As the weather turns colder, commercial building owners and managers may start to notice issues with their doors. From sticking to not closing properly, winter weather can take a toll on commercial doors. As temperatures drop and conditions worsen, commercial doors are susceptible to a range of issues that can disrupt business operations and pose safety risks. Here’s some of the common reasons why a commercial roller door or shutter might malfunction in winter and some helpful tips to ensure your doors operate seamlessly throughout the season.
Freezing Mechanisms
Condensation and Ice – Moisture can condense inside the door mechanisms and freeze, leading to jamming or difficulty in opening and closing the doors. This is particularly common in automatic and sliding doors.
Ice Buildup – In regional areas which may experience freezing temperatures, ice and frost can accumulate along door tracks and thresholds, obstructing the movement of the door and potentially damaging components.
Material Contraction
Metal components of doors, such as frames, hinges, and locks, can contract in low temperatures, leading to misalignment and difficulty in operation. This can result in doors that stick or do not close properly. Weather stripping and seals can also shrink or become brittle in cold weather, compromising the door’s ability to function properly.
Lubrication Issues
Cold temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken, reducing their effectiveness. This can lead to increased friction in moving parts, making doors harder to open and close. In some cases, lubricants may dry out altogether, causing parts to seize or wear out more quickly.
Power Supply Problems
For automatic doors, batteries powering sensors and motors can lose efficiency or fail in cold weather, leading to operational issues. Cold weather can also affect the performance of electrical components, causing malfunctions in automated door systems.
Weather Damage
Heavy, gusty winds can put extra pressure on the door structure and mechanisms leading to operational problems. Hailstones, especially large ones, can cause dents on metal doors. This damage can be both unsightly and potentially compromising the structural integrity of the door. The force of both wind and hail can bend or break door hardware and damage door frames, affecting functionality and security.
Prevention and Maintenance Tips
- Regularly inspect doors for signs of wear and tear especially before and during the winter season.
- Use lubricants that are designed to perform well in low temperatures. Apply these lubricants to hinges, locks, and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Install weather-resistant seals and weather stripping to help prevent drafts and reduce the impact of temperature changes on door materials.
- If possible, maintain a stable temperature in entryways to reduce the impact of cold weather on door mechanisms.
- Use dehumidifiers to manage indoor humidity levels and prevent condensation that can freeze in door mechanisms.
- Schedule professional maintenance checks to ensure all components are in good working order and to address any potential issues before they become serious problems.
To help prevent commercial door issues in the winter months, it’s important to be proactive with commercial door maintenance. Cowan Doors is Melbourne’s trusted choice for servicing and maintenance and repairs for all types of commercial gates and doors. If you’re experiencing issues with a commercial roller shutter, need maintenance for a commercial roller door, or you need an expert for a new boom gate installation, reach out to us today by calling 8586 1188. We even offer a 24/7 breakdown service!