Your Guide to Choosing the Right GDO ROLL77 Electric Roller Garage Door
The GDO ROLL77 range offers seven distinct specifications of 77mm insulated electric roller garage doors, from simple button control through to fully integrated smart home technology.
In our online shop, you will see 14 models listed. This is because each of the 7 specifications below is listed separately in two finish categories: Standard Colours or Premium Colours. The technical specifications and control systems remain identical - the difference lies purely in the wider palette of woodgrain and specialist finishes available in the Premium colour range.
This guide helps you understand which specification best suits how you actually use your garage - and why investing in the right model from the start delivers better long-term value than upgrading later.
Understanding Your Garage Usage: The Key to Choosing the Right Specification
The most important question isn't "which door has the most features?" - it is "how do I actually use my garage?"
According to RAC research, 67% of UK homeowners no longer park their vehicle in their garage. If your garage has become an extra room, workshop, or storage space that you access primarily on foot through a pedestrian door, you don't need expensive remote controls and smartphone apps. A simple button control saves money and keeps everything straightforward.
Conversely, if you are opening your garage door multiple times daily from your vehicle, basic button controls quickly become inconvenient - and that is when remote control and smart features transform from "nice to have" into genuinely practical everyday benefits.
The GDO ROLL77 Range: Seven Specifications Explained
Entry-Level Options: Button Control for Occasional Use
1. GDO ROLL77 Electric Push Button Control
Best for: Garages used as storage rooms or workshops, accessed primarily on foot through a pedestrian door.
The most cost-effective entry into 77mm insulated roller door quality, designed for garages where the main door is opened infrequently.
Key features:
- Internal 'hold to run' button control only (door operates only whilst button is pressed)
- Internal manual override facility
Ideal when: Your garage has become an extra room accessed on foot through a pedestrian door, and you don't store a vehicle inside requiring regular garage door access.
2. GDO ROLL 77 Electric Key and Genesis Button Control
Best for: Similar usage to Model 1, but with added convenience of external key switch access.
Adds external button control and semi-automatic operation, making it more convenient for occasional use from outside.
Key features:
- Internal and external button control
- Semi-automatic 'impulse to open' function (press once to open fully), 'hold to run' to close
- Genesis wall-mounted control panel with control buttons for internal use
- Internal manual override facility
Ideal when: You want the option to open the door from outside without entering through a pedestrian door, whilst keeping costs low.
Mid-Range Options: Remote Control for Daily Vehicle Use
3. GDO ROLL 77 Remote Control Somfy
Best for: Daily vehicle storage with straightforward remote control operation.
The range steps up here for homeowners who park their vehicle inside the garage and need daily remote-controlled access.
Key features:
- 2 Somfy RTS Keytis remote control handsets
- Wireless internal wall switch
- Somfy Rollixo Optimo wall-mounted control panel/receiver
- Optical safety edge obstacle detection in bottom seal
Ideal when: You store your vehicle in the garage and operate the door daily, wanting reliable remote control without smartphone complexity.
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4. GDO SmartRoll 77 Remote and Smartphone Control
Best for: Homeowners who want to integrate garage door control with their smartphone and smart home ecosystem.
This specification bridges traditional remote control with modern smartphone connectivity - perfect if you already use your phone to control other home devices.
Key features:
- 2 Somfy RTS Keytis remote control handsets
- Smartphone app control - connect up to 11 phones with Somfy Connectivity Kit
- Wireless internal wall switch
- Somfy Rollixo Optimo wall-mounted control panel/receiver
- Voice control via Alexa or Google, including voice control from your vehicle
- Control other Somfy products via app (RTS or IO protocol)
- Optical safety edge obstacle detection in bottom seal
- Additional beam safety for smartphone operation
Ideal when: You operate the door regularly and already use Alexa or other smart home products, wanting the convenience of checking door status remotely from anywhere.
Premium Options: Enhanced Security, Lighting and Smart Control
5. GDO ROLL 77 Premium Remote Control
Best for: Homeowners who want premium remote control with built-in security alarm, without smartphone integration.
This specification introduces the premium control panel with built-in alarm system - a significant security upgrade - plus integrated courtesy lighting and full hood cover as standard.
Key features:
- 2 Somfy RTS Keygo remote control handsets
- Built-in button controls on wall control panel
- Built-in alarm system to detect forced attempts on door curtain
- Somfy motor drive
- Built-in courtesy light on wall control panel with programmable duration
- Optical safety edge obstacle detection in bottom seal
- Full hood cover for curtain roll included as standard
Ideal when: You open the door daily from a vehicle and want alarm security for additional peace of mind, plus the convenience of integrated lighting and control buttons on the wall panel, but prefer not to use smartphone control.
