A simple, high quality, electric aluminium roller garage door designed for single width garages up to 3m wide. This model is specifically recommended when remote control operation is not necessary and you have reliable access to the garage interior.
Using high quality 55mm double-skinned insulated slat sections, the GDO ROLL 55 is a compact roller door that maximises headroom and drive-through height. Electrically operated using a 240V single phase internal tube motor, the door is controlled via a wall-mounted control board with straightforward 'Up' and 'Down' buttons. Because the buttons are held for the duration of operation (hold-to-run), there's no need for beams or safety edge sensor systems, making it fully compliant but simpler and easier to install and set up.
- 2 year Warranty as standard
- Made to Measure sizes as standard
- 15 colours to choose from
- NO REMOTE CONTROLS - SIMPLE PUSH BUTTON AS STANDARD
GDO ROLL 55 Electric Roller Garage Door (Full Hood Version)
The GDO ROLL 55 Full Hood model is a simple, high quality, electric aluminium roller garage door designed for single width garages. It is the perfect choice for homeowners who want the ease of electric operation without the need for remote controls or complex electronics.
This door is specifically designed for properties where the garage is integral to the house or has a separate pedestrian access door. In these situations, access to the internal control panel is guaranteed and often part of the daily routine, making a simple wall-mounted button the most practical and reliable solution.
Why choose the Full Hood version?
This model comes complete with a Full Hood cover as standard. Unlike the half hood version, this fully encloses the curtain roll on all sides. This offers the very best weather protection for the curtain and mechanism, prevents dust and dirt settling on the roll, and provides a much neater, finished appearance inside the garage.
Simple, reliable operation
Controlled by a hold-to-run wall-mounted control box, this door is incredibly easy to use. You simply press and hold the button to open or close the door. Because the operator is in full control of the movement, there is no need for sensitive safety edges or beams, making the system simpler, more robust, and easier to install.
An external key switch can also be added (hard-wired) to allow operation from outside if required.
Compact and space-saving
Using high-quality 55mm double-skinned insulated slats, the GDO ROLL 55 is a compact roller door designed to save space. The tight coil and small 205mm roll box mean you maximize your drive-through height and headroom, making it ideal for garages with limited space above the opening.
Insulated and finished to last
The foam-filled aluminium slats provide thermal insulation to help keep your garage warmer and reduce noise. The door is available in 3 popular stock colours as standard, with a further 12 premium colours available for a small surcharge. Uniquely, the guides, endplates, and full hood cover are supplied finished in the same colour as your chosen curtain, ensuring a fully coordinated look.
Made to measure quality
Every door is manufactured in the UK to your exact size requirements up to a maximum ordering width of 3000mm (including guides) and a guide height of 2225mm (plus the 205mm roll box).
Secure and practical
For peace of mind, an internal manual override winding handle is included as standard. This facility is built into the motor drive (located on the same side as the motor) and allows you to open and close the door manually in the event of a power failure.
UK manufacturing excellence
GDO insulated roller doors are manufactured in the UK by SWS (AlluGuard), a leading supplier with decades of experience. This ensures that only the highest quality materials and production techniques are used, while the simplified design keeps costs competitive without compromising on reliability.
The GDO ROLL 55 allows you to customise the finish and operation to suit your specific installation requirements.
Installation position
This door is designed for internal face fit situations only, where the door guides are fitted to the inside face of the garage opening and the roll sits behind the lintel.
Door colour finish
Select your curtain colour from 13 high-quality finishes:
Standard colours (no surcharge):
- White (RAL 9016)
- Black (RAL 9005)
- Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016)
Premium colours (small surcharge applies):
- Brown (RAL 8014)
- Cream (RAL 9001)
- Graphite
- Heritage Green (RAL 6009)
- Light Grey (RAL 7038)
- Steel Blue (RAL 5011)
- Duck Egg Blue
- Chartwell Green
- Navy Blue (RAL 5003)
- Burgundy (RAL 3004)
Guide rails and full hood cover colour
The 60mm wide guide rails, full hood cover and end plates are supplied in White or Dark Brown as standard to match or contrast with your door. Alternatively, you can choose to have them powder-coated to match the door curtain colour for a fully coordinated look.
