Gliderol light industrial series b electric steel steel roller shutter doors

Gliderol Series B Light Industrial Electric Roller Shutter Door

The Gliderol Series B Light Industrial Roller Shutter is a simple, economical steel roller door that offers a fundamentally different construction approach to traditional commercial shutters. Unlike conventional roller doors built from individual interlocking steel laths, the Series B features a single continuous roll-formed steel curtain, making it significantly lighter and more suited to low-risk, low-frequency applications where budget and simplicity are priorities.

Powered by a reliable, externally mounted electric drive motor, this door is perfect for sheltered openings requiring basic physical security without the cost and complexity of heavy-duty industrial shutters. The continuous steel curtain is prefinished in a range of attractive plastisol coated external finishes, offering a neat, maintenance-free appearance straight from installation.

Key Features and Construction

The Gliderol Series B is a very established, simple, but solid roller shutter door for applications where a basic, reliable roller door is all that is required. The single skin steel construction features a continuous curtain that glides smoothly in galvanised steel side channels, designed specifically to face fit to the inside of an aperture.

Unique Continuous Curtain Design

Manufactured from 0.45 mm gauge (approximately 25 swg) lightweight steel, the continuous curtain eliminates the joints and interlocking mechanisms found in traditional lath-style doors. This results in a smoother, quieter operation with fewer moving parts to maintain. The door operates using a sprung counter-balance system, which assists the side-mounted motor, reducing wear and ensuring consistent operation.

Simple Installation

Installation is straightforward, with minimal components to assemble on site. The lightweight nature of the curtain reduces handling requirements and speeds up fitting, making it an ideal choice for projects where labour time and complexity need to be minimised.

Application and Suitability

The Gliderol Industrial roller door can suit a commercial opening of up to 5000 mm wide and 4900 mm high. It is an ideal roller shutter door where:

• Daily use is less than approximately 20 operations per day
• The opening is in a sheltered, internal location away from high winds or exposed conditions
• Thermal insulation is not a requirement
• Basic security and weather protection is sufficient
• Budget constraints favour a cost-effective solution

Important Limitations

Please note: This is not a roller door for heavy-duty commercial use, exposed locations, or high-security applications. The lightweight continuous curtain design means it is not suitable for:

• Exposed external locations subject to strong winds or coastal conditions
• High-traffic commercial or industrial openings requiring frequent daily cycles
• Applications where enhanced physical security or impact resistance is required
• Between (reveal) fitting or external face mounting - this door is designed for internal face fitting only

Finish and Colour Options

The Series B is supplied with a high-quality plastisol colour coating on the external face, offering excellent weather resistance and a professional finish. A superb full range of finished colours is available, including:

• White, cream and pastel shades for commercial units
• Standard industrial colours (Goosewing Grey, Vandyke Brown, etc.)
• Corporate accent colours (Solent Blue, Leaf Green, etc.)
• Basic galvanised finish where colour matching is not required

Please note: Plastisol finishes are typically applied to the external face only, with a primer or plain finish on the internal side.

Technical Summary

• Curtain Material: 0.45 mm (25 swg) continuous roll-formed steel
• Maximum Width: Up to 5000 mm
• Maximum Height: Up to 4900 mm
• Motor: External side-mounted industrial chain/gear drive (Single phase 240V)
• Usage: Low frequency (up to 20 operations per day)
• Insulation: Non-insulated
• Installation: Internal face fit only
• Finish: Plastisol coated external face with range of colour options

The Gliderol Series B roller shutter door offers a cost-effective, lightweight security solution specifically engineered for light industrial, commercial, and large domestic garage applications. Manufactured in the UK, this continuous curtain steel door balances durability with ease of use, making it an excellent choice for workshops, storage units, and agricultural buildings where high-frequency operation is not required.

Constructed from 0.45mm gauge Plastisol coated steel, the Series B features a deeply ribbed profile that provides essential rigidity while maintaining a manageable weight. The unique broad-flute curtain design ensures smooth operation and a clean aesthetic that suits modern industrial exteriors. Unlike traditional heavy industrial shutters, the Series B utilizes a spring-balanced drum mechanism, significantly reducing the effort required for manual chain operation and allowing for the use of compact, reliable electric motors.

