Roller doors vs sectional doors, what is best?

When it comes to choosing doors for your shed, there are several garage door options available, and you might be wondering which is best for your project. In New Zealand, the most popular choices are roller doors and sectional garage doors. Both styles have their advantages, and taking the time to compare them will help you decide which is the best fit for your shed and site conditions.

In this blog, we’ll look at the key differences between these options to help you make an informed choice for your next build.

Sectional doors

Sectional doors are most often seen in residential settings. They generally range from 2.2 to 4.0 metres in height and 2.4 to 5.1 metres in width. Many people prefer them for their appearance, as they can be customised with different cladding profiles to match the look of your home or other buildings on your property.

While visually appealing, sectional garage doors tend to be more expensive than roller doors, particularly when the opening exceeds 4.0 metres in height. Adding customised cladding, such as timber, can also increase costs. Because of this, sectional doors aren’t typically used for sheds, but if your goal is to have your shed doors match your home, they are an excellent choice.

Unlike roller doors, which roll into a drum above the opening, sectional doors use tracks that extend back into the shed. This can make it tricky to move tall vehicles or equipment inside without hitting the tracks. However, it’s possible to install tracks that follow the roofline of the shed, which helps to maintain internal clearance.

Series 1 roller doors

Series 1 roller doors are a popular shed roller door option for domestic and lifestyle sheds. They’re made from 0.40-gauge steel and feature a spring-loaded axle, removing the need for a chain or motor. These doors are manually operated, with a maximum size of around 3.0m x 3.0m.

Series 1 doors are ideal when you need a cost-effective solution and aren’t storing large vehicles. However, they’re not suited to areas that experience high winds as they are lightweight. If your site is exposed, upgrading to a Series 2 or heavy-duty roller shutter door is recommended for better performance and security.

Series 2 roller doors

Series 2 roller doors are a step up in strength from Series 1. Built from 0.55-gauge steel, they’re classed as light industrial-grade and typically range from 3.2m x 3.2m up to 4.0m x 5.0m. These are the most common choice for lifestyle sheds and farm buildings across New Zealand.

Series 2 doors are chain-driven but can also be motorised. They perform much better in windy conditions compared to Series 1, thanks to their heavier tracks and robust construction. They’re also more secure, making them an excellent option for sheds that need to accommodate larger vehicles and equipment without moving up to full commercial-grade doors.

Roller shutter doors

For the largest openings and most demanding environments, roller shutter doors are an excellent choice. These heavy-duty roller doors are made from 0.7 to 1.0mm galvanised steel with interlocking slats, providing exceptional strength and security. They can reach over 8.0 metres in width and 6.0 metres in height, making them ideal for storing large vehicles or machinery.

Roller shutter doors are typically chain-driven, though most people choose to add motors for convenience due to their size and weight. Their strong design allows them to withstand high winds and heavy use, which is why they’re often installed in commercial and industrial settings.

Which Door is Best for You?

The right choice depends on what you’re using your shed for, how much clearance you need, and your site’s wind conditions. For most projects, a Series 2 roller door is sufficient. However, if you need extra height or you’re in an area exposed to high or extreme wind loads, a roller shutter door will offer better protection and longevity.

At Alpine Buildings, we’ve been supplying sheds across New Zealand for over 30 years. Our team understands how different sectional doors NZ and roller door styles perform in various conditions, and we can recommend the best fit for your site and needs.

Want to talk through your options or get expert advice? Contact the Alpine team today - we’ll help you find the best shed door solution for your project.