Hormann ALR F42: The "Display Window" Industrial Door
The Hormann ALR F42 Glazing is more than just an industrial door; it is a moving glass façade designed to turn your building into a 24-hour showroom. Unlike standard glazed doors that are broken up by vertical support rails, the ALR F42 features expansive, clear window sections that run the full width of the panel (up to 3330mm wide), creating a stunning, uninterrupted view.
Ideally suited for high-end car dealerships, yacht brokers, and retail frontages, this door removes the visual barrier between your products and your customers. The use of real glass ensures optical clarity superior to synthetic alternatives, maintaining a premium look that stays scratch-free and transparent for the long term.
Key Features & Benefits
- Unobstructed View: No vertical rails on widths up to 3330mm for a clean, panoramic display effect.
- Real Glass Clarity: Uses laminated safety glass for a showroom-quality finish that resists scratching and clouding.
- Versatile Sizing: Available in widths up to 5500mm and heights up to 4000mm to suit most commercial openings.
- Thermal Performance: Upgrade to Climatic Double Glazing and ThermoFrame technology for U-values as low as 2.6 W/m²K.
Technical Specifications
- Max Width: 5500mm
- Max Height: 4000mm
- Standard Glazing: Single pane laminated safety glass (U-Value: 6.1 W/m²K)
- High-Performance Glazing: Climatic double pane safety glass (U-Value: 2.7 W/m²K)
- Enhanced Insulation: Optional ThermoFrame reduces thermal bridging, achieving U-values down to 2.6 W/m²K.
Transform your secure storage into a sales asset with the ALR F42.
- Description
- Application
- Specification
- Installation
- Measure
Fully Glazed Sections for Unobstructed Views
The Hormann ALR F42 Glazing represents a specialised fully-glazed sectional door solution where maximum visibility and uninterrupted sightlines are paramount. Featuring door sections manufactured entirely from glass panels without vertical frame divisions, this door creates spectacular transparent facades ideal for premium vehicle showrooms, retail environments, and architectural applications where the door itself becomes a design feature whilst maintaining industrial-grade functionality.
Uninterrupted Glazing Design
Ideal Showroom Applications
Opening Dimensions
The ALR F42 Glazing accommodates opening widths up to 5500mm and heights up to 4000mm. These dimensions suit typical showroom and retail applications whilst maintaining the structural integrity required for frameless glazed panel construction. The size limitations reflect the additional structural demands of fully glazed sections without intermediate vertical supports.
Glazing Specifications
Standard single-pane laminated safety glass provides basic thermal performance with U-values around 6.1 W/(m²·K) for a 5000 x 5000mm door. Optional climatic double-pane glazing manufactured from single-pane safety glass significantly improves thermal performance to approximately 2.7 W/(m²·K), making the door suitable for heated showroom environments where energy efficiency considerations are important.
Optional ThermoFrame technology further enhances thermal performance to approximately 2.6 W/(m²·K), providing additional energy efficiency for premium installations.
Acoustic Performance
Aluminium Frame Construction
The aluminium horizontal frames provide structural support whilst maintaining narrow sightlines. The frames accommodate substantial glazing weight whilst ensuring secure glass retention and effective weather sealing. Standard anodised E6/C0 finish provides corrosion resistance and contemporary metallic appearance, with RAL powder coating options available for colour-matched specification.
Weather Performance
Despite fully glazed construction, the ALR F42 Glazing achieves respectable weather resistance. Class 3 wind load resistance (120 km/h) ensures stability in exposed locations. Class 3 watertightness (70 Pa) provides effective rain exclusion. Class 2 air permeability controls infiltration. Comprehensive sealing around glazing perimeters and between sections maintains weather protection.
Operation Considerations
Given the glazing weight and size, electric operation is standard specification. Industrial-grade operators sized for glass weight provide reliable automated operation. Soft-start and soft-stop functionality reduces stress on glazing units, extending service life and reducing maintenance requirements.
Safety Features
Comprehensive safety systems include finger trap protection, side trap guards, and spring break safeguards. The laminated safety glass specification provides additional safety benefits, maintaining panel integrity in breakage situations. Electric operators incorporate obstacle detection preventing contact injuries.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The smooth glass surfaces enable straightforward cleaning with standard glass cleaning products. Regular cleaning maintains optical clarity and professional appearance. The durable glass resists scratching and maintains appearance over extended periods, reducing long-term maintenance costs compared to alternative materials that may require periodic replacement.
