In many commercial and industrial facilities, the primary challenge at exterior openings is control – controlling temperatures, the flow of traffic and costs. From parking structures and manufacturing plants to transit facilities and loading docks, fabric doors are an excellent choice for exterior applications where speed, durability and efficiency are essential.
When are Fabric Doors Right for Exterior Applications
High-performance fabric doors are most often selected for exterior applications at facilities that run continuously or handle heavy vehicle and equipment traffic. In these demanding environments, doors cycle repeatedly throughout the day and must deliver reliable operation, withstand accidental impacts, and minimize downtime when incidents occur.
Speed. With opening speeds up to 100 inches per second, fabric doors are designed for speed. Their lightweight construction allows for rapid opening and closing, improving traffic flow and reducing energy loss compared to older sectional doors.
Cost. Some models offer a lower-cost alternative to rigid high-speed doors, making them a good choice for loading docks and other high-traffic areas.
Energy savings. Fabric doors can be manufactured from multi-ply materials that help reduce energy consumption and minimize energy loss. When combined with energy-efficient seals, fabric doors can help reduce air infiltration.
Wind resistance. For locations with higher wind pressure, optional wind bars can be added to increase resistance and maintain door stability.
Highly reliable. Fabric doors are engineered to handle millions of operating cycles and deliver reliable performance with minimal, cost-effective maintenance when properly maintained.
Self-repairing. Breakaway features allow doors to safely disengage during a door-to-vehicle or equipment collision, minimizing damage and allowing a quick reset without specialized tools or service calls.
Environmental separation. Some door models can be outfitted with screen material, improving ventilation and allowing air flow. They are often used as bug doors in manufacturing settings to prevent insects, birds and debris from coming inside.
Secure. For facilities that currently have a security door or need additional security and protection after hours or on weekends, fabric doors can be part of a two-door solution- a fabric door handles daily traffic, and an extra rigid door provides security when closed.
Common Exterior Applications
Parking Facilities
Fabric high-performance doors can be used in parking structures due to their lower cost, reduced headroom requirements, breakaway capabilities that reduce downtime, and ability to accommodate high traffic volumes. They also add a simple yet effective layer of protection to separate different areas of access.
Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities
In manufacturing environments, fabric doors are commonly installed on exterior walls on the back or side of buildings. They’re an ideal choice for heavy forklift traffic, 24/7 operations that prioritize uptime, and the need to maintain a smooth workflow.
Transit Facilities
Transit facilities often operate around the clock, with vehicles moving in and out all day long. In these facilities, energy efficiency and fast cycle times are critical. Fabric doors help reduce air infiltration and keep operations moving without delays caused by slow-moving traditional overhead doors.
Fabric Door Models to Consider
Rytec offers a wide variety of fabric door choices that last longer and perform better than traditional overhead doors.
Fast-Seal®: Built for Exterior Demands
Fast-Seal doors feature thicker door panels and heavy-duty materials designed to withstand wind loads and environmental exposure with minimal downtime or maintenance needed. Their durability, speed, and patented Break-Away™ bottom bar make them well-suited for high-traffic exterior openings where reliability is critical.
PredaDoor® NXT®: America’s Leading High-Speed Fabric Door
PredaDoor NXT doors are designed to open and close quickly and reliably, making them ideal for environments that require frequent, high-speed operation. Their next-generation features include a tight perimeter seal, an advanced wireless safety system and durable components for unsurpassed performance and reliability. Paired with the System 4® door controller, the NXT Quick-Set™ repair system allows the door to be easily reset without tools to minimize door downtime. Plus, these doors can work in tandem with an existing standard overhead door as part of a two-door solution.
Bantam® Doors: Practical Solutions for Dock Areas
Bantam doors offer a cost-effective option for exterior dock openings where durability and simplicity are valued over speed. They’re a great manual or low-speed alternative for loading dock doors with low to moderate traffic and are ideal for a two-door solution.
FlexTec®: The High-Performance, Soft-Edge Door
FlexTec is the soft-edge door that features advanced technology plus the industry’s longest mechanical and panel material warranty available – assuring unmatched day in, day out durability. The soft edge virtually eliminates entrapment concerns, providing extra protection for all types of traffic to safeguard environments and ensure smooth operations.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us to discuss which high-performance fabric door is right for your facility. Learn more about Rytec’s fabric doors here.
Have Questions?
Let’s talk about how high-performance doors can help enhance your facility. Get connected with your local Rytec Regional Sales Managers.
