How to Know if Commercial Door Repairs Are Needed

Commercial doors are the silent, permanent guardians of your business space. They may also be the first touch-point a customer has with your company.

If they don’t work correctly or have a glaring issue, that reflects on your business image.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the signs and sounds of a potential commercial door problem.

We’ll explain what problems could mean you need urgent commercial door repairs. And we’ll cover why regular door inspections are essential for your business.

The Basics of Commercial Doors

Commercial doors aren’t like the doors we have at home. They are often bigger and come with extra features. That might include:

• Automatic openings
• Rotating doors
• Heavy fire-resistant doors
• High-security doors

Commercial doors also come in more robust material than the typical wooden doors at home. While some may be wooden, many are steel, aluminum, or glass.

A commercial door can serve many purposes. They can provide extra security and protect a building from fire. You can get high-traffic doors such as the restaurant swinging doors found here.

Some doors may even have an aesthetic purpose, like an impressive front entrance for a head office or high-end store.

Signs of Physical Damage

A repair will most likely be the next step if your commercial door has physical damage.

Some things might be easy to spot, like broken glass or a door that’s come off the hinges. Yet not all physical signs are this obvious. You’ll need to inspect the door closely.

Look at the door surface and check it for any minor scratches, cracks, or dents. Next, check the door frame. If it doesn’t look aligned with the door, that could be a sign of a problem.

Another issue to watch is a draft coming from below the door. It could indicate broken or worn seals around the door.

Last, check the door mechanics for problems. Inspect hinges, handles, and door closers.

Signs of Operating Problems

Once you’ve checked the door for physical damage, it’s time to think about the operability. There are subtle and not-so-subtle signs that a door isn’t functioning as it should.

All doors should feel smooth and easy when opening or closing. The exception here is the weight of a fire door. If you sense that a door is awkward or difficult to open or shut, it may need repair.

There could be a problem with the hinge or the closing mechanism. You might have a warped door that needs replacing.

Another issue to note is when you have problems locking a door, such as if the lock is stiff or needs several attempts. Without a repair, these issues could worsen to the point where you can’t lock the door and secure your building.

If the door is automatic, look for slow or delayed opening and closing. You may need to repair either the door or the sensor.

Door Problems from Weather and Other Environmental Issues

You may need a door repair because of an extreme weather event or other environmental factors. If you’ve recently experienced unusual weather, it’s an ideal time to inspect your commercial door for signs of damage.

High winds and storms could damage the door or frame. Broken glass is a common problem in areas that suffer hurricanes. Rain and low temperatures could cause doors to warp.

You may also have a problem with corrosion to metal parts like hinges. Coastal areas have the added issue of salt and moisture exposure, which can increase the likelihood of corrosion.

Heat is another issue, as this can warp doors or create a bent frame. It may damage the surface and appearance of the door, causing a faded, worn effect.

Commercial Door Repairs and Security Concerns

You may need a commercial door repair to improve the door’s security. The functionality of your door locks or other security systems is critical for a commercial business.

A problem with a key, keypad, or card reader must be treated as an urgent issue. Otherwise, you could leave yourself open to a security breach.

You should include door and lock checks as part of the security procedures in your commercial setting. Test each key, card, and keypad every month to ensure there aren’t problems.

Ensure you store keys securely too. You may need to get a repair if you feel someone could have accessed and tampered with a key.

Unusual Noises With Your Commercial Door

Noises and unusual sounds could mean your commercial door is due a repair. Listen for creaking, grinding, or squeaking in the door or handle. It could mean a problem with the hinges or a warped door.

Loud noises when a door shuts could indicate a problem, and if the door closes so fast that it makes that noise, that’s also a safety issue.

Any rattling you hear in the door locks may happen if there is a loose part, so you need to get that checked. With automatic doors, listen for clicking or grinding sounds. That could mean a problem with the motor.

Always get a door inspected for damage if you hear any unusual sounds. You may be able to repair a small problem before it becomes severe.

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s always worth hiring a professional for commercial door repairs. The exception is for the most minor issues, like a loose screw, providing you have someone in-house to fix that.

A professional can conduct a full inspection and repair for more complex issues.

Sometimes it could mean a commercial door replacement. That could be the most sensible long-term option, as a new door will help you avoid future problems like a more severe break or a security issue.

Plus, an ill-functioning door reflects poorly on a business’s image. If your customers use that door, treat a repair as an urgent issue.

Keeping Your Premises Safe and Secure

Don’t ignore a problem with a commercial door. These doors represent your business image, provide vital security, and may prevent fire. Always opt for commercial door repairs at the first sign of a problem.

Keep reading our other recent articles to learn more ways to upgrade your commercial space