Architectural Integration
The ALR F42 Glazing enables architectural designs where building facades transition seamlessly between fixed glazing and door openings. The door's transparent appearance creates visual continuity, making the door opening almost invisible within overall building composition when closed, whilst providing full-width access when open.
Key Specification Summary
The Ultimate "Shop Window" Door
The Hormann ALR F42 Glazing is designed for one specific purpose: to remove the visual barrier between your business and your customer. By utilising a frame-led construction with extensive, real glass panels, this door transforms a functional industrial opening into a premium display case.
For UK businesses where kerb appeal translates directly to sales, the ALR F42 offers a unique advantage: it provides the thermal and security benefits of a sectional door without hiding your stock behind solid steel.
High-End Car Dealerships
In the competitive UK automotive market, your showroom needs to work for you 24/7.
- Why it works: The "real glass" panels offer optical clarity far superior to standard acrylic, ensuring that prestige vehicles look just as good from the pavement as they do on the forecourt. The large glazing sections allow potential buyers to view your latest models even when the dealership is closed, turning your secure night-time storage into an illuminated display case.
Retail & Commercial Frontages
For "industrial chic" retail spaces, coffee roasteries, or artisan bakeries often found in converted units or new-build commercial pods.
- Why it works: It acts as a moving glass wall. During the day, the door can be raised to open the space completely to the outside, inviting footfall. In winter or at night, it lowers to form a secure, weather-tight glass façade that keeps the interior warm without blocking the view of your interior design or products.
Modern Fire Stations & Depots
Visibility is a critical safety factor for emergency services vehicles leaving a bay.
- Why it works: The floor-to-ceiling glazing gives drivers a full view of the apron before they even start the engine, preventing accidents with pedestrians. It also allows natural light to flood the appliance bay, reducing the need for harsh artificial lighting and creating a better working environment for the crew.
Vehicle MOT & Detailing Centres
For detailing studios and high-end workshops where the quality of work needs to be seen to be appreciated.
- Why it works: The DURATEC synthetic glazing (standard) or optional real glass offers extreme scratch resistance. This is vital in environments where grit and road salts are present, ensuring the door doesn't become cloudy or opaque over time. It allows customers to see the care being taken with their vehicles, building trust and adding value to your service.
Agricultural & Equestrian Showrooms
For sellers of tractors, ATVs, or horseboxes who need large access doors but want to move away from the "dark shed" aesthetic.
- Why it works: The ALR F42 handles widths up to 5500mm, easily accommodating agricultural machinery. The glazing breaks down the barrier between the outdoor yard and the indoor showroom, allowing you to display large inventory securely while protecting it from the British weather.
Key Application Benefits
- Uninterrupted View: Large glazing fields with minimal profile visibility.
- Scratch Resistance: DURATEC glazing stays clear wash after wash.
- Thermal Efficiency: Optional ThermoFrame improves insulation by up to 15%, ideal for heated showrooms.
- Modern Aesthetic: The aluminium frame (anodised E6/EV1) offers a clean, architectural finish that suits contemporary commercial buildings.
Technical Highlights
The Hormann ALR F42 series represents the pinnacle of aluminium industrial sectional doors, designed for applications where visual impact is paramount. The Vitraplan model offers a unique "flush-fitting" aesthetic with concealed frame profiles, while the Glazing model delivers maximum transparency for showroom environments.
- Vitraplan: Features tinted glazing mounted flush to the frame profile for a sleek, continuous glass appearance.
- Glazing: Offers "real glass" window fields for superior optical clarity and scratch resistance compared to standard acrylics.
Performance & Specification Data
| 1. Wind Load Resistance (EN 12424) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Class (Standard Door) | Vitraplan: 3 6) |
Glazing: 3 6) |
| 2. Weather Tightness | ||
|---|---|---|
| Water Tightness (EN 12425) |
Vitraplan: 3 (70 Pa) |
Glazing: 3 (70 Pa) |
| Air Permeability (EN 12426) |
Vitraplan: 2 8) |
Glazing: 2 8) |
| 3. Insulation Performance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic (dB) (EN 717-1) |
Vitraplan: 23 dB |
Glazing: 30 dB 1) |
| Thermal (U-Value) Based on 5x5m door |
Vitraplan: 3.2 W/m²K |
Glazing: 6.1 W/m²K |
| With ThermoFrame | 3.0 W/m²K | – |
| 4. Dimensions & Design | ||
|---|---|---|
| Profile Depth | Vitraplan: 42 mm |
Glazing: 67 mm |
| Max Width | 6000 mm | 5500 mm |
| Max Height | 7500 mm | 4000 mm |
Key Notes:
- 1) With optional double pane single-pane safety glass.
