Is your commercial garage door making strange noises or moving slower than usual? Regular inspections can prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs. Inspecting commercial garage doors for damage is vital for safety and keeping your business running smoothly.
This guide will walk you through simple steps to spot problems before they get worse. Keep reading to protect your investment.
Key Takeaways
- Regular checks of commercial garage doors prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs.
- Look for rust, dents, and worn seals during visual inspections, as these signal early damage.
- Test door balance by lifting it halfway manually – a properly balanced door should stay in place without help.
- Lubricate moving parts every three months to reduce noise and extend your door’s life.
- Professional inspections twice yearly catch complex problems that business owners might miss.
Key Steps for Inspecting Commercial Garage Doors
Checking your commercial garage door takes time and care for the best results. A good inspection will spot small problems before they turn into costly fixes, saving you money and stress down the road.
Conduct a visual inspection for wear, rust, and damage
Start your garage door check with a good look at all parts. Grab a flashlight and scan the door panels for dents, rust spots, or peeling paint. These small issues can grow into big problems if left alone.
Look closely at metal parts where rust often forms – this includes tracks, hinges, and rollers. Rust weakens these parts and can lead to door failure during busy times.
Next, check the weather seals along the bottom edge for cracks or tears. Damaged seals let dirt, water, and pests inside your building. Don’t forget to inspect cables and torsion springs for signs of fraying or breakage.
A broken spring can stop your door halfway, causing major business delays. Regular visual checks help spot minor issues before they turn into costly garage door repairs or full replacements.
Test operational components, including springs, rollers, and tracks
After you check for visible damage, you need to test how well your door works. Moving parts need special care to keep your commercial garage door running smoothly.
- Disconnect the garage door opener and try to lift the door halfway by hand. A properly balanced door should stay in place without help. This balance test shows if your springs have the right tension.
- Look closely at the springs for signs of wear or breakage. Broken springs can cause the door to slam shut, creating safety risks for your staff and customers.
- Check all cables for fraying or rust damage. Damaged cables might snap under pressure, which could lead to costly repairs.
- Clean tracks with a brush to remove dirt and debris that can block smooth movement. Dirty tracks force your door system to work harder than needed.
- Apply lubricant to rollers, hinges, and tracks every three months. Regular lubrication cuts down on grinding noises and extends your door’s lifespan.
- Test the safety sensors by placing an object in the door’s path. The door should stop and reverse right away if something blocks it.
- Listen for unusual sounds when the door opens and closes. Grinding or scraping noises often point to misalignment issues that need quick fixes.
- Inspect pulleys for cracks or damage that might affect how well they turn. Faulty pulleys put extra stress on other door parts.
- Make sure rollers sit properly in their tracks without wobbling. Loose rollers can jump tracks and cause the door to jam.
- Check that all hardware stays tight despite frequent use. Loose bolts and screws can lead to bigger problems if not fixed early.
Identifying Common Signs of Damage
Your garage door talks to you through sounds and movements that signal trouble. Watch for doors that hang crooked, make loud scraping sounds, or show dents and cracks in the panels.
Misalignment, grinding noises, and damaged panels
Misaligned tracks cause big problems for commercial garage doors. You’ll notice the door struggles to open or close smoothly, putting extra strain on all parts. This issue forces motors to work harder and wears down rollers faster.
If you hear grinding noises during operation, take action right away! These sounds signal trouble with your garage door opener or other moving parts that need repair. Grinding often means something is rubbing where it shouldn’t, which can lead to costly fixes if ignored.
Damaged panels hurt more than just looks – they affect how your entire garage door works. Dented or cracked sections make other parts strain to do their job. Look for warping in the panels too, as this shows they’ve lost their original shape.
Weather stripping around damaged areas often fails, letting in outside air and raising energy bills. Regular maintenance helps catch these issues before they grow into major repair needs.
A professional garage door technician can spot these warning signs early and suggest the most cost-effective fix.
Tips for Effective Repairs and Maintenance
Regular upkeep keeps your commercial garage doors running smoothly and saves money on costly fixes down the road – check out our top tips for keeping those big doors in tip-top shape!
Lubricate moving parts and tighten loose hardware
Your garage door has many moving parts that need care to work well. Good upkeep makes your door last longer and keeps it safe for daily use.
- Spray hinges with the right lubricant every six months to stop squeaking and make your door open smoothly.
- Apply oil to rollers so they glide easily on tracks, which cuts down on wear and tear over time.
- Check springs twice a year and add lubricant to prevent rust and extend their life span.
- Tighten all bolts and screws on tracks to avoid door misalignment that can lead to costly repairs.
- Inspect hardware for signs of rust or damage, as these issues can affect how your door operates.
- Replace any worn-out parts right away to maintain high-quality door performance and safety.
- Clean tracks monthly to remove dirt that can cause grinding noises when the door opens and closes.
- Test the photo eye sensors after cleaning to ensure they work properly for safety reasons.
- Look at weather seals for cracks, as damaged seals can raise heating and cooling costs.
- Call a garage door repair service if you spot problems you can’t fix, such as broken springs or bent tracks.
Schedule professional inspections for complex issues
Regular upkeep goes beyond simple tasks like lubrication and hardware tightening. Complex garage door issues need expert eyes to spot problems you might miss. Professional technicians have the tools and know-how to check spring tension, align tracks, and test safety features properly.
