If you’ve lived through a Cook Strait southerly or a Waikato gale, you know that a garage door is more than just an entryway—it’s the largest structural weakness in your home. In high-wind zones across New Zealand, a standard roller door can act like a giant sail. Under enough pressure, the curtain can literally be sucked out of its tracks, leading to "blow-out" or "blow-in" failures that can compromise your entire roof structure.
To combat this, Windsor Doors has recently introduced their upgraded Windlock Track system. But how does it stack up against the competition, and is it worth the investment for your next project?
What are Windlock Tracks?
Standard roller doors sit loosely in a "U" shaped guide. In contrast, a Windlock system uses specialized "clips" or "lugs" riveted to the edges of the door curtain. These clips slide inside a reinforced, deep-channel track. If the wind tries to push or pull the door, the clips "lock" into the track, preventing the curtain from dislodging.
The New Windsor Doors Windlock System: Pros & Cons
Windsor Doors has engineered their latest wind-rated range specifically to meet the AS/NZS 1170.2 standards for New Zealand wind pressures.
The Pros
* Superior Rigidity: Windsor uses a unique roll-formed profile and G300 grade New Zealand steel, which provides a stiffer curtain than many imported alternatives.
* Reinforced Aluminium Guides: Unlike some systems that use basic steel channels, Windsor’s wind-rated doors often feature heavy-duty aluminium guides that offer a smoother, quieter operation while maintaining high structural integrity.
* Security Bonus: Because the door is physically locked into the tracks, it is incredibly difficult for an intruder to lever the door curtain out of the side guides. It’s an accidental (but welcome) security upgrade.
* NZ Made for NZ Conditions: Being manufactured in Auckland means parts are readily available, and the specs are designed for our specific coastal salt-spray environments.
The Cons
* Increased Weight: The added steel clips and reinforced tracks add roughly 15–20kg to the door. This means you cannot use a standard "budget" motor; you’ll need a high-torque opener to handle the extra load.
* Non-Retrofit: You generally cannot add windlocks to an existing standard door. The track and the curtain must be manufactured as a matching set.
* Price Point: Expect to pay a premium (roughly 25% more) over a standard roller door due to the extra engineering and material.
Windsor vs. Garador: How Do They Compare?
Garador (and their parent brand B&D) has long been the "go-to" for wind-locked doors in NZ. Here is how the new Windsor system compares to the established Garador (Roll-A-Door) system.
| Feature | Windsor Windlock System | Garador (B&D) Windlock |
|---|---|---|
| Track Design | Often uses sleek, reinforced aluminium guides for a modern look. | Typically uses deep-channel galvanized steel guides. |
| Operation | Known for a "quieter" roll due to the unique curtain profile. | Uses Nylofelt® strips to minimize friction; very reliable but can be "clattery" in high gusts. |
| Aesthetics | Focused on modern architectural finishes (Smooth range). | Very traditional "New Zealand garage" look; robust and functional. |
| Availability | Excellent lead times for North Island customers. | Strong nationwide dealer network with deep history in the South Island. |
The Verdict: Which should you choose?
* Choose Windsor if: You are looking for a modern aesthetic with a smoother, quieter operation. Their new tracks are excellent for residential homes where the garage is attached to living spaces, as they minimize the "rattle" often associated with wind-rated doors.
* Choose Garador if: You want a "tried and true" industrial-strength system that has been the benchmark for decades. Their systems are incredibly hardy for rural sheds and exposed coastal baches.
Is a Windlock Door Right for You?
If your property is situated on a ridgeline, in a coastal "Extra High" wind zone, or if you are building to a specific council requirement, a Windlock system isn't just a "nice to have"—it’s a necessity.
At Doors NZ, we supply both Windsor and Garador options to ensure you get the right fit for your location. Protecting your home starts with the largest opening; don't let the next storm catch you off guard.
[Browse our range of Wind-Rated Roller Doors here]