Choosing the Right Hangar Door System: Sliding vs. Vertical-Lifting

When designing an aircraft hangar, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right door system. Whether you’re building a hangar for narrow-body or wide-body aircraft, the door type directly impacts the building’s usability, performance, and long-term efficiency.

At Spantech, we combine deep industry expertise with innovative modular construction to deliver turnkey aviation solutions that meet your operational needs. Here’s a closer look at the two main hangar door systems: sliding (bottom-rolling) and vertical-lifting and how to choose the one that’s right for your project.

Sliding (Bottom-Rolling) Doors

Horizontal movement, high performance

Sliding doors consist of rigid panels that move horizontally along a bottom track and are guided by a top rail. This system is widely used for large aircraft hangars and offers a robust, customisable solution.

Key advantages:

• Superior insulation: With insulated panels and proper sealing, sliding doors offer better thermal performance. Ideal for hangars requiring controlled interior climates.
• Architectural flexibility: Choose from a wide variety of finishes and materials to match your hangar’s design.
• Adaptable for multi-bay hangars: Doors can be stacked or operated independently, making them highly flexible for complex layouts.
• Structural efficiency: Loads are distributed through the ground rather than suspended from the roof, which reduces structural demands on the hangar frame.

Points to consider:

• Higher initial cost: Advanced motorisation systems and custom-built panels make sliding doors more costly upfront.
• Maintenance needs: Bottom tracks must be kept clear of debris, ice, and snow to avoid malfunctions.
• Space requirement: You’ll need a designated stacking area (“door garage”) to house the panels when open, especially relevant in single-bay hangars.

Vertical-Lifting Doors

Compact, cost-efficient, and easy to install

Vertical-lifting systems, including bifold, hydraulic, or fabric lift doors, open upward and stay suspended above the entrance. These systems are ideal when lateral space is limited or cost efficiency is a top priority.

Key advantages:

• Lower investment: Vertical doors are generally more economical to install than sliding systems.
• Minimal ground maintenance: No floor tracks means fewer disruptions and easier upkeep.
• Space-saving design: Their compact footprint makes them a practical choice for single-bay hangars and constrained sites.

Points to consider:

• Reduced insulation: While insulation is possible, these systems typically offer lower thermal performance compared to rigid sliding panels.
• Structural requirements: Loads are transferred to the top of the structure, which may require reinforced frames.

Emergency access: Vertical systems often rely on powered operation, so backup mechanisms are needed in case of power failure.

What’s Right for Your Hangar?

Both systems are proven, widely adopted, and compatible with Spantech’s modular MRO hangars and aviation structures. The optimal choice depends on several factors:

• Climate control requirements
• Site constraints
• Aesthetic and architectural vision
• Operational layout (single vs. multi-bay)
• Budget and long-term maintenance strategy

Our team is here to help you navigate these decisions and build a high-performance hangar tailored to your needs.

• - Share this article: