Owners of private houses and garages often face the dilemma of choosing a protective structure, which should be not only reliable, but also convenient to use. The answer to the question, sectional gates, what is this?It is based on their unique design, which allows you to save space and provide a high level of thermal insulation. Unlike traditional swing models, which require free space in front of the opening for opening the flaps, sectional canvases move vertically upwards, hiding under the ceiling.
This technology has become the standard in modern construction due to its versatility and automation capability. Sectional gates consist of separate panels connected by loops that move along the guide rails. This mechanism allows you to use the design in openings of any size, while maintaining the aesthetics of the facade and the tightness of the interior. Understanding the principles of this system is necessary for everyone who plans to improve the entry group.
Design features and principle of work
The basis of the design is canvas, assembled from horizontal panels with a width of usually 500 to 600 mm. These panels are connected by special loops that provide flexibility for the entire system. When opening, the canvas bends and moves from the vertical plane to the horizontal, following the guides that are fixed on the sides of the opening and on the ceiling.
The most important element is torsion-engine Or a sprouting system. It is these elements that compensate for the weight of the canvas, making it possible to easily open it manually and reduce the load on the electric drive. Without properly tuned balancing, even the most powerful motor will not be able to effectively control the flaps.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to adjust the tension of torsion springs without special tools and knowledge. The energy of the compressed spring is enormous, and mishandling can lead to severe injuries or the destruction of the mechanism.
The guide profiles are made of galvanized steel and may have different configurations depending on the lift height. Standard lifting involves placing the gate completely under the ceiling, while high lift requires the installation of additional vertical pillars and horizontal guides to lift the canvas above the level of the jumper.
Panel assembly technology
Sectional gate panels can be connected in a hidden or visible way. The hidden connection of the hinges provides a smooth surface without protruding elements, which improves aesthetics and facilitates surface care.
Types of filling of panels and materials
Selection of material sandwich-panel directly affects the thermal insulation properties and durability of the entire structure. The most common option is a steel panel with polyurethane filling. This structure provides stiffness and protection against freezing, which is critical for heated garages.
Panels can have a different surface texture, imitating natural wood, panel or smooth plaster. For regions with a harsh climate, manufacturers offer solutions with an increased insulation thickness reaching 45 mm. This allows you to keep warm even in severe frosts.
- 🏠 PPU steel - Classic variant, combining the strength of the metal and low thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam.
- 🌲 aluminum Lightweight solution, resistant to corrosion, often used in aluminum profiles with glazing.
- 🪵 Tree. - a rare, but elite option that requires complex processing to protect against moisture and temperature changes.
The outer coating of the panels protects the metal from corrosion and burnout. Modern polymer coatings, such as Pural or PolyesterThey have high resistance to mechanical damage and ultraviolet radiation. When choosing a color, it is worth considering that dark shades heat up more, which can lead to thermal expansion of the metal.
When ordering dark colored gates (anthracite, brown), make sure that they have overheating protection if the side is sunny. This will prevent the panels from deforming in the summer.
Drive systems and automation
Automation turns a conventional gate into a comfortable access system. Electrical drive It is selected depending on the weight and area of the canvas, as well as the intensity of use. For household garages, ceiling actuators are most often used, which are attached to the ceiling and do not take up space on the wall.
Gross actuators are installed directly on the shaft and are used in cases where the ceiling space is limited or a high opening speed is required. Modern models are equipped with built-in controllers that allow you to control the gate from a smartphone via Wi-Fi or GSM module.
Safety of operation is provided by the sensor system. Photocells installed at the bottom of the opening track the presence of an obstacle. If a car, child or animal is in the opening at the time of closing, the gate will automatically stop and go up.
Advantages and disadvantages of design
The popularity of sectional models is due to a number of undeniable advantages over other types of fences. The main advantage is the saving of space: the gate does not need a place to open, which allows you to park the car close to the opening. This is especially true for narrow driveways or garages with limited space.