Available in a wide range of sizes up to 5000mm wide and 5000mm high, this made-to-measure door is supplied with 13 standard Plastisol colour finishes. The proprietary "Polyglide" nylon running strips along the guides ensure whisper-quiet friction-free movement, minimizing wear and extending the lifespan of the door components.

Important Limitations & Suitability:
This door is categorised as "Light Industrial" and is strictly designed for low-usage environments. It is rated for a maximum of 30 operations per day. Exceeding this cycle limit may lead to premature component fatigue. Furthermore, the Series B is a continuous sheet curtain (not individual slats) and is not suitable for highly exposed locations or areas subject to high wind loads. In strong winds, the lightweight curtain can "balloon" or disengage from the guides if not properly shielded. For high-traffic or exposed coastal/open sites, we strongly recommend upgrading to a heavy-duty industrial shutter or an insulated sectional door.

Key Features

• Continuous Steel Curtain: 0.45mm gauge steel with a deep-ribbed profile for strength and distinctive aesthetics.
• Lightweight Operation: Counter-balanced spring mechanism ensures easy manual chain hoisting or low-power electric operation.
• Friction-Free Movement: Patented Polyglide nylon strips reduce noise and friction within the guides.
• Weather Protection: Durable weather seal on the bottom rail prevents water ingress and debris entry.
• Secure Locking: Chain retainer for manual doors or automatic locking via the motor for electric versions.
• Finish Options: Available in 13 durable Plastisol HP200 colours to match existing cladding or branding.

Technical Specification

Installation & Sizing Notes

• Side Room: Requires minimum 75mm - 150mm side room depending on the drive side and operation method (manual/electric).
• Headroom: Requires approximately 430mm - 480mm headroom to accommodate the roll diameter, depending on door height.
• Fixing: Designed primarily for internal face fixing behind the opening. The guides and support brackets must be fixed to a structural substrate (steel, brick, or block).
• Clearance: As the drum overlaps the opening, the clear drive-through height will be less than the ordering height. Allow for the bottom rail hanging down (approx 100mm) when calculating the required opening height.

The Gliderol Series B is constructed using a unique continuous curtain system, distinct from traditional slat-based roller shutters. This design prioritises lightweight operation and durability for light industrial applications.

Curtain Construction

Operation and Drive System

The Series B is available with either manual chain hoist or electric operation. The electric version utilises a specialised industrial motor.

• Drive Method (Electric): Powered by the Glidermatic IGDU (Industrial Gliderol Drive Unit). This is a heavy-duty, side-mounted drive unit that gears directly to the door axle.
• Counterbalance: Sprung assisted drum mechanism. High-tensile helical steel springs are concealed within the curtain roll to offset the door weight, ensuring smooth operation and reducing load on the motor.
• Manual Override (Electric Models): A manual chain hoist is integrated into the motor unit to allow operation of the door during power failures.
• Chain Guide: A safety feature specifically designed for the manual override system. It prevents the hand chain from slipping or disengaging from the chain wheel, ensuring reliable operation in an emergency.
• Power Supply: 240V Single Phase (Standard UK 3-pin plug or fused spur), 13 amp rating.

Control Options (Electric Models)

The standard electric Series B door is supplied with a "Hold-to-Run" control system for safety compliance.

• Standard Control: IGDU Industrial Control Box. This is a hard-wired, wall-mounted control unit featuring push-buttons (Up/Down/Stop). It operates on a "Deadman" principle, meaning the user must keep the button pressed for the door to move. This removes the need for additional safety edge sensors.
• Remote Control (Optional Upgrade): Remote control operation is not standard. To add remote control, an upgraded control panel with a safety edge detection system (bottom slat sensor) or light grid is required to comply with UK safety regulations (BS EN 12453).