Motor side and manual override
You can choose the side for the electric motor drive (left or right, as viewed from inside looking out). The internal manual override winding system is built into the motor, so the winding eye will always be located on the same side as the motor.
External manual override (Optional)
If your garage has no other access door (side or rear personnel door), the external manual override is an essential safety option. This lockable device is fitted to the outside wall and allows you to wind the door up manually from the outside in the event of a power failure. Without this, you would be unable to open the door if the power goes out.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: For all doors manufactured after 1st December 2025, we’ve improved the way the curtain attaches to the axle to ensure a tighter, cleaner coil. By removing the axle collars, we’ve created extra space inside the box for a neater finish. Additionally, we’ve introduced felt lining on the attachment straps to help reduce marking on the back of the curtain over time.
The GDO ROLL 55 is constructed from high quality 55mm deep double-skinned aluminium slats with a foam-filled insulated core. It is a made-to-measure, 240V, tube motor operated, electric roller garage door, manufactured to the exact millimetre in width and height.
Operation and Controls
The door is electrically operated as standard via a 240V internal tube motor. It is controlled by a hard-wired, wall-mounted control panel featuring:
- Hold to Run Up: Press and hold to open the door fully.
- Hold to Run Down: Press and hold the button until the door closes fully.
- Stop Button: Stops the door at any point during travel.
Manual Override
An internal emergency manual release is included for use in a power failure. This uses a winding handle (provided) which hooks into the eye of the motor drive. The position of this eye is determined by the motor side (left or right as viewed from inside).
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| Hand crank | Lined guide | ZF Lock | Barrel | safety brake |
Dimensions and Headroom
The curtain rolls around a steel barrel supported by steel endplates measuring 205mm x 205mm. This dimension is the headroom required if you wish to fully hide the roll behind the lintel.
Always allow for approximately 110mm of curtain ‘hang down’ when the door is fully open. This reduces the drive-through height slightly and is standard for all roller garage doors.
Ordering Sizes and Guides
- Ordering Size: The door is ordered by the Over Guide Width (OGW) x Guide Height (GH).
- Guide Height: This is the height of the guides only and does not include the 205mm endplate/box size above it.
- Guides: The door guides are 60mm wide and 34mm deep.
- Brush Seals: Newly updated guides feature integrated brush seals to make operation quieter and improve weather sealing.
Sizing Calculations
- Clear Opening Width = Ordering Size (Over Guide Width) minus 120mm (2 x 60mm guides).
- Clear Opening Height = Guide Height minus approx. 90mm (allowance for bottom slat hang-down).
- Total Height = Guide Height + 205mm (Endplate/Box/Hood).
Maximum Sizes
- Maximum Width (including guides): 3000mm
- Maximum Guide Height: 2225mm (giving a Total Height of 2430mm including the 205mm box)
Installation Position
The door can be fitted BEHIND (face fixed) or INBETWEEN (reveal fixed) the structural opening. However, you must always ensure your ordering dimensions take into account the width of the guides and the height of the endplates/hood.
- Behind the opening: Recommended for maximum drive-through width and height. Practical for 4x4s or larger vehicles.
- External Fit: This installation style can be used to install the door externally; however, this will cause the motor handing and curtain to be reversed.
Colour Finishes
When you choose a curtain colour, the guides, endplates, and full hood cover will be supplied in the same colour as the door curtain, ensuring a perfect match.
Standard Colours:
- White (RAL 9016)
- Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016)
- Black (RAL 9005)
Optional Premium Colours:
- Brown (RAL 8014)
- Chartwell Green
- Navy Blue (RAL 5011)
- Burgundy (RAL 3004)
- Light Beige (BS 08B17)
- Fir Green (RAL 6009)
- Ivory (RAL 1015)
- Agate Grey (RAL 7038)
- Dark Brown (RAL 8019)
- Moss Green (RAL 6005)
Please note: Although many roller garage doors are described as ‘insulated’ because they use an insulated slat, there are currently no roller garage doors in the UK with a tested and certified installed U-value. Any U-values quoted refer purely to the slat material in isolation, not the complete door assembly.
