Sectional overhead doors are essential for many commercial facilities, providing security, insulation, and easy access. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure these doors function optimally and last for many years.
Authority Dock & Door shares some key tips to help you effectively maintain your sectional overhead doors.
Regular Inspection
Performing routine inspections is the initial step in maintaining your sectional overhead doors. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, loose bolts, or bent tracks. Check the door panels for damage and ensure that the weatherstripping is intact.
Regular inspections can help you identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving time and money on repairs.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication of the moving parts of sectional overhead doors is essential to keeping them operating smoothly. Lubricate hinges, rollers, and tracks with a high-quality, non-corrosive lubricant. Avoid using heavy oils or grease since dust and debris are easily attracted, leading to further wear and tear.
Regular lubrication reduces friction and helps prevent parts from wearing out prematurely.
Balance and Alignment
Ensuring that your sectional overhead doors are properly balanced and aligned is crucial for longevity. An unbalanced door strains the opener and other components, causing them to wear out more quickly.
To check the balance, disconnect the door from the opener and lift it manually. The door should lift easily and stay open. If it doesn’t, it may be time to adjust the tension springs or call a professional for service.
Clean Tracks and Rollers
Accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris in the tracks and on the rollers of sectional overhead doors can impede their smooth operation. Wipe down the tracks with a damp cloth regularly and clear away any blockages. Check the rollers for wear and replace them if they appear damaged or worn out.
Clean tracks and rollers ensure the door moves smoothly and reduce the risk of mechanical failure.
Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is crucial for maintaining the insulation properties of sectional overhead doors and keeping out drafts, dirt, and pests. Inspect the weatherstripping regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Replace any damaged sections promptly to maintain the door’s energy efficiency and prevent water or debris from entering your facility.
Test Safety Features
Sectional overhead doors have numerous safety features, including automatic reversal mechanisms and photo-eye sensors. Regularly test these features to ensure they are operating properly.
Place an object in the door’s path to see if it reverses when it comes into contact. If the door does not reverse or the sensors fail to detect an obstruction, it may be time to replace or repair these components.
Have A Preventative Maintenance Plan in Place
In addition to regular DIY maintenance, it’s wise to arrange for professional maintenance annually. Professional door technicians possess the expertise to detect and resolve issues that may not be noticeable during routine inspections. They are also experienced in handling more complex tasks, such as adjusting tension springs and ensuring the opener is working properly.
A thorough preventative maintenance plan can identify minor issues before they escalate, ensuring your sectional overhead doors’ longevity and optimal performance.
Trust Authority Dock & Door for Your Sectional Overhead Doors Maintenance Needs
Maintaining sectional overhead doors requires regular attention and care. By conducting regular inspections, lubricating moving parts, ensuring balance and alignment, cleaning tracks and rollers, inspecting weather stripping, testing safety features, and scheduling professional maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your doors and keep them operating efficiently.
Authority Dock & Door is your full-service commercial door and loading dock equipment company, offering sales, installation, service, and preventative maintenance programs to businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Proper maintenance enhances the longevity of your sectional overhead doors and ensures the safety and security of your commercial facility.
Contact Authority Dock & Door today to schedule a professional maintenance service and keep your sectional overhead doors in top condition.