SIDE SLIDING SECTIONAL GARAGE DOORS

How a side sliding sectional garage door works

A side sliding sectional door is made up of vertical timber panels suspended from a top track that runs parallel to the internal garage wall. The panels move laterally and stack to one side of the opening rather than lifting.

At floor level the panels are guided by either a traditional u-channel with drainage facilities or a surface mounted T-bar. The choice affects threshold detailing and water management, so it should be settled early.

There is no ceiling-mounted track, no counterbalance lifting mechanism and no external headroom requirement above the opening. Operation can be manual or automated. Our systems conform to BS EN 13241-1, the standard covering industrial, commercial and garage doors.

Benefits of side sliding sectional doors

Side sliding sectional doors are a preferred choice on high-end projects due to their versatility and practicality.

They allow for curved or unusually shaped openings, making them suitable for heritage properties or bespoke new builds. Their lateral operation avoids the need for lifting mechanisms, meaning less mechanical stress and a longer operational lifespan.

They also enable partial opening, offering convenient pedestrian access without fully opening the door – an important consideration for everyday functionality.

From a design perspective, side sliding doors contribute to a more integrated, seamless aesthetic. They can be custom-built to match building materials or architectural intent, whether traditional or contemporary.

The flexibility they offer at the design and installation stage often reduces the compromises typically required with standard garage door systems.

Another benefit of sectional garage doors is their ease of integration with automation. They are inherently easier to automate than many traditional doors due to their balanced and stable motion.

This feature makes them compatible with various automatic opener systems, adding convenience and enhanced accessibility. View more on our range of automation solutions here.

When side sliding suits the project

Side sliding sectional systems are usually specified where an overhead system will not work or will compromise the design. The common cases are:

• Restricted headroom. Low lintels, exposed steelwork, service runs or vaulted ceilings above the opening.
• Accommodation above the garage. Habitable space, a first floor slab or a plant area where ceiling tracks cannot be accommodated.
• Curved or arched openings. The track can follow a non-linear façade line, which fixed-module overhead systems cannot do.
• Wide openings. Panels stack laterally, so span is limited by available side room rather than by lifting capacity.
• Everyday usability. Partial opening allows pedestrian access without operating the full door.

Lateral movement also places less mechanical stress on the system than a lifting mechanism, which supports a longer operational life on large or heavy timber panels.

Specification considerations for architects

Structural opening and side room

Confirm the clear structural opening dimensions, the available run-off length and the substrate the top track will fix into.

Track support and fixing loads should be coordinated with the structural engineer, particularly on masonry openings, timber frame or where the fixing zone falls close to a lintel bearing.

Floor detailing and drainage

The u-channel option sets a recessed channel into the slab with drainage. The T-bar is surface mounted and sits proud of the floor finish. Each has different implications for threshold level, driveway falls, surface water run-off and vehicle crossing.

Getting it into the floor build-up and external levels drawings at technical design avoids a compromise later.

Thermal and acoustic performance

Panels are constructed with double skin timber insulation. Where the garage forms part of the heated envelope, panel construction, perimeter seals and installation tolerances all contribute to the U-value and airtightness figures used for Part L compliance.

Where the garage adjoins habitable rooms, the mass of the timber panels combined with acoustic seals contributes to sound insulation, which is relevant to Part E on attached and converted properties.

Automation and power

Drive units and control gear sit on the internal face of the door, so the external timber remains visually uninterrupted. Automation requires a dedicated power supply, which needs to be on the electrical layout early rather than added as a variation.

Powered doors also require obstacle detection and safe-edge protection. Systems can be linked to remote transmitters, smartphone control and wider smart home platforms. Our automation options cover retrofit as well as new installations.

Timber ranges and finishes available

Rundum Meir offers a wide selection of the highest quality timbers and finishes to meet different project requirements. Timber options include Spruce, Hemlock, Larch, Oak, Sapele and other sustainably sourced species, all of which can be finished to match external joinery or cladding.

We source a range of hardwoods and softwoods depending on client’s requirements and the architectural vision. Generally, hardwoods have a darker appearance and denser woodgrain pattern as these trees take longer to grow.

Importantly, we construct each door from the same piece of timber to ensure colour continuity and matching veining patterns.

The appeal of timber in residential architectural designs is deeply rooted in its inherent beauty and the warmth it adds to spaces. Unlike synthetic materials, timber matures and evolves, developing a rich visual appeal that adds character and depth to the architectural design.

Timber has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it a strong material to use for garage doors that is relatively easy to work with during the manufacturing and installation stages.

Every door is made to order and can be stained, painted, or coated to suit the desired finish. Whether the goal is to blend seamlessly with the façade or make a bold architectural statement, we provide the flexibility to achieve it.

Side sliding sectional garage door project – TrägerHAUS, Glasgow

The TrägerHAUS bespoke family home in Glasgow integrates our elegant side sliding sectional garage door, in its bold architectural design.

Named one of the top 100 houses in Scotland since 2000 by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), the house beautifully combines bespoke craftsmanship and contemporary architecture.

Situated on a sloping plot within the Upper Whitecraigs Conservation Area, this award-winning residence by HAUS-Collective required a garage door solution that complemented its modern design while adhering to conservation guidelines.

To meet these requirements, a fully automated side sliding sectional garage door, crafted from Siberian Larch, was selected. This choice ensured consistency with the property’s timber cladding and harmonised with the Caithness stone masonry, contributing to the home’s cohesive aesthetic .

The door’s design features vertical panels suspended from a top track, allowing it to glide smoothly along the garage’s interior wall. This mechanism not only preserves ceiling space but also enhances the garage’s usability.

The automation provides effortless operation, reflecting the high-quality standards evident throughout the TrägerHAUS.

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