Business owners should set up regular inspection schedules with commercial garage door repair experts. These pros can spot early warning signs before they become major headaches. Raynor Door Authority offers expert maintenance services that extend the life of your overhead doors and help you avoid costly repairs.
Most loading dock systems need checks every six months to stay safe and working smoothly. Don’t wait until your roll-up door fails during a busy workday – smart preventative maintenance keeps your business’s operations running without surprise breaks.
Commercial Garage Door Maintenance
Keeping your commercial garage doors in top shape saves money and extends their life. Smart business owners check their doors often for wear, rust, and alignment issues. A quick look can spot problems before they grow into costly fixes.
Garage door systems need silicone-based lubricants on moving parts to keep them running smoothly. This simple step cuts down on grinding noises and reduces stress on the opener.
Energy costs drop when weather seals work right. Look for gaps around the edges that let air escape, which can raise utility costs. Balance tests help make sure your door operates safely, but it’s best to call a pro for this check.
Professional garage door service can spot safety issues you might miss. They’ll make sure your commercial doors meet all safety standards while providing security for your business.
Safety Checks for Commercial Garage Doors
Safety should always come first with your commercial garage door. Regular checks can prevent accidents and save you money on costly repairs down the road.
- Check the door balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway – it should stay in place without support.
- Test the auto-reverse feature by placing a block of wood in the door’s path – the door should reverse upon contact.
- Inspect cables and springs for signs of breakage, rust, or wear that could lead to sudden door failure.
- Look for loose hardware and tighten any bolts or brackets that have worked themselves free over time.
- Examine the weather seals around the edges to ensure they block drafts and pests from entering your building.
- Verify that all warning signs are clearly visible to staff who operate the door daily.
- Test all safety features like flashing lights and auditory warnings that alert people when the door operates.
- Clean tracks and rollers to remove debris that might cause the door to stick or jam during use.
- Make sure the door opens fully before anyone walks underneath it to avoid dangerous accidents.
- Schedule professional inspections twice yearly to catch problems your eyes might miss.
Commercial Garage Door Weather Seal Replacement
Your garage door’s weather seal plays a key role in keeping your business safe from the elements. A worn-out seal can lead to higher energy bills, pest problems, and even damage to items stored in your garage.
- Weather seals block rain, snow, wind, and pests from getting into your garage space. The right seal helps maintain indoor temps and cuts energy costs.
- Signs of seal damage include visible cracks, tears, brittleness, or gaps when the door is closed. You might also notice drafts, water seeping in, or rodent droppings near your door.
- Measuring correctly ensures a perfect fit for your new weather seal. Take notes of the thickness, width, height, and any corner details before buying a replacement.
- Most weather strips attach with screws or slide into tracks along the bottom of the door. Steel doors need different seals than aluminum ones.
- Spring tension affects how your door closes against the seal. A door that doesn’t press firmly enough won’t create a proper barrier against weather.
- Rodents often chew through old weather seals to gain entry. Fresh seals made of tough rubber compounds resist these pests better than worn materials.
- Professional door companies offer free estimates for seal replacement if you’re not sure about doing it yourself. They can assess your garage door and suggest the best options.
- Regular checks of your weather seal extend the life of your garage door and prevent costly repairs. Add this to your maintenance plan for better door reliability.
- Proper seal replacement requires the right tools and a bit of know-how. Contact a professional if you’re unsure about any step in the process.
- Weather seals typically need replacement every 2-3 years, depending on your climate and how often the door operates. This small repair keeps your door working smoothly.
Conclusion
Regular garage door checks save money and prevent big problems down the road. Our team at Unhinged in Phoenix, AZ stands ready to help with all your repair needs.
Fixing small issues now stops them from growing into costly headaches later. Safety matters most – a well-functioning door protects your property and everyone who uses it. Reach out to us today for expert service you can count on to keep your commercial garage doors operating smoothly for years to come.
FAQs
1. How often should I inspect the garage door at my business?
You should check your garage door every three months to ensure it’s working right. Look at how it opens and closes, and listen for odd sounds. This kind of proper maintenance extends the life of your door and helps avoid costly repairs or a replacement. If you spot any issues, contact us today for help.
2. What are common signs of damage to commercial garage doors?
Watch for doors that stick when they open and close, strange noises, or visible dents from hail or accidents. Check the tension in the garage door spring, and look at the wheels for wear. These problems affect how your garage door operates and can lead to bigger issues if not fixed quickly.
3. How long can a commercial garage door last with good care?
With proper maintenance, a commercial garage door can last until 2025 or beyond. Regular checks, quick repairs when damage occurs, and professional spring replacements all help. A well-functioning door provides security for your business and keeps your property safe from break-ins.
4. Should I repair or replace my damaged commercial garage door?
This depends on the damage. Our experts can inspect the garage door, check the opener and lift system, and determine the best course of action. Sometimes small repairs work fine, but if the door is old or badly damaged, replacing your garage door might save money in the long run. Reach out to us for advice.
5. Does insurance cover commercial garage door repairs?
Home insurance or business insurance often covers garage door damage from accidents, storms, or break-ins. Check your policy details before filing a claim. Like an automobile repair shop keeps records, we document all damage and repairs to help with your insurance claims.
6. Who should I call for commercial garage door service?
Always call a professional door company for garage door installation, repairs or a replacement. Garage doors are often heavy and dangerous to fix yourself. Our team offers reliable service you can count on to keep your door operating smoothly. Visit our website to read our privacy policy and learn more about how we can help.