Frequently Asked Questions
Our Architect Design Support (ADS) team empowers you throughout the design and specification process with expert guidance, personalized support, and resources, helping you to pinpoint the most practical, design-forward solution for your commercial project.
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. Don’t see your question here? Drop us a line!
Q. What if I don’t know what product to specify?
A. Our ADS team offers expert guidance, matching you with the optimal product for your application, or you can work with them to create a custom design.
Connect with an ADS team member
Q. Do I need steel supports at the header for rolling doors?
A. No. Our rolling doors are designed with guides that support the weight of the header.
Q. I need a door for a large opening not featured in your data sheets. Can you accommodate this?
A. We certainly can! Large doors are our specialty. We often design and manufacture doors larger than our standard sizes. Plus, we have fire-rated options beyond those typically listed. Chat with an ADS team member for a custom solution.
Q. Do you provide fire doors with hour ratings?
A. Our fire doors are put through rigorous tests and are UL-listed. We offer comprehensive fire protection ratings for ¾, 1 ½, 3, and 4 hours.
Explore Fire-Rated and Smoke-Rated Products
Q. Do your standard colors have a direct RAL equivalent?
A. Our standard GalvaNex® colors are unique, so they don't have direct RAL equivalents. But no problem, you can request samples here. Plus, we have an extensive palette of over 180 RAL colors to choose from. Check out our RAL color chart to see everything we offer.
Q. What is the approximate weight of a door?
A. It depends a lot on the door type and size. But just for a general idea, a standard 10'x10' 22-gauge steel service door usually weighs around 600 lbs.
Q. Do your doors account for seismic activity or wind load?
A. Absolutely! Our doors are designed with resilience in mind for seismic considerations and can handle a standard 20 PSF wind load. For projects that need even greater performance, we can do specialized construction for higher PSF wind loads and operational wind loads on select products.
Q. I always specify operational wind load. Is that the correct approach?
A. Good question! When you're specifying operational wind load, it's very important to make sure the entire building's structure can handle those wind forces, not just the door itself.
Q. Can anyone help me with specs or drawings?
A. We have a dedicated team of architectural specialists ready to help with your project. We can even create custom specs and detailed drawings that you can drop right into your project documentation.
Q. Who do I contact if I want to order a door immediately?
A. Connect with our nationwide network of trusted Cookson commercial garage door dealers to get started.
Find your local Cookson dealer
Q. Can I earn CEUs online?
A. Yes, you can! ClopayED offers architects flexible, on-demand learning modules. You can earn your AIA-accredited continuing education units (CEUs) whenever it works best for your schedule.
