Best Practices for Commercial Garage Door Maintenance

Garage doors serve various functions and are as a key access point to your business. This means that they play a crucial role in your company’s safety

If a garage door breaks or malfunctions, it can compromise your business's safety. It can leave you vulnerable to thieves and burglars potentially creating dangerous situations. 

The right garage door maintenance will keep your business safe, and protect your workers and belongings. Read on to learn how to ensure your garage door offers optimal functionality. 

Best Practices for Commercial Garage Door Maintenance

Regular Inspection and Assessment

Business owners should maintain an inspection schedule for their garage door maintenance. They should look for signs of damage because addressing it early will enhance safety and minimize the need for expensive repairs. 

Common signs of damage include wear and tear on springs, cables, tracks, roller, and hinges. Fraying, bent parts, rust, corrosion, and loose bolts and screws are easy fixes that can lead to damage if left unaddressed. You should also open your door manually to check its alignment. 

Lubrication and Cleaning

Lubrication and cleaning are essential components of commercial garage door maintenance. They will ensure parts don’t get worn down and support optimal functionality. 

You should lubricate all moving parts as follows:

• Hinges: The hinges connect the garage door panels. Lubricant should be applied at the pivot points of your metal hinges. Avoid lubricating plastic hinges as doing so can cause excessive wear. 
• Rollers: Rollers allow your garage door to travel up and down on its track. Lubricate the rollers being careful not to get the lubricant on any nylon materials. 
• Springs: Torsion springs lift and lower your garage door. Lubrication will increase their mobility and enhance their longevity.

You should also consider lubricating the opener chain or screw and the spring system. Use a white lithium grease or high-quality silicone-based lubricant. Lubrication should be performed twice yearly. 

It’s also important to clean your garage door. Remove any dirt and debris accumulated on the door and the tracks interfering with your door’s functionality. Clean these areas before lubrication. 

Testing and Adjustment

Testing and adjustment play a crucial role in commercial garage door preventative maintenance and ensure your garage door functions safely. They will prevent collapses that can lead to property damage and worker injuries. 

Your testing and adjustment processes should include:

• Sensor and Auto Reverse Testing: Autoreverse allows your garage door to reverse automatically when it detects an object in its way. You can test the system by placing an object near the bottom of the garage door and the door should reverse when the object is detected. If the door does not reverse, you may have an issue with your sensors. They may need to be cleaned or realigned. If these fixes do not solve your problem, talk to a professional.
• Adjust Spring and Cable Testing: Garage door springs help balance the door’s weight so it opens and closes easily. If your door is not opening or closing properly, it may require a torsion spring adjustment. You can use a C-clamp to loosen or tighten your spring. There is also a cable inside the spring that contributes to the door’s functionality that can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the knot or the clamp attaching it or tweaking the cable’s length.
• Check Balance and Alignment: You can check your garage door’s balance and alignment by disconnecting it from the opener and pulling the emergency release cord. Then manually pull it about halfway up. The door should stay in place. If it doesn’t, you could have an alignment issue. Garage doors can become misaligned for various reasons which affect the commercial garage door repair process. Troubleshooting may become complex which is why It is best to call a professional to attend to this issue. 

Weatherproofing and Sealing

It’s essential to maintain weatherproofing and sealing throughout your garage door’s lifetime. Improperly installed, worn, or damaged sealant can lead to increased energy costs, damage, and insulation issues. It can also produce openings where pests can enter. 

The following signs tell you that you need a weather sealant replacement. 

• Rusted or brittle metal
• Cracks and gaps
• Puddles of water forming under your door
• Drafts

You may also install bottom seals to ensure your garage can withstand weather elements. They are typically made of vinyl and rubber and are placed at the bottom of your door to keep the elements out. Be aware that bottom seals can wear out over time and require regular maintenance. 

Professional Maintenance and Repairs

While some garage door maintenance issues can be handled with DIY methods, professional service is recommended. A professional can handle complex problems as they will provide more reliable repairs. 

Some business owners may DIY their commercial garage door repairs and maintenance to save money. However, repairs that are completed improperly can cause problems in the long run. It can lead to a need for more repairs in the future, and it can cause injuries that affect your business liability. 

If you don’t feel confident handling a garage door repair, call a professional. 

Choose Raynor Door Authority for Your Commercial Door Maintenance Services

Commercial garage door maintenance protects your business, workers, and assets. Preventative measures like regular inspections, lubrication and cleaning, testing and adjustment, and weather sealing and stripping will reduce the need for expensive repairs. It will help your garage door withstand the test of time. 

DIY repairs can lead to issues down the road. Call Raynor Door Authority for a reliable service you can trust. We apply our expertise to ensure quality products, repairs, installation, and garage door maintenance. 

Contact us to ensure optimal garage door safety and functionality.