When we first published this blog, it quickly became one of our most-read resources—and for good reason. Rolling steel doors are a powerhouse solution for commercial and industrial applications, offering strength, flexibility and long-term performance. Now, we're giving this post a fresh update to include some of our latest innovations, including Miami-Dade code-certified models and high performance options for high-cycle environments.
Whether you're securing a warehouse, retail storefront or high-traffic loading dock, here's what you need to know about choosing the right rolling steel door.
A rolling steel door is a coiling overhead door constructed of interlocking galvanized steel slats that form a strong, continuous curtain. These doors are designed for durability, security, and space efficiency—making them ideal for a wide range of commercial and industrial settings.
At Janus International, our rolling steel door product line encompasses a broad range of models designed to meet diverse building and operational needs. These include heavy-duty, high-performance, fire-rated, wind- and impact-rated and insulated options. Each model is engineered for structural integrity, smooth operation and durability.
While both rolling steel and commercial sheet doors serve similar functions, rolling steel is the superior choice for oversized openings and demanding environments. Sheet doors made from corrugated steel panels are best suited for light to medium-duty use. In contrast, rolling steel doors can be custom-built up to 40 feet wide and 30 feet high, making them ideal for manufacturing and distribution centers and other large-scale facilities.
Their interlocking slat design also allows for easier repairs since damaged slats can be replaced individually without removing the entire curtain.
Sizes: Rolling steel doors are available in a wide variety of sizes and can even be manufactured to close oversized openings. You can find rolling steel doors in sizes up to 40' wide and 30' high.
Powder Coating: Applied as a dry powder and baked onto the door's surface to form a thick and even layer, powder coating provides a durable finish that will keep your door's surface looking fresh for years to come. Powder-coated finishes are known for combating the wear and tear associated with heavy-duty, high-cycle applications and are available in virtually any color. For exterior applications where exposure to UV and weathering is a concern, look for super durable powder coatings and XMR additive.
Insulation: A rolling steel door's curtain is comprised of steel slats, creating the opportunity for polyurethane insulation. Also known as foam-in-place (FIP) insulation, polyurethane is sprayed into the steel slat where it then expands to fill the entire void with insulation. This eliminates air pockets and is much more effective than polystyrene of the same thickness, creating a better solution for thermal efficiency in climate-controlled applications.
Environmental conditions and local building codes play a critical role in determining appropriate door specifications. Rolling steel doors may need to meet specific standards depending on the application and location. For example:
Impact Certification: In hurricane-prone regions, doors may require certification such as the Miami-Dade County Impact Rating, which ensures resistance to high winds and debris.
High-Cycle Performance: Facilities with frequent door usage benefit from high-cycle models designed to withstand repeated operation without compromising performance.
Fire Ratings: In commercial and institutional buildings, fire-rated doors are often required to comply with safety codes and help contain fire and smoke.
Compact Design: Rolling steel doors share many competitive advantages with commercial sheet doors because of their basic design and construction. For example, they free up significant ceiling space, which allows you to enhance lighting, HVAC components, and even free up those emergency fire sprinklers.
Simplified Maintenance Features: Rolling steel doors are designed for ease of maintenance, with many components pre-assembled and enclosed within the barrel assembly. This reduces the need for routine tasks like greasing springs or accessing hard-to-reach parts. Additionally, extended service cut-outs—removable sections of the door’s guide—allow for quick and convenient access during servicing. With cut-outs available up to 30" in length, maintenance can be performed more efficiently, minimizing downtime and labor.
Safety and Protection: Rolling steel doors are valued for their structural integrity, which contributes to enhanced safety and protection in a variety of environments. Depending on building codes and site-specific requirements, these doors can be manufactured to meet stringent standards for wind-load resistance, impact protection and fire safety—making them suitable for use in demanding conditions such as hurricane zones, high-traffic areas and fire-rated spaces.
Rolling steel doors offer a powerful combination of strength, flexibility and customization. With options for oversized openings, high-cycle performance and code compliance, Janus delivers doors that are built to meet the demands of any commercial or industrial project.
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DASMA Rolling Door Terminology
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From rolling steel service doors to fire-rated doors and more, Janus International has a closure to meet your application's needs. Check out our full line to get started!
These Stories on Commercial Rolling Steel & Sheet Doors
135 Janus International Blvd.
Temple, GA 30179
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(770) 562-2850
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