Is your commercial garage door making strange noises or moving slower than usual? Each year, thousands of workplace accidents happen due to faulty garage doors that haven’t been checked.
Safety checks for commercial garage doors can prevent these problems and keep your business running smoothly. We’ll show you the key inspections that protect your employees and save you money.
Don’t wait for a breakdown!
Key Takeaways
- Regular safety checks prevent workplace accidents and save money on costly repairs.
- Inspect springs, cables, rollers, and tracks weekly for wear and tear that could lead to door failure.
- Test photo eye sensors and auto-reverse features monthly by placing objects in the door’s path.
- Apply white lithium grease to moving parts twice yearly to reduce friction and prevent rust.
- Schedule professional inspections at least once a year to catch problems untrained eyes might miss.
Visual and Operational Inspections
Regular checks of your commercial garage door can spot small issues before they become big problems. Look for bent tracks, frayed cables, or rusty springs during your weekly walk-around.
Check for wear and tear on springs, cables, rollers, and tracks
Your commercial garage door has many moving parts that need regular checks. Spotting problems early saves money and prevents accidents that could harm people or stop your business.
- Springs should be free from gaps and have even coils. Misshapen coils point to stress that could lead to sudden breaks and door failure.
- Cables need inspection for fraying or unwinding. These thin metal strands hold the full weight of your door, so any damage creates a major safety risk.
- Rollers must have straight tires and tight connections. Bent or loose rollers cause grinding noises and uneven door movement that strains other parts.
- Tracks require secure attachment to walls and frames. Look for bends, dents, or debris that might block smooth door operation.
- Hardware tightness matters for safe door function. Loose bolts or screws can work free during door cycles, causing parts to fail.
- Steel door slats should remain straight and undamaged. Bent sections affect the door’s balance and put extra strain on the opener system.
- Listen for unusual sounds during operation. Screeching or grinding often signals parts rubbing together without proper lubrication.
- Photo eye sensors must stay clean and aligned. These safety devices stop and reverse the door if something blocks its path.
Inspecting Commercial Garage Doors for Damage
Regular checks for damage on commercial garage doors can save you from big headaches later. Look for bent tracks, frayed cables, rusty springs, or cracked rollers during each inspection.
These small issues often lead to major failures if left alone. In fact, studies show over 90% of garage door systems fail at least one safety test, making these checks vital for your business safety.
Damage inspections should focus on both visible problems and hidden wear. Check door panels for dents, cracks, or warping that might affect movement. Listen for unusual noises during operation – grinding, scraping, or popping sounds signal trouble.
Testing door balance is also key – a properly balanced commercial door should stay in place when stopped halfway. This simple test helps spot weak springs before they snap and create safety risks for your employees and customers.
Test door movement and alignment
After checking for damage, you need to test how your commercial garage door moves. Open and close the door fully while listening for odd noises. These sounds often signal problems with rollers or tracks that need quick fixes.
Your door should open all the way up, stay in place without dropping, and close with no gaps at the floor.
Door balance matters too for safety and smooth operation. Try lifting your door halfway manually – it should stay put if properly balanced. An unbalanced door strains the opener and can lead to early wear on parts.
Testing the auto-reverse feature is also vital – place an object in the door’s path to ensure it stops and reverses. These simple movement checks help prevent accidents and extend your commercial garage door’s lifespan.
Testing Safety Features
Safety features need regular tests to catch problems before they cause harm. Monthly checks of sensors and reversal systems keep your team safe and your door working right.
Verify proper function of photo eye sensors and automatic reversal mechanisms
Photo eye sensors and automatic reversal systems form your garage door’s first line of defense against accidents. These small but mighty devices stop and reverse your door if something blocks its path.
You should test your photo eyes monthly by waving an object across their beam while the door closes. The door must reverse right away when the beam breaks. Check that LED lights on sensors glow brightly – dim or unlit indicators often signal replacement needs.
Your door’s reversing edge deserves equal attention. Press a wooden block against the bottom edge during closing. A properly working door will stop and go back up immediately upon contact.
Regular testing of these safety mechanisms helps prevent injuries and keeps your business compliant with UL 325 standards.
Routine Maintenance and Professional Inspections
Regular care keeps your commercial garage doors working smoothly for years. A pro can spot small issues before they turn into big, costly problems.
Lubricate moving parts and schedule regular expert evaluations
Your commercial garage door needs proper care to stay safe and work well. Good maintenance saves money and stops big problems before they start.
- Apply white lithium grease to all moving parts twice per year to reduce friction and prevent rust on tracks, rollers, and hinges.
