Commercial garage doors, widely used in businesses such as warehouses, showrooms, service stations, and shipping docks, are designed to offer durability, reliability, and robust security. However, these commercial-grade doors require regular maintenance to stay functional and efficient. Failure to maintain them can lead to costly repairs, work interruptions, and safety issues. This guide will provide you with vital tips on maintaining and ensuring the longevity of your commercial garage doors.
What are Commercial Garage Doors
Before diving into maintenance routines, it’s crucial to understand the anatomy of commercial garage doors. They come in several types, including sectional doors, rolling steel doors, and high-speed doors, each requiring specific maintenance procedures. Most commercial doors consist of multiple panels hinged together, durable torsion springs for balance, heavy-duty tracks for movement, and high-performance openers for operation. Knowing these basics will help you effectively maintain the doors.
Regular Visual Inspection
Regular inspection is the first step toward maintaining commercial garage doors. Look for signs of wear and tear on all parts of the door system. Check if the cables are frayed, the springs are loose or rusted, the rollers are worn out, or the tracks are misaligned. Inspect the door’s overall balance, any scraping sounds, or abnormal vibrations when in motion. These are early signs of a problem that needs to be addressed.
It’s essential to conduct a visual examination of the door springs, cables, rollers, pulleys, and other related hardware, checking for any indications of wear and tear.
Keep an eye out for the following:
- Cables that are starting to fray
- Hinges that appear to be bent or tearing
- Bolts or screws that have become loose
- Rollers showing signs of excessive wear
- Springs that are rusty, dry, or broken
If you notice any of these signs and suspect that there may be issues, don’t hesitate to contact A 24-Hour Door Service for immediate repair assistance.
Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts
To ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion, regularly clean and lubricate the moving parts of the door. Use a mild detergent and soft cloth to clean the door’s exterior and interior. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the door material. Lubricate the moving parts such as springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks with a high-quality garage door lubricant. Avoid using heavy oils or grease as they can attract dust and grime, causing the door components to stick or jam.
The metallic components of your garage door require lubrication for efficient operation. It’s crucial to clear away any accumulated dust or debris from these parts before applying any lubricant. Ensure to use a lubricant specifically formulated for your garage door’s material, and always adhere to the manufacturer’s application instructions.
Focus on lubricating the following parts of your garage door:
- Hinges: These elements link your garage door panels together. Use the lubricant on the pivot points of your metal hinges. If your hinges are made of plastic, it’s advisable to skip the lubrication as the product could cause the material to degrade.
- Rollers: These components enable your garage door to glide up and down its track. Ensure to lubricate the metal rollers to keep your door functioning smoothly. Avoid allowing the lubricant to come into contact with any nylon components your garage door may contain.
- Springs: Torsion springs play a critical role in lifting and lowering your garage door. Make sure to carefully lubricate these components to enhance their mobility and extend their operational life span.
Check the Door’s Balance
Checking the balance of your commercial garage door is a critical maintenance task. An imbalanced door can put excess strain on the door opener, which can lead to premature wear and tear. Here’s how to do it:
- Disconnect the Opener: Start by disconnecting the automatic opener. This is typically done by pulling on a cord or switch, often colored red, that hangs from the opener. This allows you to move the door manually.
- Lift the Door Manually: After disconnecting the opener, lift the door manually until it’s about halfway up. Be cautious while doing this as garage doors can be heavy.
- Check the Door’s Position: Once you have the door halfway open, let go of the door carefully. A well-balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises on its own, it’s a sign that the door is imbalanced.
An imbalanced door typically indicates a problem with the springs. Due to the high tension in these springs, adjustment or replacement should always be handled by a professional to prevent potential injuries. Remember, regular checks of your garage door’s balance can help detect and fix issues before they become severe, saving you from costly repairs in the long run.
Inspect the Door Seals
The weatherstripping on door seal prevents dust, water, and pests from entering the premises, and it helps in energy conservation. Over time, these seals can get damaged or wear out. Regularly check the door seals and replace them if needed.
When inspecting the door seals of your commercial garage door, here are the key aspects to check:
- Overall Condition: Examine the door seals for any signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. Look for cracks, tears, or gaps in the seal material that could compromise its effectiveness.
- Weatherstripping Integrity: Ensure that the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door and the sides is intact and tightly sealed. It should provide a proper barrier against drafts, dust, water, and pests.
- Proper Installation: Check if the door seals are properly installed and securely attached to the door and the surrounding framework. Loose or improperly installed seals may not provide adequate protection.
- Seal Compression: Close the garage door and observe the compression of the seals. They should press firmly against the ground and the sides, creating a tight seal without excessive gaps.
- Flexibility and Resilience: Test the flexibility and resilience of the seals by gently pressing on them. They should spring back into shape without any significant deformation or damage.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for any signs of damage caused by external factors such as weather conditions, impact, or regular wear and tear. Address any issues promptly by repairing or replacing the damaged sections.
- Inspect the Garage Interior: Pay attention to the interior of the garage when the door is closed. Check for any visible light passing through gaps in the seals, as this indicates potential air or water leakage points.
If you identify any issues during the inspection, consider replacing or repairing the door seals promptly. Properly functioning and intact door seals are crucial for maintaining temperature control, energy efficiency, and a clean environment within your commercial space.
Regular Professional Maintenance
Despite your best efforts, some aspects of commercial garage door maintenance should be left to the professionals. This includes tasks like replacing torsion springs, realigning bent tracks, and fixing any electrical issues with the door opener. Having a professional garage door technician conduct an annual or bi-annual check-up can catch and address problems before they escalate, thereby extending the door’s lifespan.
Safety Measures
Safety is paramount when dealing with commercial garage doors due to their size and weight. Always keep the door’s moving parts out of reach of untrained personnel and children. Install safety features like photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms to prevent accidents. Test these safety features regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Keep a Maintenance Log
For optimal management of your commercial garage door maintenance, keep a log of all inspections and maintenance activities. Note the dates of routine checks, what was inspected, and any issues identified and addressed. This can help you track the door’s condition over time, schedule preventive maintenance, and provide valuable information to professional technicians when they come for their check-ups.
Regularly Update Your Door Technology
In addition to maintaining your current garage door system, consider regularly updating your door technology. New advancements in technology, such as smart openers and high-performance materials, can improve the functionality and durability of your commercial garage door. These upgrades can also provide better energy efficiency and security features, adding value to your business.
Conclusion
Maintenance of commercial garage doors should not be an afterthought but a fundamental part of your business operations. When well-maintained, these doors can provide reliable service for many years, saving you the time and cost associated with unexpected breakdowns. Remember, if your commercial garage door is showing signs of severe wear and tear, sometimes the best maintenance decision is to invest in a new, high-quality door.
Adopt these maintenance tips and guidelines for your commercial garage doors, and you’ll undoubtedly enhance their performance, durability, and lifespan, contributing to a safer and more efficient business environment.
Contact A 24 Hour Door Service to Maintain Your Commercial Garage Door
If you’re in need of assistance with your commercial garage door maintenance Madison MS, don’t hesitate to reach out to A 24-Hour Door Service. Our team of skilled professionals is always ready to provide the necessary help, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently.
Contact us anytime; as our name suggests, we are available around the clock to cater to your commercial garage door needs.
