Maintenance Tips for Overhead Doors to Enhance Their Lifespan

Overhead doors provide convenient access and energy savings in commercial and industrial facilities. But these heavy-duty systems are subject to intense wear from continual lifting, vibration, and pressure. Without proper maintenance, overhead doors will deteriorate and become unsafe. Preventative care and prompt repairs are key to extending the lifespan of overhead doors. This article will cover best practices in ongoing overhead door maintenance.

Lubricating Moving Parts

Friction takes a toll on overhead door parts, causing squeaks, jams, and grinding. Regular lubrication keeps mechanisms gliding smoothly. Use lithium grease on steel rollers and bearings at least twice per year. Spray silicon lubricant inside steel tracks to reduce friction. Lubricate torsion springs lightly with graphite spray, taking care not to overload springs with grease.

Inspect pulleys, hinges, and latches and treat them with penetrating oil or powdered graphite monthly. Lubricate weatherstripping with talc or silicone spray to renew flexibility. Follow the manufacturer’s advice on recommended lubricants. A properly lubricated component prevents seizing up and undue strain that lead to early component failure.

Inspecting Cables and Springs

Two essential yet vulnerable systems on overhead doors are the torsion springs and lift cables. At least annually, carefully examine cables along their full length for evidence of wear like fraying, kinks or loosening. Replace cables immediately at the first sign of damage to avoid sudden snapping. For multi-spring systems, one broken spring puts full tension load on the remaining springs risking further failure.

Additionally, check for cracks and damage along the length of the torsion springs. Check for loose mounting brackets or winding collars. Take note of any wobbling that indicates fatigue. Replace compromised springs promptly before total failure occurs. Cables and springs pose safety risks if not proactively maintained and replaced as necessary by qualified professionals.

Checking Alignment and Balance

Misalignment can prevent overhead doors from gliding smoothly along their tracks. Contact or debris causes the rollers to jump the track, jamming the system. Commercial door tracks should be examined for dents, play, and loose brackets anchoring them to the wall. Track alignment keeps the door traveling in a straight path.

Doors restored to perfect balance neither drift up nor down when released. Temperature fluctuations through the seasons can throw off counterbalance tension. Have a trained technician adjust spring tension as needed to achieve proper weight balance twice per year. Keeping doors aligned and balanced minimizes operational problems.

Cleaning Tracks and Rollers

Dirt, dust, and grime buildup hinders the wheels that allow overhead doors to open and close. Visually inspect tracks monthly for debris, wiping down surface grit with a clean rag. Use a vacuum attachment to clear dust and cobwebs from the tracks. Degrease the tracks as needed with a commercial degreaser.

Rollers also require cleaning to spin freely. Carefully detach and wipe down the wheel, shaft, and mounting bracket. Remove lint and hair buildup around the wheels. Reinstall and test that the spinning is smooth. Lubricate lightly with approved oil. Keeping contaminants out of the track and off the rollers maintains quiet function.

Testing Safety Sensors and Reverse

Modern overhead door openers have safety features designed to prevent injury, entrapment, or property damage. Photoelectric sensors project invisible light beams across the door opening, signaling the automatic opener to stop and reverse if the beam path becomes obstructed. Safety edges work on similar principles.

Test these vital safety components monthly. Disable the safety sensor by blocking the beam path or pressing the safety edge while operating the door. Confirm that the door immediately halts downward progress and lifts back open when closing. Fix any issues urgently. Never modify safety mechanisms or tie them open permanently. Proper reversing saves lives.

In Conclusion

Overhead doors endure constant heavy use in commercial buildings and warehouses. But following routine maintenance protocols keeps systems operating safely and extends their working lifespans. Facility managers should schedule biannual professional servicing plus monthly in-house tasks like lubricating, inspecting, cleaning and testing doors. Whenever possible, replace worn or outdated doors or parts. Properly maintained overhead doors continue providing secure access for many years before needing replacement. Ignoring upkeep invites the risk of malfunction, so be proactive.

Secure Your Business Operations with Expert Overhead Door Services from GNB Doors

GNB Overhead doors are vital to the efficient functioning and safety of your commercial or industrial establishment. Trust GNB Doors, a leading expert in commercial door installation and repair, to ensure your doors are always up to the task.

With over 20 years of experience, our skilled technicians specialize in servicing a wide variety of door types – from industrial garage doors to commercial sliding doors. Our commercial door repair and maintenance services are available round the clock, so your business operations never skip a beat.

We value your time and security. Our promise is a rapid 1-hour response to your calls and same-day service & repair. We’ll never leave your site unsecure, ensuring your door is down before day’s end.  Call us at 1-855-258-2578 or visit our website to explore our services and schedule an appointment!