Side Guides and Framework

• Guide Channels: Galvanised steel 'U' channels (50mm wide standard, 100mm for windlock versions) designed for internal face-fixing.
• Windlocks: (Dependent on width/specification) Larger doors or those in specific locations may feature windlock clips to prevent the curtain disengaging from the guides under light wind pressure. Note: Wind resistance remains limited; not for high-wind areas.
• Fixing Substrate: Requires a flat, solid surface (steel or masonry) for fixing the side guides and head brackets.

Bottom Rail and Seals

• Bottom Rail: Reinforced aluminium bottom rail specifically designed to strengthen the curtain edge and provide a rigid barrier against intrusion.
• Weatherseal: A durable rubber weather seal is inserted into the bottom rail to minimise water ingress, draughts, and debris entering the building when the door is closed.

Colour Finishes (Plastisol)

The external face of the curtain is finished in HP200 Plastisol, a high-performance, leather-grain effect coating that offers excellent durability and weather resistance. The internal face is supplied in a standard primer finish (typically light grey/white).

Available Colours:

• White
• Black
• Anthracite Grey
• Vandyke Brown
• Olive Green
• Juniper Green
• Burgundy
• Navy Blue
• Honesty
• Goosewing Grey
• Merlin Grey
• Mahogany Woodgrain
• Golden Oak Woodgrain

Installation Guidance: Gliderol Series B

Installation instructions provided with every door ordered.

Critical Ordering & Sizing Information

Unlike standard domestic garage doors, the Gliderol Series B requires precise calculation of the "Ordering Width" based on your structural opening.

• Ordering Width Calculation: This is the Daylight Opening Width + 100mm.
  (Example: If your structural opening is 3000mm wide, you must order a door width of 3100mm. This allows for the necessary 50mm curtain overlap on each side.)
• Ordering Height: This refers to the height of the Guide Rails only.
  (Note: The curtain roll will sit above this height. Do not include the roll box size in your ordering height.)

Space Requirements (Headroom & Side Room)

To ensure a successful installation, you must confirm you have sufficient clearance around the opening before ordering.

Installation Notes

• Face Fix Only: The Series B is designed to be installed to the internal face of the opening. It cannot be installed within the reveal unless a specific timber or steel sub-frame is created to mimic a face-fix scenario.
• Structural Integrity: The support brackets carry the entire weight of the door. Ensure the wall (brick, block, or steel) is sound and capable of holding the load.
• Level is Critical: The support brackets must be perfectly level with each other. Use a water level or laser level. If the brackets are not level, the curtain will cone (telescope) and the door will not operate correctly.
• Curtain Tension: The door relies on a spring-balanced drum. The initial tension is critical for smooth operation. Do not cut the binding straps on the curtain roll until the axle is securely mounted in the brackets and tension has been applied as per the manual.

• Light Industrial/Commercial use - 10 years corrosion free on door panel excludes paint surface rubbing or fading..
1 year on the lock and face plate, spring, bottom roller, weatherseal and polyglide, if fitted by an authorised Gliderol Distributor or Gliderol Technician.

• Industrial/Commercial use - 1 year on the lock and face plate, spring, bottom roller, weatherseal and polyglide, if fitted by an authorised Gliderol Distributor or Gliderol Technician.

The manufacturer strongly recommends that all Gliderol products be serviced by an authorised Gliderol Distributor or Gliderol Technician every 12 months to ensure longevity of the products’ life. Failure to do this may result in any warranty being invalid.
Warranties of 2 years electrical, 6 years mechanical and 10 years paint finish apply to all Gliderol doors (except Mini Roller Garage Doors).

