Your commercial roller door will last and perform with the right servicing and maintenance. Lubrication is an essential part of garage door care, without it, you may find your door becoming harder to open and close over time and can result in an inconvenient malfunction needing expensive repairs. For repairs and maintenance of commercial roller shutters, Melbourne businesses can rely on Cowan Doors for fast, reliable, and affordable service. Read on for our guide on the importance of lubricating your commercial and industrial doors.
Commercial Roller Door Lubrication is Essential
To ensure your garage door runs smoothly, it should be lubricated every 3-6 months. Sometimes even more frequently, depending on use. If your commercial garage doors were never lubricated, they would not open and close smoothly, this is due to the direct metal-on-metal contact experienced by the hinges, bearings, and other moving parts. Lubrication adds a protective barrier against metal-on-metal contact, minimizing the amount of wear and tear on moving parts, and maximising the overall lifespan of your door.
Which Parts Require Lubrication?
Most moving components on your commercial roller door will require lubrication. The main components are:
Steel Hinges – these serve as the primary pivot points on your garage door. These will need significant lubrication to prevent damage caused by metal-on-metal contact. Sparingly lubricate with all-purpose machine oil.
Springs – require lubrication to prevent friction that could deteriorate them over time. Lubrication also gives your springs a protective layer against rust-causing moisture. You can wipe them over with an oily rag.
Other components that need regular lubrication include:
- Ball bearings inside unsealed steel and nylon rollers.
- Ball bearings inside garage door pulleys.
- Garage door opener chains – can be lubricated with chain lube.
- Door lock assemblies – if the key becomes stiff, a spray lubricant is recommended.
***Important – do not lubricate garage door tracks. This could cause the rollers to slip inside the track, preventing the door from opening and closing properly.
Which Lubricant is Best?
Not only is lubricant highly effective at preventing friction between moving surfaces, but it also forms a protective layer that resists moisture and rust. There is a wide range of lubricants available from heavy-duty grease to silicone-based sprays. If you are unsure which one to use, it is best to seek advice from a reputable garage door maintenance company. Water-displacing products like WD-40 shouldn’t be used as lubrication on garage door components.
Get the Most Out of Your Commercial Garage Doors with Scheduled Maintenance
A little lubrication can go a long way towards protecting your garage door and maximising its lifespan. To ensure the right products are used, let the professionals at Cowan Doors look after your roller doors and shutters with a routine maintenance and servicing plan. This will ensure your doors are adequately cared for, and you will receive written reports that identify problems before they happen, saving you money and time. Enquire online now or call our friendly team today on (03) 8586 1188.