Gateway of opportunity: Vertical-stacking doors in modern spaces

by tanya_martins | November 9, 2024 1:29 pm

By Heather Bender

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With commercial architects and designers emphasizing openness and flexible use of space, elements such as sectional doors are getting much more attention. In response, door manufacturers are developing engineering and design features
to serve a broader range of commercial environments.

Once considered merely functional, sectional doors now come in an array of styles, colors, and modern vertical-stacking designs, requiring less space to store and operate. Offering updated looks, as well as space savings and energy efficiency, today’s sectional doors inspire fresh, innovative uses in commercial spaces.

Vertical-stacking saves space and quiets operation

One of the most attractive new options available in sectional doors is vertical stacking, a type of engineering that neatly arranges the door sections directly above the door or optionally in a recessed area in the ceiling when the door is open. Compared to traditional sectional doors that use long ceiling tracks, hinges, or exposed cables for opening and closing, vertical stacking eliminates the need for unsightly, intrusive overhead hardware. The positive effects of this design include a sleeker appearance and a clear adjacent ceiling area for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fixtures.

Designers can use the fifth wall for elements of interest. When compared to swinging or sliding doors, vertical-stacking sectional doors free up space on the floor and along the wall that can be used to maximize seating, add display space, or expand storage. Eliminating noisy overhead tracks and other mechanical parts also translates into quieter opening and closing.

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An aesthetic makeover

In restaurants, event venues, gyms, and retail environments, vertical-stacking sectional doors are now used to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor areas and create adaptable, dynamic, and revenue-generating spaces. When open, these doors add space to accommodate clientele outdoors when weather permits. Even when closed, modern door designs with transparent panels allow natural light to fill interior spaces and provide unobstructed views.

Including glass sections in vertical-stacking sectional doors is a significant factor in their growing popularity among commercial designers. With more color and finish options for the aluminum framing around transparent sections, doors can be customized to complement various styles, including minimalist and industrial themes. The clear sections are available in various materials such as acrylic and tempered, insulated, frosted, and low-emissivity (Low-E) glass. These choices cater to aesthetic preferences and support energy efficiency goals important to building owners and occupants.

Vertical-stacking sectional doors can be sized to fit a variety of opening sizes, ranging from widths of approximately 1.35 m (4.5 ft) up to 6 m (20 ft) and heights ranging from 1.2 m (4 ft) to 4.2 m (14 ft). The opening width and height typically determine the number of sections (horizontal-stacking rows) and panels (windows within each row) included in the door. The size flexibility gives designers greater freedom, allowing them to integrate sectional doors that entirely or partially open up a wall. Doors that open completely generally serve to extend spaces without visual interruption. Those that occupy just the upper portion of a wall are often used to define spaces and visually distinguish areas such as bars or service counters.

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Essential safety features

In any commercial setting, safety is paramount, and vertical-stacking sectional doors can be equipped with advanced features that help ensure operator and occupant protection. For instance, some models feature an object detection system preventing the door from closing when an obstruction is detected. The system can use a concealed UL325-compliant light curtain with dynamic sequential blanking to identify objects that could impede the door’s movement and halt the closing action. Such safety measures are crucial in public-facing commercial spaces or areas that are not continuously monitored to offer added protection and peace of mind.

Additionally, vertical-stacking sectional doors can be engineered to withstand substantial wind loads and pressures of up to ±1,197 Pa (±25 psf), essential in regions prone to extreme weather. Safety features such as these help commercial buildings comply with local building codes and protect occupants
and investments. Doors that include these are a smart choice for commercial applications in demanding environments.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency impacts virtually every commercial design and construction aspect, and sectional doors are no exception. With building professionals seeking more materials and components to satisfy stricter energy codes and reduce energy use, door manufacturers are investing more in engineering solutions that meet these needs. Some vertical-stacking sectional door models are designed with built-in gaskets between the sections to minimize air infiltration, an important part of maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption. Controlling air infiltration is also critical for occupant comfort, making it worthwhile when selecting doors for retail, restaurant, and similar commercial spaces.

Door models that comply with International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards also offer a simple way for building professionals to recognize doors that meet their efficiency requirements. Additionally, selecting insulated and Low-E glass options when choosing a door’s aesthetic features helps maintain energy efficiency by controlling heat transfer and reducing HVAC demand. These features and options are prime examples of how door manufacturers blend material science, engineering, and aesthetics to deliver a complete package of performance and style.

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Rethinking uses for sectional doors

Offering sleek new vertical-stacking designs, innovative features, and customizable options, sectional doors are now much more than just a functional choice; they are a well-rounded solution that allows commercial buildings to provide open and inviting spaces without compromising safety and efficiency. As trends toward openness and flexible use of space continue, these doors are poised to play a much bigger role in commercial architecture and design and unlock new possibilities for defining spaces.

Author

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Heather Bender is the director of commercial product marketing at Clopay Corporation, with 16 years of experience in manufacturing and building materials. Excelling in product management, she adeptly handles product inception to commercialization. Her role involves finding unique solutions for building owners and designers, highlighting her strategic and innovative approach to complex industry challenges. Bender can be contacted at hbender@clopay.com.

Key Takeaways

Modern architectural trends increasingly focus on maximizing space and functional design, with vertical-stacking doors emerging as a key innovation. These doors optimize space by saving overhead room and can double restaurant seating capacity by opening to the outside. Vertical-stacking doors integrate seamlessly into various architectural styles and offer aesthetic versatility, advanced safety features, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for both commercial and residential applications.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/gateway-of-opportunity-vertical-stacking-doors-in-modern-spaces/

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