TL;DR: Commercial garage doors are crucial for business security and operations, but they can become weak points if not properly maintained. Common issues include mechanical failures, weather damage, and wear from daily use. Regular maintenance, such as monthly inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and avoiding overloading, can extend the doors’ lifespan and prevent costly repairs. Protecting doors from environmental damage with weather stripping, insulation, and protective coatings is also essential. Professional maintenance and potential upgrades can further enhance door durability and security. For expert care, contact Garage Door Doctors in Indianapoliss
Many US stores, restaurants, distribution centers, and other businesses have separate premises where they load or offload their products. These places usually hold large quantities of products or merchandise and are a direct access point to the business. That’s why most businesses have large commercial garage doors that prevent unwanted visitors.
Unfortunately, if you let them fall into disrepair, these garage doors can become weak points in your business’s defenses. Recent statistics reveal that 9% of burglars access properties through the garage. So, it’s essential to keep the garage doors in optimal condition to protect your business and avoid expensive replacements.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs will help garage doors last longer and make them less vulnerable to security breaches. Let’s see how to extend the lifespan of your commercial garage doors and keep your business safe at the same time.
Common Issues Faced by Commercial Garage Doors
Garage doors at commercial properties endure heavy usage, opening and closing multiple times throughout the day. This constant activity can lead to various mechanical issues that affect their performance and interfere with daily operations. Issues that usually arise with commercial garage doors are the following:
- Mechanical failures: These typically arise from worn-out components such as springs, cables, or motors. Lack of regular maintenance often leads to these failures, making performing routine checks and timely repairs crucial to keeping everything functioning smoothly.
- Weather-related damage: Even normal weather conditions like rain, snow, or wind can significantly harm garage doors. Water can seep into electrical components, while strong winds can warp the door. Inspections and checks will identify any vulnerabilities so you can repair them on time.
- Wear and tear from daily use: Constant opening and closing can lead to general wear on hinges, tracks, and rollers. This wear can result in misalignment or reduced efficiency, impacting the door’s ability to operate properly. Scheduling preventive maintenance will keep the garage doors functional for a long time and minimize malfunctions.
Regular Maintenance Practices
Garage doors provide your business with extra security while facilitating daily operations. A slow or stuck garage door can disrupt workflow, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards.
Therefore, every responsible business owner must establish a routine for maintenance tasks to keep the garage doors functional and safe. Regular upkeep prolongs the lifespan of your garage doors and improves their performance, keeping your operations running smoothly. It will also save your company money because new garage doors cost up to $10,000.
Monthly Inspections
Monthly inspections of your garage doors are an easy way to identify potential issues with the door and its mechanisms. Start by visually checking for scratches, cracks, or dented areas on the door. Then, look for rust, which can compromise integrity, especially if the door is metal.
Another concern is misalignment, so you should check whether the door opens and closes evenly. Pay close attention to the seals and weather stripping around the door, as worn-out seals can lead to drafts and energy loss. Check that important components, like the springs and cables, aren’t rusty, fraying, or worn out.
Lubrication of Moving Parts
A big part of having smooth daily operations in your business is keeping your garage doors’ moving parts lubricated. Tracks, rollers, and hinges all require regular lubrication to function efficiently. Try to lubricate these components every three to six months. If you use the garage doors more often, lubricate them more frequently.
We recommend using a silicone-based lubricant for the tracks, as it will not attract dust and debris. For added protection, rollers and hinges can benefit from a light coating of lithium grease. Avoid using WD-40, as it can degrade the rubber in seals and other components over time.
Cleaning the Garage Door
Regularly cleaning your garage door will remove all excess grime and lubricant buildup, which can cause the doors to deteriorate over time. It’s best to clean the door monthly or more often if exposed to harsh weather conditions. To clean the garage doors, all you have to do is:
- Spray the doors with water mixed with a mild detergent and rinse them off with clean water.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools because they will leave scratches on the door’s finish.
- Use a wax finish to protect against rust while enhancing the appearance of metal garage doors.
- If your garage door is wooden, use a wood-safe cleaner and treat it with a sealant to protect against moisture.
Avoiding Overloading
Overloading your garage door leads to complications, mechanical failures, and safety hazards. Each door has specific weight and size limits, which manufacturers typically state in the user manual. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to avoid putting excessive strain on the door’s components.
Protecting Commercial Garage Doors from Environmental Damage
Commercial garage doors often face harsh weather conditions, making them susceptible to environmental damage. Wind, rain, and fluctuating temperatures can gradually wear down the door’s surface, leading to rust, corrosion, or structural weaknesses. To maintain the longevity of your garage doors, you must shield them from these unpredictable elements.
Weather Protection
If you want well-protected garage doors, you need weather stripping and insulation. Weatherstripping forms a seal around the edges of the door, preventing water and air from seeping in. This protects against moisture damage and helps maintain a consistent internal temperature.
When it comes to preventing rust and corrosion from damaging your door’s surface, protective coatings are your best bet. Opt for weather-resistant paint or sealants specifically formulated for metal surfaces. Regular reapplication of these coatings every few years will ensure your doors not only look good but also function correctly.
Temperature Control
Extreme temperatures can lead to material fatigue and compromise the integrity of your garage doors. To combat this, consider insulation options that protect the door and the space inside. Insulated doors keep the heat or cold out and maintain a stable environment within the garage.
Maintaining a consistent temperature is especially important if your garage holds sensitive equipment or products. Using space heaters during winter months or fans in the summer can help achieve this balance. You can also install ventilation systems to prevent the buildup of moisture and humidity, which can lead to rust formation and other damage.
Scheduling Professional Maintenance Services
Hiring a professional to evaluate door functionality will help you identify and fix any issues hindering the functionality of your garage doors. It’s best to do such evaluations at least once a year or more frequently in case of heavier usage. For busy commercial facilities, consider semi-annual assessments to keep everything working smoothly and avoid unexpected downtime.
Expert Repairs and Upgrades
Regular checks are proactive measures to catch issues early. When it comes to upgrades, think about switching to more robust materials. Steel doors, for instance, can withstand harsh conditions better than traditional wooden ones. Upgrading improves durability, security, and energy efficiency. Consider the lifespan and maintenance needs of your current doors and weigh the benefits of investing in newer, more durable options.
Get Expert Garage Door Maintenance and Repair in IN
Commercial garage doors help your business’ safety while enabling uninterrupted operations. You must keep them in good condition so they work well and serve you for a long time. If you need a partner you can trust with this important task, Garage Door Doctors in Indianapolis is here to help.
Our dedicated team of skilled technicians will give your garage doors the best care and maintenance, ensuring they remain functional and secure. With our transparent pricing and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can rely on us to provide a trustworthy and efficient service.
Have a smooth experience with your garage door each time, only with the Garage Door Doctors. Call us today!
The post How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Commercial Garage Doors appeared first on Garage Door Doctors.
This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com