This guide covers proactive maintenance strategies to minimize commercial door repairs.
Click to jump right in:
- Schedule Regular Inspections to Detect Early Issues
- Lubricate Moving Parts to Prevent Friction Damage
- Adjust and Align Doors to Prevent Misalignment
- Maintain Automatic Doors for Safety and Efficiency
- Protect Doors from Weather-Related Damage
- Secure Doors to Prevent Unauthorized Access
- Establish a Preventive Maintenance Plan
- Proactive Maintenance to Minimize Repairs for Different Types of Commercial Doors
Call 1-800-884-4440 if you have questions or need professional maintenance in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1. Schedule Regular Inspections to Detect Early Issues
Routine inspections help identify potential problems before they worsen. A structured maintenance schedule ensures that doors remain in good condition.
What to Inspect:
- Door Alignment – Check for misalignment that could cause improper closing or latching.
- Hinges and Hardware – Look for loose screws, rust, or wear on hinges, handles, and locks.
- Seals and Weatherstripping – To prevent drafts and water intrusion, ensure seals are intact.
- Automatic Door Sensors – Verify that sensors respond accurately to movement.
- Tracks and Rollers – Clean and lubricate to prevent sticking or uneven movement.
Best Practices:
- Conduct monthly visual inspections for signs of wear.
- Schedule professional inspections every six months to ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Keep a maintenance log to track issues and service history.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts to Prevent Friction Damage
Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents excessive wear, and helps doors operate smoothly.
Key Components to Lubricate:
- Hinges and pivots – Prevents squeaking and extends hardware life.
- Tracks and rollers – Ensures smooth movement and reduces strain on motors.
- Locks and handles – Keeps locking mechanisms functional and prevents jamming.
- Automatic door motors – Minimizes strain on moving parts.
Best Practices:
- Use a high-quality, non-greasy lubricant recommended for commercial doors.
- Avoid over-lubricating, as it can attract dirt and debris.
- Apply lubrication every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Adjust and Align Doors to Prevent Misalignment
Misaligned doors put extra strain on hinges, locks, and other components, leading to premature wear.
Signs of Misalignment:
- Doors that stick or drag when opening and closing.
- Visible gaps between the door and frame.
- Uneven contact with locks or latches.
Best Practices:
- Tighten loose hinges to maintain proper door positioning.
- Adjust door closers to ensure smooth and controlled closing.
- Check for frame warping, which may require professional realignment.
- Replace damaged weatherstripping to maintain a proper seal.
4. Maintain Automatic Doors for Safety and Efficiency
Automatic doors require routine maintenance to ensure they function correctly and comply with safety regulations.
What to Inspect:
- Motion sensors – Ensure doors respond correctly to movement.
- Safety mechanisms – Test emergency stops and obstruction detection.
- Battery backup systems – Verify operational readiness in case of power failure.
- Control panels – Check for error messages or malfunctions.
Best Practices:
- Schedule quarterly inspections to test sensors and response times.
- Clean door tracks and sensors to remove dirt and debris.
- Ensure safety compliance with ADA and ANSI standards.
5. Protect Doors from Weather-Related Damage
Extreme temperatures, humidity, and storms can impact the performance and longevity of commercial doors.
Common Weather-Related Issues:
- Rust and corrosion on metal components due to moisture exposure.
- Swelling and warping of wooden doors from humidity changes.
- Cracks and insulation damage due to extreme heat or cold.
Best Practices:
- Apply weather-resistant coatings to protect metal surfaces.
- Use insulated or weatherproof doors in high-exposure areas.
- Install overhead canopies or awnings to shield entryways from rain and snow.
- Replace damaged seals to prevent drafts and moisture intrusion.
6. Secure Doors to Prevent Unauthorized Access
Security is a top priority for commercial properties, and well-maintained doors deter unauthorized entry.
Security Risks:
- Worn-out locks and handles that are easy to bypass.
- Faulty access control systems that fail to restrict entry.
- Doors that do not fully close or latch, leaving the premises vulnerable.
Best Practices:
- Replace worn-out locks and keys to maintain security.
- Test access control systems regularly to ensure proper functionality.
- Ensure doors close and latch entirely without obstruction.
- Install reinforced hinges and strike plates for added strength.
7. Establish a Preventive Maintenance Plan
A structured preventive maintenance plan helps businesses stay ahead of potential door issues and reduces the need for emergency repairs.
Benefits of Preventive Maintenance:
- Reduces unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
- Extends door lifespan, minimizing replacement costs.
- Ensures compliance with safety and accessibility regulations.