High tightness is achieved due to the system of seals located along the perimeter of the canvas and between the panels. Rubber seals from EPDM or TPE does not lose elasticity at low temperatures, protecting the garage from dust, moisture and drafts. Thermal insulation properties are comparable to the walls of a brick house half a meter thick.
| Parameter | Sectional gates | Floating gate | Rollet gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat insulation | Tall. | Medium/Low | Low. |
| Saving space | Maximum | It requires a front seat. | Maximum |
| Resistance to burglary | Tall. | Medium | Low/Mediocre |
| Cost | Medium/High | Low/Mediocre | Medium |
However, there are certain limitations. The design requires the presence of free space above the opening (ceilings) to place the mechanism and the canvas in the open state. If the ceiling in the garage is too low, it may require a complicated and expensive redevelopment or a system choice with minimal clearance.
Nuances of installation and preparation of the opening
The quality of the installation directly affects the service life of the product. Before installation, it is necessary to carefully prepare the opening: it should be smooth, without changes and defects of masonry. Side columns and the upper jumper must be made of a durable material capable of withstanding the weight of the guide and fastening elements.
It is important to ensure the level of the floor in the area of movement of the canvas. If there are significant irregularities or slopes on the floor, the bottom panel may not fit tightly to the surface, violating the tightness. In such cases, it is recommended to make a concrete threshold or level the entry area.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of openings (minimum ceiling, side distances) may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Always check the requirements of a particular brand with your real dimensions before buying.
☑️ Preparation for installation
The fixing of the guides is carried out using anchor bolts or chemical anchors, especially if the walls are made of a gas block or hollow brick. The use of dowels of the wrong type can lead to the pulling out of the fastener under the influence of dynamic loads when the canvas moves.
Properly prepared and smooth opening is 80% of the success of silent and durable operation of the gate. Do not save money in the preparation stage of the base.
Maintenance and durability of the system
Even the most reliable design requires periodic maintenance to maintain functionality. Regular lubrication of moving parts, such as rollers, loops and guides, reduces wear and noise levels. For these purposes, it is better to use specialized silicone lubricants that do not thicken in the cold.
Once a year, you need to check the tension of the springs and the balancing of the canvas. If the gate is skewed or spontaneously lowered / raised, this is a signal of imbalance. You should also inspect the condition of the lower rubber seal, which takes the main load when in contact with the floor.
Automation also needs to be checked. The solar cells should be wiped from dust and the end switches should be checked for accuracy of operation. Timely replacement of worn components, such as plastic rollers or cables, will avoid costly repairs to the main mechanism in the future.
Compliance with simple rules of operation, such as the absence of sharp jerks when manually opening and regular snow cleaning in winter, will significantly prolong the life of your gate. Sectional gates are a complex mechanism where every detail plays a role, and neglecting the small can bring the entire system to a standstill.
How often should the gate be lubricated?
It is recommended to lubricate moving parts (rollers, loops, springs) at least twice a year: before the beginning of the winter season and after its end. In conditions of high dust content or intensive use, the frequency can be increased to 3-4 times a year.
Can I install a sectional gate in an already built garage?
Yes, it is possible in most cases. The main condition is the presence of sufficient space above the opening (ceiling) to accommodate the mechanism and the canvas. If there is no standard stock, there are systems with minimal clearance, allowing installation in cramped conditions.
What to do if the electricity is cut off?
All sectional doors are equipped with an emergency opening system. Usually it is a special cable with a red handle that unlocks the drive. Pulling it, you put the gate in manual mode, after which they can be easily lifted with your hands thanks to the weight compensation system.
How safe is the automatic gate for children?
Modern systems are equipped with mandatory security sensors. The solar cells do not allow the gate to close if there is an object in the opening. In addition, the actuators have the function of sensitivity to the obstacle: when faced with an obstacle, the gate stops and opens back.
Does the wind affect the operation of the gate?
The sleeves of the big canvas really exist. However, properly mounted guides and panel locks reliably hold the structure even in strong winds. For windy regions, it is recommended to choose panels with a reinforced profile and install additional windscreen elements.