When fitting out an industrial building with new doors, the right kind of doors makes all the difference. They must be secure enough to prevent unauthorised access. They must be easy to operate. They must be fit for purpose, the right size for the opening and able to allow any required machinery through, such as forklifts or cranes. The question for most industrial shutters is whether automatic or manual industrial doors are best.

Can all Industrial Doors be Automated?

There are a few different types of industrial doors, some of which can be automatic and others that can’t.

Security doors and fire exit doors are generally manual, as they’re hinged doors that should be easily operated in emergencies.

Sectional overhead doors are typically automatic, with quiet operation and space-saving retraction.

Speed doors are always automatic, as they require motors to open and close quickly and maintain internal conditions.

Roller Shutter Doors can be manual or automatic. These are shop shutters, car park shutters, warehouse shutters and more.

Because Roller Shutters can be either manual or automatic, this article will discuss which is the best choice for this type of industrial door.

If you’re not sure which type of doors are best for your premises, contact I&S Industrial Doors. We’re happy to offer advice on a range of possibilities.

Pros and Cons of Automatic Shutters

Automatic roller shutter doors use a motor and a chain or belt to raise and lower. The metal slats are attached with hinges, forming a flexible curtain that rolls up on an axle in the overhead space above the doorway. When lowered, the shutters travel in strong channels and lock together to create a durable barrier with edge-to-edge coverage.

Pros

Easier operation

Automated shutters can be opened at the flick of a switch, without the need for bending, lifting or physical effort. For large openings such as warehouse or factory shutters, automation is essential to allow operators to open the doors completely.

Remote Control Access

While a manual shutter still requires a key, automatic shutters are able to open with remote fobs from a distance. This is useful when quick access is required or when your hands are full.

Safety Features

Automatic shutters must have proximity sensors and alarms to protect everyone from injury. These aren’t present on manual doors, though the mechanisms are largely the same.

Energy Efficiency

Modern shutters are equipped with energy-efficient motors and mechanisms that support operational savings.

Cons

Higher Initial Investment

The installation and equipment required for automatic roller shutter doors come at a higher cost than manual shutters.

More Regular Maintenance

Maintaining automatic shutters is a health and safety requirement, and they should be serviced every 6 months to check for corrosion and misalignment. Because they have more moving parts than manual shutters, automatic doors need more attention.

Power Reliance

Most shutters can operate manually in the event of a power outage, but may require decoupling.

Cost Considerations: Budget or Returns?

Due to the equipment and maintenance involved, automatic industrial doors are generally more expensive than manual shutters.
Operational efficiency savings make it worthwhile when installed in high-traffic areas, vehicle entry points and critical areas. Rather than pausing to open the doors each time, or leaving the doors open for long periods and wasting heating and cooling energy, automatic doors allow streamlined flows that don’t waste time.

When to Use Manual Roller Shutter Doors

In some situations, manual shutters are the better choice. For example:

• Tight budget: the efficiencies aren’t enough to justify the expense.
• Low traffic area: for small offices or storage areas, doors may not be used frequently.
• Irregular power supply: for garages or agricultural buildings, powered doors may not be worth the energy and installation costs.

Manual vs Automatic Industrial Shutters

The ‘best’ option for your business depends on business size, budget and daily usage.
For businesses with very little need to open and close shutters throughout the day, manual doors are enough. However, large-scale operations that need continual access can save time and money by installing automated shutters.

To discuss cost and feasibility for your property, contact I&S Industrial Doors on 0121 544 3483.