Installation guidance (DIY overview)
The GDO ROLL 55 is designed for straightforward installation by a competent DIYer. The door is supplied with comprehensive step-by-step instructions, but the overview below gives you an idea of the process involved. Two people are required for safe handling and lifting.
Before you start
Check the structural opening is sound, square and flush. The surface where the door guides fix must be reasonably smooth, and the floor should be level for a good seal. Ensure there are no pipes, cables or sharp objects protruding that could snag the curtain or twist the guides.
You will need a 13-amp 3-pin switched socket adjacent to the control box position, and for optimum safety, the circuit should be protected by an RCD.
Tools typically required
- 2 stepladders
- Spirit level (or laser level)
- Tape measure
- Power drill with 3.5mm, 7.0mm, and 11.0mm drill bits
- Screwdrivers (Slot and Pozidrive)
- 10mm A/F spanner
- Allen keys (3mm and 4mm)
- Hacksaw (if guide trimming is needed)
- Suitable wall plugs and fixings (e.g. 12 x 1" self-tapping screws for steel, or 12 x 2½" countersunk screws for masonry/wood)
- Rivets (supplied) and rivet gun (sometimes needed for securing specific components)
Installation steps overview
1. Prepare the guides
If necessary, cut the guides to length (from the bottom only). Drill fixing holes in the guides (minimum 4 per guide), with the first hole 250mm from the top and bottom, and others equally spaced. The guides are handed, so check orientation carefully.
2. Assemble the frame
Slot the guide rails onto the end plate lugs of the axle assembly. This creates a goalpost frame. Check the back faces are flush and untwisted.
3. Fix the frame
Lift the assembly into position against the opening. Ensure the guides are vertical and parallel, and the axle assembly is perfectly level. Fix the guides and end plates securely to the structure. Important: You must put fixings through the end plates into the wall, as the aluminium lugs on the guides are not designed to carry the full door weight alone.
4. Fit the emergency override
Install the manual override eye into the motor head. If you have an external low-level override kit, drill through the wall and install the universal joint and crank handle system as per the specific instructions.
5. Install the curtain
Feed the curtain into the guide rails and lower it carefully. Attach the locking straps to the axle using the provided fixings or clips. Secure the end locks (if not pre-fitted) using rivets. Fit the Full Hood cover to emclose the curtain.
6. Electrical connection and limits
Connect the motor to the control unit and mains power. Set the motor limits (the open and close stop positions) using the limit adjustment screws on the motor head. The door should stop exactly where required at the top and bottom of travel.
7. Commissioning
Run the door up and down to check for smooth operation. Ensure the locking straps lock out correctly when closed to prevent the door being lifted.
Safety notes
- Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery during installation.
- Always isolate the power before making repairs or removing covers.
- Two people are required to lift the assembly safely.
- Electrical work must comply with local building and electrical regulations.
This is a summary guide only. Please refer to the full printed instruction manual supplied with your door for detailed safety warnings and specific fitting diagrams.
Below are some details for the external emergency manual override system which you can order if you don't have another entrance to your garage..
The emergency manual override always is on the same side as the electric motor drive and built into the electric motor..
Measuring and Ordering
Ordering sizes for the GDO ROLL 55 are the Over Guide Width (OGW) x Guide Height (GH).
- Over Guide Width (OGW): The full width of the door curtain including the guides on both sides.
- Guide Height (GH): The height of the guide rails only (this does not include the 205mm roll box/endplates).
Guide rail dimensions
Doors are supplied with 60mm wide guides as standard.
Important installation note
These measurement instructions are correct for Behind Fit (Internal Face Fit) installations. If you are planning an In-between Fit (Reveal Fit), please contact us for specific guidance as different deductions may apply.
Calculating clear openings
- Clear Opening Height: Your ordering Guide Height minus approximately 90mm. This allowance accounts for the bottom slat 'hang-down' which remains in the guide even when the door is fully open.
- Overall Height Required: To get the total height of the complete door assembly, add the 205mm endplate/box dimension to your ordering Guide Height.
Ensure you have sufficient headroom for the 205mm box above your Guide Height to maximise your drive-through height.
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