- Check springs and cables monthly for signs of wear that could lead to door failure or safety hazards.
- Test safety sensors and auto-reverse features every 30 days to make sure they stop the door when something blocks its path.
- Clean tracks and remove debris that might cause the door to stick or operate poorly during daily use.
- Listen for unusual noises during operation, which often signal parts that need attention or lubrication.
- Schedule expert evaluations at least once yearly to spot problems that untrained eyes might miss.
- Keep a maintenance log to track when services were done and what issues were found during inspections.
- Replace worn parts right away rather than waiting for complete failure, which could cause downtime for your business.
- Hire certified garage door technicians for complex repairs to avoid liability issues and ensure work meets safety standards.
- Follow OSHA regulations and industry standards to protect workers and customers from accidents related to garage door malfunctions.
Commercial Garage Door Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your commercial garage doors running safely and smoothly. Proper care extends the lifespan of your overhead door system while reducing the risk of accidents.
We suggest applying silicone or lithium-based lubricants to all moving parts every six months. This simple step prevents excessive wear on springs, cables, and rollers. Don’t forget to check weather stripping for damage that might affect energy efficiency.
Many business owners skip these basic maintenance tasks, which leads to costly repairs down the road. Safety hazards also increase when commercial garage doors aren’t maintained properly.
A quick visual inspection can spot potential problems before they become serious issues. Your commercial spaces deserve doors that function correctly and protect your employees and customers.
Cleaning Tips for Commercial Garage Doors
Your commercial garage door needs regular cleaning to stay in top shape. A clean door not only looks better but also works better and lasts longer.
- Use mild detergent and warm water to clean your commercial garage door. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish and reduce the door’s lifespan.
- Grab a soft sponge or cloth for washing. Rough brushes or abrasive pads might scratch the surface of steel doors.
- Start at the top and work your way down to avoid streaks. This method helps ensure your commercial overhead door gets fully clean.
- Rinse with a gentle spray from your garden hose. High-pressure water can harm safety features like photo eye sensors.
- Dry the door with a clean, soft towel to prevent water spots. Moisture left on the door can lead to rust on moving parts.
- Clean tracks and rollers to remove dirt and debris. Clogged tracks can affect your garage door opener and cause safety issues.
- Wipe down weather stripping with a damp cloth. This simple step helps maintain the seal and reduces the risk of accidents.
- Schedule cleaning every three months for busy commercial garage doors. More frequent cleaning might be needed in dusty areas.
Conclusion
Safety checks for commercial garage doors protect both people and property. Regular inspections catch small issues before they become costly problems. Proper maintenance extends door life and keeps operations running smoothly.
Smart business owners schedule professional evaluations at least once a year. Call Unhinged of Phoenix, AZ at (602) 390-0794 to ensure your commercial doors stay safe and compliant with industry standards.
FAQs
1. Why are safety checks important for commercial garage doors?
Safety checks for commercial garage doors help reduce the risk of accidents and serious injury. A lack of maintenance can cause serious problems with your door’s operation. Regular checks keep your business from legal issues and ensure your commercial garage stays safe and compliant with U.S. standards like ANSI and DASMA.
2. How often should I check my commercial garage door safety features?
You should take care of your garage door with monthly checks of basic safety features. Look at the emergency release, check for obstructions in the door’s path, and test that safety sensors work. For deeper checks of broken springs or complex access systems, call professional garage door services every six months.
3. What are the main safety requirements for commercial overhead doors?
Commercial garage door safety requirements include working safety sensors, proper lubrication of moving parts, and emergency release mechanisms. Fire safety features must work correctly. The door shouldn’t close if something is in its path. Modern garage doors need these features to meet reliability engineering standards for commercial and residential use.
4. How can I tell if my commercial garage door needs maintenance?
Your commercial garage door needs attention if it makes strange noises, moves slowly, or stops in the open position. Other signs include uneven movement, shaking, or if the door isn’t responding to controls. Regular overhead door maintenance helps ensure the safety of your business operations and keeps doors lasting longer.
5. What should I do in case of an emergency with my commercial garage door?
In case of an emergency with your moving garage door, use the emergency release to disconnect the automatic garage opener. Keep everyone away from the door to ensure safety. If there are broken springs or other potential dangers, reach out to us or give us a call for professional garage door help right away.
6. Can proper maintenance extend the life of commercial garage doors?
Yes, properly maintained commercial garage doors can last much longer. Regular care of your garage door through safety checks, lubrication of moving parts, and fixing small issues before they grow keeps your operations running smoothly. Professional maintenance helps ensure they function correctly and safely for many years.