concern in some buildings. For example, a thirty-foot door made of standard steel or aluminum requires at least 14 inches of headspace and backspace. An insulated roll up door can require as much as 29 inches, depending on its height and thickness.

In addition to overhead space, commercial roll up doors also require room to the left and right for the guides. Ideally, each door would have at least 12 inches on either side, but modern doors can make do with six. Anything less may compromise the integrity of the building.

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Alyssa N.
I cannot sing enough praises about Anthony, the door repair man who came to our rescue when we found ourselves in the midst of a door disaster. From the moment he arrived, it was clear that he was not just an ordinary repairman; he was a superhero in disguise.

With his charming demeanor and infectious enthusiasm, Anthony approached our faulty door with unwavering confidence. His passion for his craft was evident as he assessed the situation, providing insightful explanations of the problem and assuring us that he had everything under control.

What struck me most about Anthony was his unwavering dedication to his work. He possessed a commitment to excellence and an attention to detail that was truly remarkable. Anthony patiently explained each step of the repair process to us, making sure we understood the intricacies involved.

His expertise was unparalleled. It was as if he possessed an innate understanding of doors and their inner workings. With swift and precise movements, he skillfully disassembled and reassembled the door, effortlessly navigating through the labyrinth of springs, hinges, and locks. It was truly a sight to behold.

But what truly set Anthony apart was his genuine concern for our safety. As he worked, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure and reliable door, going above and beyond to ensure that our office would be protected from any potential dangers. It was evident that he genuinely cared about the well-being of his clients and took immense pride in his ability to provide them with peace of mind.

By the time Anthony finished his work, our door looked and functioned better than ever before. It was a seamless, flawless transformation that left us in awe of his skills. But beyond his technical prowess, Anthony left a lasting impact on us with his kindness, professionalism, and genuine passion for his craft.

In the end, Anthony may not have become the firefighter he once aspired to be, but in our eyes, he is a true hero. His ability to rescue us from the perils of a faulty door was nothing short of remarkable. I cannot recommend Anthony highly enough to anyone in need of door repair services. With him, you can expect nothing less than outstanding service, exceptional craftsmanship, and a genuine dedication to your safety and satisfaction.

Thank you, Anthony, for being the door repair superhero we never knew we needed.
Cecilio G.
Reliable and knowledgeable Jacob and Jose were able to have our dock plates up and running the same day.
Lauren B.
Dan and Phil were amazing! They came out on a Friday night and got our roll up door fixed for the business in a very quick time frame! These are the guys to call for any of your door issues!!
Corey R.
Can't speak more highly of this company!!! I'm in the Mmj industry and unfortunately we are always victim to break ins and attempts so we frequent Vortex's service quite often. Never have they not came out the same day and always make the building secure! Seriously if it wasn't for these guys I'd be losing a lot of sleep or literally sleeping at my building protecting it!
Mike M.
We just had Larry and Justin out to help us out with a few issues we had been having around the dock. They were great and I really appreciate the time Larry spent with me on proper use and maintenance of the equipment. I had a great great experience with them and Vortex. Thanks guys!
Hannah M.
Incredibly fast, and efficient service! They got our door fixed quickly and gave amazing customer service while doing it! Thank you!
Alison B.
If I could give this place a 10 star review I would. We (Pioneer Title Agency in Tempe) have been having issues with our door for years. It was so bad that we couldn't even lock the door from the outside and could barely even close it. I requested bids from door companies to have it repaired. Bryan with Vortex doors came out (very professional) and not only looked at the door but explained in detail what was wrong and what they would do to fix it. I wouldn't have known the difference so he could have told us we needed a new door but he said no we can fix this one. He sent me a bid the next day, I got approval and he ordered the necessary parts. (Wow what a fair price) Jose, the technician that came out was wonderful! He explained what he was doing and went to work. Our door has never worked better. It works better now than when it was first put in!! THANK YOU VORTEX FOR BEING SO AMAZING!!!
Eric J.
Ryan is always exceptional! He not only performs his work in a very professional manner, but also takes the time to explain any additional issues found during his repairs and offers good sound advice. From myself and others here, Thank you Ryan, and Vortex Doors!
Charles P.
John and Ernie are extremely professional and helpful. Great work guys
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