29 Sep Which Industrial Door Is Right For My Business?
Industrial doors aren’t just a practical detail; they have a huge impact on how smoothly your site and operations run, including how much energy you use and how protected your staff and assets are.
The right solution depends on your business’s unique requirements, whether that’s speed to keep goods moving, solid security, insulation and temperature control, or fire safety.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of industrial doors, explain where they work best, and help you figure out which solution fits your business needs.
Factors to consider when choosing an industrial door
Before choosing a door, it’s worth taking a moment to consider what your facility really needs.
Think about how often the door will be used. Is it constantly opening and closing throughout the day, or only occasionally? High-traffic areas often benefit from faster doors, which not only reduce downtime but also help maintain temperature control and hygiene.
The environment matters too. Facilities like cold storage, food production, or pharmaceutical sites need doors that help maintain consistent temperatures and cleanliness. Fire safety and security requirements also play a big role—some sites need fire-rated doors to protect staff and assets, while others need doors that keep intruders out.
Finally, consider access. Do you need to move vehicles through the door, or is it primarily for pedestrians? And of course, any solution should meet compliance standards for fire and safety regulations.
Types of industrial doors and when to use them
Sectional doors
Sectional doors are made up of horizontal panels that lift vertically, stacking neatly above the opening. This design saves space and ensures you don’t lose any valuable headroom.
They’re ideal for warehouses with cranes, tall vehicles, or large loading bays. If your facility needs durable doors that can handle heavy use without compromising on opening height, sectional doors are often the perfect fit.
Roller shutter doors
Roller shutters are made from steel or aluminium and are highly versatile. They can be insulated, weather-resistant, or fire-rated depending on your needs.
These doors are perfect for external security, particularly in industrial estates, retail units, or factories exposed to harsh weather or risk of vandalism. They are also great when you need a large opening with reliable protection.
High-performance / high-speed doors
High-speed doors are designed for frequent, rapid use. They open and close quickly, helping maintain temperature control and hygiene in sensitive areas like food production or cold storage.
Busy logistics hubs can benefit enormously from high-speed doors, as faster cycle times mean less downtime and smoother workflows. This is exactly why, in certain environments, the speed of your industrial doors matters so much. Faster doors don’t just save time—they save money and energy while keeping operations running efficiently.
Fire shutter doors
For sites where fire risk is a concern, fire shutter doors are essential. These doors are designed to resist heat and flames, protecting staff, assets, and helping facilities meet regulatory requirements. Retail spaces, warehouses, and industrial sites often use fire shutters to stay compliant and safeguard operations.
Steel pedestrian doors
Sometimes it’s not about vehicles at all. Steel pedestrian doors provide safe and controlled access for staff. They come in single or double sets, with options for fire resistance, blast resistance, or acoustic protection.
These doors are ideal for emergency exits, side entrances, or any area where pedestrian access needs to be secure and controlled.
Why door speed matters
You might be wondering, why does speed even matter? The answer is simple: faster doors keep your facility efficient and energy-smart.
Doors that open and close quickly reduce the loss of heat or cold air, maintain hygiene in sensitive environments, and keep workflows moving without interruptions. RDS case studies show that slow doors can cause bottlenecks, while high-speed doors significantly boost productivity and reduce costs.
How to choose the right door for your business
Here’s a practical way to think about it:
- Need strict temperature control? A high-speed door is the right choice.
- Is fire safety the top priority? Opt for a fire shutter door.
- Do large vehicles regularly need access? Sectional doors will work best.
- Looking for maximum security? Roller shutters are ideal.
- Need safe, controlled access for staff? Steel pedestrian doors are perfect.
At RDS, we can assess your specific needs and design a solution tailored to your facility, so you’re not just picking a door—you’re investing in operational efficiency, safety, and compliance.
Why choose RDS
With over 40 years of experience at RDS, we’re a trusted provider of industrial doors across the UK. We don’t just supply doors—we provide full installation, maintenance, and repair services.
Every door can be bespoke, designed to meet the specific requirements of your sector, whether that’s logistics, food production, pharmaceuticals, or retail.
Contact our expert team today to discuss your requirements and discover a tailored solution for your industrial doors, installation, or ongoing maintenance.