PRODUCT WARRANTY CONDITIONS
Warranty Conditions
1. Subject to the under mentioned specific limitations and exceptions, the Manufacturer warrants all new doors, motors and electronic components of its
manufacture to be free from defect in workmanship under normal use and service and further warrants all installation carried out by the Manufacturer or by its nominated installers to be free from defects and workmanship its obligations hereunder being limited to making good any such defect PROVIDED THAT notice of any claimed defect in material workmanship in or resulting from installation of any door shall have been given to the Manufacturer within the period from date of installation as prescribed in the schedule hereto.
2. This warranty does not apply to any defect, loss or damage arising or caused directly or indirectly by or as a result of;
(i) Any masonry rendered or other surfaces cracking or collapsing during installation of the door.
(ii) Any defect or deterioration of timber including drying out after installation.
(iii) Any weakening or collapse of the structure to which the doors are affixed occurring any time after installation.
(iv) Any damage to or deterioration in the condition of the doors occurring in transit by customer nominated or appointed carrier or occurring after delivery and prior to installation.
(v) Any defect (including defects in component parts or accessories) rising from or attributable to the failure to carry out normal preventive maintenance or adjustment.
(vi) To any additional defect damage or deterioration arising from or attributable to the operation of the door after it is known to be defective.
(vii) Any door being installed within 800 metres of the sea or other body of water of equivalent or greater salt concentration or in an area subject to industrial fall out.
(viii) Any fault or surge in customer’s electricity supply.
(x) The door striking an immovable object during travel.
(xi) Garage doors should be inspected upon delivery and viewed in natural light (not direct sunlight) from a standard distance of 3 metres to view their overall appearance. From this distance the door panel should appear free from marks or distortion, stains, blemishes, indentations or scuffs. If any marks are only visible within 3 metres they will not be considered under warranty.
3. Items excluded from warranty;
(i) Batteries
(ii) Fuses
(iii) Globes
(iv) Sensitivity adjustments
(iiv) Minor factory repairs
4. While Gliderol doors are long lasting and hard wearing under normal conditions this warranty does not extend to inherent defects in steel or other material used in the manufacture. The Manufacturer will however, procure and assign to the customer the benefit of the warranty of the manufacturer of the steel or other material.
5. If Manufacturer has at request of customer procured painting, powder-coating or other surface application to its product this warranty does not extend to such painting, powder-coating or other surface application. For this purpose Manufacturer at all times acts as agent of customer. Manufacturer may as a
service to the customer but without any legal obligation to do so, assist customer to obtain redress in respect of any defect.
6. The Manufacturer reserves the right to touch up on site the paint finish and or pre-painted surfaces on its range of garage doors but no responsibility will be taken for the possibility of any paint rubs, scuffing etc on the internal wash coat finish or external painted surface.
7. Proof of purchase MUST be provided to the manufacturer at time of warranty claim. If proof is not available any warranty may be invalid.

Measuring and Ordering Guide

Important: The Gliderol Series B is designed for Internal Face Fixing only. The measurements you provide will be the manufacturing size of the door, not the size of your opening. Please follow the steps below carefully.

1. Calculating the Ordering Width

The Ordering Width for this door is the Total Width Over the Guides. To calculate this, you must measure your daylight structural opening and add an overlap for the guides.

• Measure: Measure your structural opening width in three places (top, middle, bottom).
• Select: Take the widest of these three dimensions.
• Calculate: Add 100mm to this dimension.

Formula: Widest Structural Opening + 100mm = Ordering Width

Example: If your structural opening is 4000mm wide, your Ordering Width is 4100mm.

Why add 100mm? This provides a 50mm overlap on each side, which is required to accommodate the width of the guides and the fixing lugs are an additional width requirement - see below .

2. Side Room Requirements (Clearance)

While the guides only overlap the wall by 50mm on each side, you must ensure you have sufficient physical space adjacent to the opening to accommodate the drive mechanism and mounting brackets.

• Motor/Chain Side: Requires between 150mm - 225mm clearance (depending on door height and mechanism type).
• Non-Drive Side: Requires approximately 75mm - 100mm clearance.

Motor Handling: The side of operation (Left or Right) is always chosen as viewed from inside looking out.

3. Determining the Ordering Height

The Ordering Height for the Series B is the Guide Height only. It represents the length of the side runners.

• Warning: The Ordering Height does NOT include the roller curtain roll located above the guides.
• Headroom Required: You must ensure you have sufficient headroom above the top of the guides for the door curtain to roll up into. This varies between 460mm and 530mm depending on the total height of the door.

Example: If you order a height of 3000mm, you will receive 3000mm long guides. The total space required from floor to ceiling will be 3000mm + approx. 480mm for the roll.