Sectional garage doors, often called panel lift doors, are one of the most popular choices for new Melbourne homes. Here's how they work and why so many people choose them.

The main parts

  • Panels: the door is made of horizontal panels (usually four or five) joined by hinges, so it can bend as it moves.
  • Rollers and tracks: rollers on each side of every panel run in vertical tracks beside the opening, then curve into horizontal tracks along the ceiling.
  • Springs: torsion springs above the opening (or extension springs along the tracks) counterbalance the weight of the door. That's why a well-balanced sectional door feels light when lifted by hand.
  • Cables and drums: steel cables connect the bottom of the door to drums on the spring shaft, transferring the springs' force to the door.
  • Motor: a ceiling-mounted motor pulls a trolley along a rail attached to the top panel. A red manual release cord disconnects the trolley during a blackout.

How it opens

When you press the remote, the motor drives the trolley back along the rail. The springs do most of the lifting, the panels hinge as they reach the curve in the track, and the door finishes up parallel to the ceiling, out of the way and inside the garage.

Advantages

  • Driveway space: the door doesn't swing out, so you can park close to it.
  • Low headroom options: many sectional doors need only around 250mm between the top of the opening and the ceiling.
  • Insulation and sealing: solid panels and perimeter seals keep out draughts, dust and noise, and insulated panels add thermal comfort.
  • Design choice: smooth, ribbed, grooved, timber look, windowed and glass designs in a wide range of Colorbond colours.
  • Security: the door is held firmly in its tracks and is difficult to force.

Things to consider

  • Sectional doors usually cost more than a standard roller door.
  • The horizontal tracks use ceiling space, which can affect overhead storage.
  • Springs and cables need a professional service about once a year.

Is a sectional door right for you?

Sectional doors suit modern homes, garages attached to the house, garages used as living or work space, and anyone who wants a wide choice of designs. Explore our sectional door range or visit our Dandenong showroom to see them in action.