02 Apr Spring Commercial Door Repair and Maintenance Tips
When it comes to commercial door repair and maintenance, one of the best things you can do is listen and observe. Has it gotten jerky or unstable? Do you hear a strange grinding noise whenever you use it? Are both sides symmetrical? Does it go up and down without any problem?
Your commercial door is probably the biggest movable item in your warehouse or office and keeping it well-maintained comes down to a safety issue, especially when you have employees using it every time. There are many routine tasks you can do to take care of your garage door; such minor maintenance tasks can increase safety and minimize expensive repair costs down the road.
That said, here are commercial door repair and maintenance tips that can help you save money in the long run.
1. Clear All the Tracks
Look at the tracks on both sides of the commercial door and ensure that they are free of rust and debris. In order to check if the tracks are plumb on the vertical sections, try using a level. While you can make small adjustments on your own, major track adjustments should be done by a professional technician to avoid further damage.
2. Lubricate Moving Components
Your garage door is made of many moving parts. Keeping those parts well lubricated will decrease stress on the door opener and rollers and prolong their lives. At least twice a year, use some penetrating lubricant like WD-40 on the hinges and rollers. Make sure to wipe them dry before applying a light 3-in-1 oil.
3. Check Pulleys and Cables
There are pulleys and cables that connect the springs to the door and those parts should also be routinely checked during commercial door repair and maintenance. According to experts, springs and cables should not be touched by homeowners because they are high-tension parts.
Instead, inspect any broken strands on the cables or check for damage near the bottom roller. If you see problems in those areas, call in a service person to assist you.
Click here to learn more about repair and maintenance for commercial roll-up doors
4. Tighten Loose Bolts
The usual commercial door moves up and down hundreds of times per year. Due to the repetitive motion and vibration, the hardware can loosen up over time. Check the brackets connecting the door tracks and the opener unit to the framing. If you see any loose bolts, you can use a socket wrench to tighten them up.
5. Test the Door’s Balance
Commercial doors that are not balanced properly can make the opener work much harder than it should. As a result, its lifespan will be reduced. The springs should always help keep the door balanced, ensuring only a few pounds of force is needed to lift it up.
Most people overlook commercial door repair and maintenance. Be a wise homeowner – conduct a twice-a-year inspection and maintenance as part of your routine. Neglected garage doors can put a heavy amount of stress on your automatic door opener, which could affect the overall performance of the door. Consider spending at least an hour or two in the spring and fall every year to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair later.