Have you ever had a door that just won’t open easily? You’re not the only one. In the busy business world, a door that doesn’t work correctly is a big headache. It stops work and turns customers away.In any business, a door is like a welcome sign for your store. When it doesn’t work, it’s not a good sign.
In this blog, we’re going to look at common door problems and how to fix them. Whether it’s a door that won’t close right or an automatic door sensor acting up, we have tips to help your business’s welcome sign stay open and friendly.”
Why Do Commercial Doors Stick and How Can You Fix It?
Commercial doors may stick due to a variety of reasons, often related to physical changes in the door or its frame, or issues with the door’s hardware. Understanding these causes and knowing how to fix them is crucial for maintaining the smooth operation of your business. Here’s a breakdown of the common reasons and their solutions:
- Warping or Swelling: Wood doors, in particular, are prone to warping or swelling due to changes in humidity or exposure to water. This can cause the door to stick in its frame.
Solution to fix: If warping or swelling is minor, sanding or planing the affected area of the door can help. It’s important to remove only the necessary amount of material to prevent further issues. - Misalignment: Over time, doors can become misaligned due to regular use, settling of the building, or improper installation. This misalignment can cause the door to stick against the frame or not latch properly.
Solution to fix: Adjusting the hinges can often realign the door. In some cases, repositioning the strike plate or the door itself might be necessary to achieve proper alignment. - Issue with Door Hardware: Problems with the door’s hardware, such as hinges, locks, or handles, can also lead to sticking. For instance, loose or damaged hinges can hinder the door’s movement.
Solution to fix: Tightening or replacing the problematic hardware usually resolves this issue. Regularly checking and maintaining door hardware can prevent such problems from arising. - Environmental Factors: External factors like temperature and humidity can affect how a door fits in its frame. In certain climates, doors may stick seasonally due to these environmental changes.
Solution to fix: Applying a sealant or weather-stripping can help minimize the impact of environmental factors. In some cases, adjusting the door or frame to accommodate these changes is necessary. - Debris and Dirt: Accumulation of dirt and debris in the door frame or on the door itself can cause sticking.
Solution: Regular cleaning of the door frame and the door edges can prevent this issue. Pay special attention to the bottom of the door and the areas around the hinges
What Causes Commercial Doors to Slam and How to Address It?
Commercial doors may slam shut for various reasons, often related to issues with door closers, alignment, or environmental factors. Addressing this problem is important not just for reducing noise and disruption, but also for ensuring the longevity of the door and the safety of those using it. Here’s an overview of the common causes and solutions for slamming commercial doors:
- Maladjusted Door Closers: Door closers control the speed and force with which a door closes. If they are incorrectly adjusted, the door can slam shut.
Solution: Adjust the door closer’s tension. Most door closers have adjustment screws that control the closing speed and force. The goal is to find the right balance where the door closes firmly without slamming. - Worn Out or Damaged Door Closers: Over time, door closers can wear out or get damaged, losing their effectiveness.
Solution: Inspect the door closer for any visible damage or signs of wear. In many cases, replacing the door closer is the most effective solution. - Improper Door Alignment: If a door is not properly aligned within its frame, it may not close smoothly, leading to slamming.
Solution: Check and adjust the hinges and alignment of the door. This might involve tightening loose hinges or realigning the door within the frame. - Strong Air Currents or Pressure Differences: In some environments, particularly in larger buildings, air pressure differences between areas can cause doors to slam.
Solution: Installing air pressure relief mechanisms or adjusting HVAC settings can help. In some cases, adding vestibules or redesigning entryways may be necessary to manage airflow.
How Do Gaps and Sealing Issues Affect Commercial Doors?
Gaps in commercial doors can lead to air leakage, resulting in increased energy costs and reduced comfort due to drafts. This problem typically stems from structural or installation errors. Addressing sealing issues is vital as it can cause thermal leakage, affecting the temperature control inside your business. Regular inspections can identify and rectify these issues early.
If your commercial door refuses to close properly, the culprit could be as simple as debris in the hinges, strike plate, or door jamb. Sometimes, even a small stone can prevent complete closure. Regular cleaning and checking for obstructions can be a simple yet effective way to ensure your doors function smoothly.
How Can You Manage Wear and Tear on Commercial Doors?
Commercial doors undergo heavy usage, leading to wear and tear issues such as broken springs, damaged hinges, and faulty locks. Traffic wear is especially common in entrances with heavy foot traffic. To address these issues, consider implementing routine and annual maintenance inspections.
This practice helps identify and fix broken or worn-down cables, torsion springs, and other components that may compromise the door’s primary function and security measures.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, common door repairs in commercial settings range from fixing sticking doors to addressing more complex issues like broken torsion springs and alignment problems. For business operations to run smoothly, it’s crucial to conduct routine maintenance and annual maintenance inspections.
Altus Shop Fronts & Shutter specializes in common door issues and specialized door maintenance tips.
Our team is adept at troubleshooting commercial doors, ensuring smooth and safe operations for your business. With over two decades of experience, they provide comprehensive services in manufacturing, installing, and repairing shop fronts and security shutters in London, ensuring high customer satisfaction and service of their commercial door problems.
