The demand for commercial garage doors keeps growing. The global garage and overhead doors market was valued at $6.99 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach $9.94 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 5.2%. But as valuable as commercial garage doors are, they need regular maintenance.
These doors provide security, convenience, and functionality. They allow you to load and unload goods and ensure a seamless flow of operations. But lack of commercial garage door maintenance can make them more prone to wear and tear. That, in turn, can lead to security issues and even accidents.
But learning about common garage door problems and how to fix them can help. It’s probably the only way to prolong the life of your garage door.
Let’s get started.
Broken Springs
When it comes to garage door troubleshooting, the first thing an expert would tell you is to check the springs. Springs are one of the most critical components of commercial garage doors. They help counterbalance the door’s weight. That’s what makes it easier to open and close the door.
But, constant use and exposure to weather elements can cause springs to wear out and eventually break down. You must identify the signs of worn-out springs to prevent further damage and accidents.
Common garage door problems involving damaged springs are:
- Difficulty in opening or closing.
- Excessive noise when opening or closing.
- A visible gap in the springs.
- Uneven or crooked door.
- Sudden or jerky movements.
- Visible rust or moisture build-up.
But this is hardly a DIY problem. These commercial garage door repairs are best left to professionals. For starters, attempting to fix or replace the springs without proper knowledge and equipment can be dangerous. Professional technicians have the expertise and tools to replace broken springs safely. So, call a professional immediately when you see these signs of broken springs.
Malfunctioned Door Opener
As you can imagine, a malfunctioned door opener can disrupt your daily operations, causing inconvenience to everyone. And the fact is, commercial garage door openers can encounter various issues. They usually include faulty sensors, wiring problems, or motor failures.
Here are some signs of a malfunctioned door opener.
- May exhibit erratic behavior when opening or closing.
- Make strange or excessive noises.
- Can suddenly lose power or experience frequent power interruptions.
- Safety sensor issues.
- Cause problems with remote control functionality.
Timely repairs are crucial to restore the functionality of your door opener and prevent potential security risks. But remember, only professional technicians can diagnose and repair the problem accurately. Call a commercial garage door service as soon as possible.
Misaligned Tracks
This is also one of the most common garage door problems. Properly aligned tracks ensure smooth movement of your commercial garage door. On the other hand, misaligned tracks can cause the door to get stuck, operate noisily, or even come off the tracks. The causes of track misalignment include accidental bumps, loose mounting brackets, or worn-out rollers. Usually, it happens when the horizontal tracks on either side become uneven or out of alignment.
Unfortunately, ignoring this issue can lead to further damage to the door. Or worse, it can compromise the safety of your employees and customers. Of course, you need to hire a garage door troubleshooting expert to realign the tracks. They can provide you with a quick, reliable, and safe solution. Never attempt to DIY this problem.
Damaged Panels
With 28% businesses reporting an increase in theft, commercial garage doors are becoming more susceptible to damage. Harsh weather, accidents, and collisions can also damage your garage door. More often than not, vandalism and collisions lead to damaged door panels.
Damaged panels refer to any dents, cracks, or breakages in the individual sections that make up your garage door. Damaged panels affect your door’s functionality, as well as its appearance. Repairing or replacing damaged panels is essential to restore both.
Your garage door is the first thing your customers will see. And a damaged commercial garage door is hardly a reflection of professionalism. So, prompt commercial garage door repairs are in order.
Call a professional technician immediately. They will assess the extent of the damage and provide a suitable solution. Your door will look as good as new in no time.
Faulty Safety Features
The fifth on our list of common garage door problems are fault safety features. Safety is the number one priority for commercial buildings and business owners. And with faulty safety features, your commercial garage door will fail to provide safe entry/exit in the building.
Safety features often include photo-eye sensors or emergency release mechanisms. These features are designed to prevent accidents and injuries by detecting obstructions and providing emergency exit options. But they can’t do so when damaged. And as you can guess, faulty safety features can pose a serious risk to your patrons and staff.
The common signs of faulty safety features include:
- The door does not reverse when obstructed.
- Inconsistent operation of the safety sensors.
- Malfunctioned auto-reverse mechanism.
You need to address faulty safety features promptly. It is necessary to ensure everyone’s safety. If you think your safety features are not working, call an expert in commercial overhead door troubleshooting. They can inspect and test the safety mechanisms, making necessary adjustments or replacements.
Conclusion
Commercial garage doors keep your office/business safe. But as they are subject to heavy use, commercial garage doors are susceptible to wear and tear. The most common garage door problems include broken springs, malfunctioning door openers, misaligned tracks, damaged panels, and faulty safety features. Hopefully, learning about these issues can help you take the necessary steps immediately.
Are you looking for commercial overhead door troubleshooting? Your search ends at Thompson Garage Doors. We have been experts in garage door installation and repair since 1957. Call 775-356-6601 or fill out our online contact form for details.