- Improves business efficiency by preventing operational disruptions.
Best Practices:
- Develop a maintenance checklist based on manufacturer recommendations.
- Assign responsibilities for routine inspections and minor fixes.
- Partner with a professional commercial door service for expert assessments.
- Maintain a record of maintenance activities for reference and compliance.
Proactive Maintenance to Minimize Repairs for Different Types of Commercial Doors
Different commercial doors require specific maintenance practices to prevent malfunctions and downtime.
1. Overhead Garage Doors
Common Issues:
- Spring tension loss
- Roller wear and misalignment
- Motor malfunctions
Proactive Maintenance:
- Inspect torsion and extension springs for wear and lubricate regularly.
- Tighten and align tracks and rollers to prevent uneven movement.
- Test automatic openers and safety sensors monthly to ensure proper operation.
- Replace worn weather seals to maintain insulation and security.
2. Automatic Sliding Doors
Common Issues:
- Sensor misalignment or failure
- Track and roller obstruction
- Door drag due to misalignment
Proactive Maintenance:
- Clean and align motion sensors to ensure smooth activation.
- Remove debris from tracks and rollers to prevent operational resistance.
- Check and adjust closing speeds to avoid excessive wear.
- Inspect battery backup systems for continued operation during power failures.
3. Rolling Steel and High-Speed Doors
Common Issues:
- Damage from frequent use
- Slat misalignment
- Motor and chain wear
Proactive Maintenance:
- Inspect and lubricate rollers, tracks, and chains to prevent jamming.
- Check for misaligned slats and repair them immediately.
- Ensure motor systems are functioning properly to avoid breakdowns.
- Test emergency release mechanisms for compliance with safety regulations.
4. Commercial Glass Doors
Common Issues:
- Cracks and scratches
- Loose hinges and handles
- Seal degradation
Proactive Maintenance:
- Regularly clean and inspect glass panels for damage.
- Tighten door hinges and handles to prevent misalignment.
- Replace weather seals to maintain insulation and prevent leaks.
- Test locking mechanisms for smooth operation.
5. Fire-Rated and Emergency Exit Doors
Common Issues:
- Door closer malfunctions
- Worn-out seals
- Non-functional panic hardware
Proactive Maintenance:
- Perform monthly fire door inspections to ensure compliance with safety codes.
- Test and adjust panic bars and emergency exit mechanisms.
- Check door closers for smooth operation and secure latching.
- Ensure fire-resistant seals are intact to maintain effectiveness.
6. Drive-Thru and Storefront Doors
Common Issues:
- Sensor failure
- Door misalignment
- Weather seal deterioration
Proactive Maintenance:
- Inspect sensors and motion detectors for consistent operation.
- Clean and adjust sliding tracks and pivots to maintain alignment.
- Replace worn-out seals to protect against drafts and moisture intrusion.
- Test door automation functions regularly to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
7. Security and Rolling Grille Doors
Common Issues:
- Lock failure
- Rust and corrosion
- Slat misalignment
Proactive Maintenance:
- Lubricate lock mechanisms and chains to ensure smooth function.
- Inspect for rust buildup and apply anti-corrosion treatments as needed.
- Check for damaged or bent slats and repair them promptly to maintain security.
- Test the manual override function to ensure access in case of power failure.
Call A-24 Hour Door National Inc. for Professional Preventative Maintenance in Cincinnati, Ohio
Ensure your business stays secure and operational with A-24 Hour Door National Inc. We provide preventative commercial door maintenance and servicing for various door systems. Our AAADM-certified technicians deliver fast, reliable solutions.
Call 1-800-884-4440 today for expert commercial door repairs and maintenance.
FAQs
What is preventive maintenance on a garage door?
Preventive maintenance on a garage door involves regular inspections, lubrication, and adjustments to ensure smooth operation and prevent unexpected breakdowns. This includes checking springs, cables, rollers, and sensors for wear, tightening hardware, and testing safety features.
How to service a commercial roller door?
To service a commercial roller door, inspect tracks for obstructions, lubricate moving parts, tighten loose hardware, and check the tension of the springs. Test the motor and safety mechanisms to ensure smooth operation. Schedule routine maintenance to prevent costly repairs.
How do I know if my garage door sensors need replacing?
You know your garage door sensors need replacing if the door does not close properly, the sensors do not align, or the indicator lights are off or flickering. If cleaning and realigning do not fix the issue, replacement may be necessary.
How do you clean garage door sensors?
To clean garage door sensors, use a soft cloth and mild cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the sensor lens. Ensure the sensors are properly aligned and free of obstructions to maintain accurate operation.