- 6) Class 3 = Approx. 120 km/h wind resistance (0.7 kN/m²).
- 8) Class 2 = 12 m³/m²h air permeability.
- – = Not Available / Not Applicable.
Professional Installation Mandatory
The Hormann ALR F42 is a precision-engineered architectural door system. Unlike standard steel doors, this model features expansive glazing fields (often real glass) supported by an aluminium framework. Due to the significant weight of the glazing and the high-tension spring mechanisms required to lift it, installation must only be carried out by a qualified industrial door engineer.
Why Specialist Fitting is Critical
- Handling Glazing: The ALR F42 is significantly heavier than a standard foam-filled door. Mishandling during installation can cause stress fractures in the glazing or misalignment of the aluminium profiles, ruining the visual finish.
- High-Tension Springs: The torsion spring assembly is under extreme tension to counterbalance the weight of the glass. Attempting to tension these springs without the correct tools and training is dangerous.
- Thermal & Weather Seals: To achieve the quoted U-values and water tightness, the frame must be installed with millimetre-perfect precision. Any twisting in the frame will compromise the seals and the smooth running of the rollers.
Site Readiness Checklist
To ensure a smooth installation, please ensure the following site conditions are met before the engineering team arrives:
- Structural Opening: The opening must be finished, structural, and capable of bearing the load. Steelwork or solid masonry is required for fixing the vertical tracks.
- Level Floor: This is critical for the ALR F42. If the floor is uneven, the extensive horizontal glazing lines will visually highlight the discrepancy, and the door may not seal correctly.
- Clear Access: A scissor lift or tower scaffold is typically required for safe installation at height. The floor area must be clear of debris.
- Power Supply: For electric operation (e.g., WA 300 / WA 400 operators), a suitable fused isolator (single-phase or 3-phase depending on specification) must be installed within 1 metre of the motor position.
Installation by non-qualified personnel will void the manufacturer's warranty and may breach Health & Safety regulations regarding industrial doors (EN 13241-1).
Assessing Building Suitability
Unlike standard steel industrial doors, the Hormann ALR F42 requires specific internal conditions to accommodate its weight and extensive glazing. Before ordering, please verify the following key structural aspects of your building.
1. Internal Headroom (Lintel Space)
The tracks curve upwards immediately behind the opening lintel. You must have clear, unobstructed space here.
- Standard Lift: Requires approx. 450mm - 500mm clear headroom.
- High Lift: If you have a high ceiling, "High Lift" tracks can take the door straight up before turning, keeping it clear of lights or cranes.
- Obstructions: Check for steel beams, heater pipes, or lighting trunking in the first 1000mm back from the lintel.
2. Structural Integrity (Fixing Surface)
The vertical tracks carry the full weight of the door and the tension of the springs. The fixing surface must be substantial.
- Material: Solid brickwork, concrete block, or structural steelwork is essential.
- Partition Walls: Lightweight stud partitions or thermalite blocks are not suitable for fixing this heavy-duty door without significant steel reinforcement.
- Sideroom: You generally need 150mm clear space each side for the tracks, plus an additional 250mm on one side for the electric shaft operator.
3. Depth into Building (Backroom)
The door tracks back into the room when open. This area must be kept clear.
- Calculation: Ensure you have a clear depth equal to the Door Height + 500mm.
- Clash Check: Look out for roof trusses, suspended gas heaters, or skylights that might conflict with the horizontal tracks or the motor assembly.
4. Floor Level Criticality
For the ALR F42 Glazing, a level floor is more critical than for any other door type.
- Visual Alignment: Because the door is essentially a grid of glass, any slope in the floor will cause the horizontal glazing bars to look misaligned with the lintel or ground, ruining the aesthetic.
- Sealing: The bottom rubber seal can accommodate roughly 10-15mm of variance. Beyond this, you may see daylight gaps or experience water ingress.