6. GDO SmartRoll 77 Premium Remote with Smartphone Control
Best for: Homeowners who want premium features including alarm security combined with full smartphone and voice control.
This combines all the premium features of Model 5 with comprehensive smartphone connectivity and voice control.
Key features:
- 2 Somfy RTS Keygo remote control handsets
- Somfy Connectivity Kit
- Built-in button control on wall control panel
- Built-in alarm system to detect forced attempts on door curtain
- Built-in courtesy light on wall control panel with programmable duration
- Somfy motor drive
- Smartphone app control - connect up to 11 phones
- Voice control via Alexa or Google, including voice control from your vehicle
- Control other Somfy products via app (RTS or IO protocol)
- Optical safety edge obstacle detection in bottom seal
- Additional beam safety for smartphone operation
- Full hood cover for curtain roll included
Ideal when: You operate the door regularly from vehicle or smartphone, use your smartphone to control other products around your home, want to control multiple doors from one Connectivity Kit, and require alarm security for peace of mind.
7. GDO SmartRoll 77 Premium Remote with Total Smart Control
The Ultimate Smart Electric Roller Garage Door
Best for: Homeowners who want total smart home integration with automated scenarios, compatibility with over 200 partner products, and auto-close functionality.
The flagship specification, incorporating Somfy Tahoma Switch for comprehensive smart home control including non-Somfy products like Philips Hue lighting.
Key features:
- 2 Somfy IO technology remote control handsets
- Somfy Tahoma Switch
- Built-in button control on wall control panel
- IO technology for exact door position status
- Somfy IO motor drive
- Built-in alarm system to detect forced attempts on door curtain
- Built-in courtesy light on wall control panel with programmable duration
- Full smart control - compatible with over 200 partner technology products
- Voice control via Alexa or Google, including voice control from your vehicle
- Scheduled scenarios for additional door control and security
- Auto-close functionality
- Optical safety edge obstacle detection in bottom seal
- Additional beam safety for smart control operation
- Full hood cover for curtain roll included
Ideal when: You want the door to close automatically after a set time period, partial opening capability for ventilation or parcel deliveries, control of multiple doors and other products including non-Somfy products, and programmed "scenarios" allowing different actions at different times.
Quick Selection Guide
Find the perfect garage door model based on your daily usage.
Model 1 or 2 (Basic)
Best for: Accessed on foot; door opened rarely
Why? Simple, cost-effective
Model 3 (Remote)
Best for: Daily vehicle storage; basic remote control
Why? Reliable remote operation
Model 4 (Smart)
Best for: Daily vehicle use; smartphone user
Why? Smartphone and voice control
Model 5 (Secure & Premium)
Best for: Daily vehicle use; want alarm security
Why? Premium security with alarm and lighting
Model 6 (Secure & Premium)
Best for: Daily vehicle use; want alarm + smartphone
Why? Complete premium package
Model 7 (Ultimate)
Best for: Daily vehicle use; want total automation
Why? Ultimate smart home integration
Key Feature Comparison
Compare features across all models.
Models 1-2 (Basic)
- Button Control: Yes
- Hood Cover: Optional
Model 3 (Remote)
- Remote Control: Yes
- Hood Cover: Optional
Model 4 (Smart)
- Remote Control: Yes
- Smartphone App: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Hood Cover: Optional
Models 5-6 (Secure & Premium)
- Remote Control: Yes
- Built-in Alarm: Yes
- Courtesy Light: Yes
- Full Hood Cover: Yes
- Smartphone/Voice: Model 6 only
Model 7 (Ultimate)
- Everything in Models 5-6 PLUS:
- Auto-Close: Yes
- Smart Scenarios: Yes
- IO Technology: Yes
Why Choosing the Right Specification Matters
Whilst all 14 shop models use the same high-quality 77mm insulated door construction, the control systems and smart features cannot easily be retrofitted later. Upgrading after installation requires replacing the entire motor and control system - far more expensive than specifying correctly from the start.
Consider:
- Standard or Premium Colour? Start by deciding if you need a standard finish or a specific premium/woodgrain look, as this determines which half of the 14 models you browse.
- How often will you use the door? Daily vehicle access justifies remote control; occasional use doesn't.
- Do you use smart home technology? If you have Alexa, smart lighting, or app-controlled devices, smartphone integration makes sense.
- Is security a priority? Models 5-7 include built-in alarm systems.
- Do you want automation? Model 7's auto-close and scheduled scenarios provide genuine convenience and security.
The ascending price structure reflects genuinely useful features that suit different usage patterns. Choose the specification that matches how you'll actually use your garage, and you'll benefit from that decision every single day for the next 15-20 years.
Need help choosing? Contact GarageDoorsOnline with details of your garage usage, opening size, and any smart home technology you currently use. We'll recommend the GDO ROLL77 specification that delivers the best value for your specific requirements.