Welcome to Overhead Door Company of Akron, where we have been serving the greater Akron, Canton, and Cleveland areas since 1972. We are proud to be a trusted source for commercial garage door solutions and services. In this article, we will discuss the importance of regular maintenance for your commercial garage doors and provide you with a comprehensive checklist that can help keep your doors in tip-top shape all year round.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Just like any other mechanical device or piece of equipment, regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your commercial garage doors functioning properly. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and even potential safety hazards. Therefore, it is essential to stay on top of maintenance tasks and develop a routine that fits your business needs.
The Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
To help you stay organized and ensure all necessary tasks are completed, we have created a seasonal maintenance checklist for your commercial garage doors. Depending on your location and climate, some tasks may need to be adjusted or performed more frequently. Let’s dive into the details for each season.
Winter Maintenance Checklist
Winter can be harsh on your commercial garage door, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Here are some essential tasks to include in your winter maintenance checklist:
- Inspect weatherstripping: Check the weatherstripping around your garage door for any cracks or damage. Damaged weatherstripping can allow cold air and moisture to seep into your facility, reducing energy efficiency and potentially causing water damage.
- Lubricate moving parts: Cold temperatures can cause the lubricant on your garage door’s moving parts to thicken or freeze, leading to increased friction and potential wear and tear. Make sure to use a lubricant specifically designed for garage doors.
- Check springs and cables: Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause springs and cables to weaken or break. Inspect them for any signs of damage, such as fraying or rust, and replace them if necessary.
- Clear snow and ice buildup: Heavy snowfall can add extra weight to your garage door, putting a strain on the opener and potentially damaging it. Make sure to clear any snow or ice buildup from the door and its tracks.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
As temperatures start to rise, it’s time to give your commercial garage door some much-needed maintenance. Here are some tasks to include in your spring maintenance checklist:
- Inspect tracks and rollers: Cold weather and debris can cause damage to your garage door’s tracks and rollers. Inspect them for any signs of wear and tear, such as bent tracks or worn-out rollers, and replace them if necessary.
- Clean and lubricate hinges: Winter weather can also cause hinges to become stiff or rusted. Clean them with a degreaser and lubricate them to ensure smooth operation.
- Check balance and alignment: A misaligned or unbalanced garage door can put extra strain on the opener and potentially cause damage. Test the balance and alignment of your door, and make any necessary adjustments.
- Test safety features: Make sure that all safety features, such as photo-eye sensors, are functioning correctly. If they are not working correctly, have them repaired immediately to prevent accidents.
Summer Maintenance Checklist
While summer may bring warmer weather, it can also bring heavy rainstorms that can affect your commercial garage door. Here are some tasks to include in your summer maintenance checklist:
- Inspect and clean tracks: Summer storms can bring debris that can clog your garage door’s tracks. Inspect them for any obstructions and clean them to ensure smooth operation.
- Check weatherstripping: Hot temperatures can cause weatherstripping to dry out and crack, reducing its effectiveness. Inspect and replace any damaged weatherstripping to prevent energy loss.
- Inspect opener system: Check the opener system for any signs of wear or damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections. Tighten any loose components and have any necessary repairs done by a professional.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
With fall bringing cooler temperatures, it’s time to prepare your commercial garage door for winter. Here are some tasks to include in your fall maintenance checklist:
- Inspect and clean door panels: Inspect the door panels for any damage, such as dents or cracks. Clean them with a mild detergent to remove dirt and debris.
- Check springs and cables: Just like in winter, extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the integrity of springs and cables. Check for any signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary.
- Test emergency release: Make sure that the emergency release on your garage door is functioning correctly. If it’s not working correctly, have it repaired by a professional.
Year-Round Maintenance Tips
In addition to the seasonal maintenance tasks outlined above, here are some year-round maintenance tips to keep your commercial garage door in top condition:
- Regularly clean and inspect: Make it a habit to regularly clean and inspect your garage door for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or malfunction.
- Schedule professional maintenance: While these tasks can be done by the business owner or facility manager, it’s essential to schedule professional maintenance at least once a year. A trained technician can identify any potential issues and address them before they become costly repairs.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and care of your specific garage door model. This will ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to keep your door in top condition.
As a business owner, it is essential to prioritize regular maintenance of your commercial garage door to ensure safe and efficient operation. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even replacement of your door, impacting your bottom line. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can keep your commercial garage door in tip-top shape throughout every season.
At Overhead Door Company of Akron, we have been serving businesses in the greater Akron, Canton, and Cleveland areas since 1972. Our team of experts is trained to provide top-notch commercial garage door maintenance services, ensuring the safety and longevity of your door. Contact us today (330) 929-3452 to schedule a professional maintenance check for your commercial garage door.
