A Guide to Wicket Doors in Roller-Shutters & Sectional Overhead Doors Wicket doors, also known as wicket gates, are integral personnel doors set into roller-shutters or sectional overhead doors. If your building lacks a separate personnel door, wicket doors are an ideal solution, providing a convenient method of entry without the need to raise the main shutter. This article explores the uses, benefits, installation, and safety considerations of wicket gates, particularly in industrial and commercial settings. Uses of wicket doors Wicket gates are very versatile; they can be incorporated into various types of doors, including roller-shutters, sectional overhead doors, and even – though less commonly – folding doors. They can be seen in any building where there’s a large aperture, such as: Warehouses Factories Industrial units Commercial units Benefits of wicket doors Convenience Wicket doors offer ease of access, eliminating the need to raise the entire roller-door for foot traffic. This is particularly useful in buildings where there’s limited wall space to install a separate personnel door. Insulation Some companies offer wicket doors that are insulated to match the main roller-door. In our experience, however, although insulated wicket doors do help to reduce heat loss, contributing to energy efficiency, the thickness of the insulated laths can hinder the operation of the door itself. We have, in fact, on one occasion, been asked to remove an insulated door that another company installed! Safety and Security In the right circumstances, where no other personnel door is available, wicket doors can serve as fire exits when equipped with panic latches or push pads. They can also include external locking devices with override features for emergency external access. However, as wicket doors can sometimes be quite narrow, with a threshold that must be stepped over, they may not be suitable where large groups of people need to be safely managed out of a building (such as a retail premises), and they won't cater for the needs of wheelchair users. A chat with a fire safety consultant is recommended if you plan to use a wicket gate as a fire exit.