For most businesses, sliding gates and garage doors play a vital role in keeping the business premises safe and secure, however, they only provide protection when they function as they should. Cowan Doors is Melbourne’s trusted choice for fast and efficient servicing and maintenance of commercial roller doors. Most business owners and management corporations are aware of the importance of servicing commercial doors and gates on a regular basis, however, there are also a few simple maintenance tasks that can be performed between a professional service to ensure optimal operation of industrial doors at all times. Read on to find out more.
Observe and Listen to Your Roller Door
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your roller doors in good condition is to listen and observe. Does it move with a jerky or unstable motion? Are there any strange noises when it is in use? Does it open and close without any issues? Many common garage door problems can be detected by a quick visual inspection. On a monthly basis you should check the below:
- Look for loose rollers, and damage, defects or inconsistencies in the horizontal and vertical tracks.
- Look for loose screws, damaged or loose hardware, other issues with hinges and springs and for things that aren’t properly installed and functioning.
- Lift cables should be free from frays and knots.
- A properly balanced manual door should be easy to lift (for electric doors, use the manual release to check the door operation).
Lubricate Moving Parts
Industrial roller doors are made up of a multitude of moving parts, and these moving parts should be well-lubricated at all times. Not only does proper lubrication decrease stress on the door opener, it prevents rust, promotes proper operation and significantly prolongs the life of the door. Off-the-shelf lubricant such as WD-40 on the metal hinges, rollers and spring systems will be sufficient.
Clear the Tracks
To operate smoothly, the tracks on either of the roller door should be free of rust and debris. Clear away any dirt, mud, dust or debris frequently. You can also check if the tracks are plumb on the vertical sections by using a level. If you notice any variations you can make small adjustments, however, major track adjustments should always be performed by a professional technician.
Tighten Loose Bolts
A typical commercial roller door opens and closes hundreds, if not thousands, of times per year. This repetitive motion and the vibration that goes along with it can loosen the hardware over time. One thing you can do is to regularly inspect the brackets that connect the door tracks and the opener unit to the frame. If you notice any loose bolts, tighten these up promptly.
Neglected garage doors can put a heavy amount of stress on your door opener, which could affect the overall performance and efficiency of the roller door. Taking a few minutes on a regular basis to perform these easy maintenance tips, in conjunction with professional routine servicing, will be sure to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in industrial roller door repairs.
At Cowan Doors, our routine preventative maintenance program can keep your commercial roller doors in good working order throughout their lifetime. Call us today on (03) 9587 8750 or enquire now online.