Commercial garage doors are built to withstand heavy use, but like any mechanical system, they can develop problems over time. Whether your garage door is slow to open, makes strange noises, or has completely stopped working, it’s essential to identify the issue and know how to address it. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common commercial garage doors problems and how to fix them.
1. Slow or Unresponsive Operation
If your commercial garage door is slow to open or doesn’t respond when you press the opener, there are several potential causes:
- Worn-out Springs: The springs help lift the door, and over time, they can wear out or break. Replacing the springs is necessary to restore smooth operation.
- Motor Problems: If the motor is malfunctioning or has worn out, the door may struggle to open. You may need to repair or replace the motor, depending on the extent of the damage.
- Electrical Issues: Check for loose wires or blown fuses in the opener’s electrical system. In some cases, resetting the system may resolve the issue.
2. Noisy Operation
A noisy garage door can be disruptive and is often a sign that something is wrong. Common causes of noise include:
- Lack of Lubrication: If the moving parts of your garage door system are not well-lubricated, they can grind against each other and cause squeaking or grinding sounds. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.
- Loose Hardware: Over time, nuts, bolts, and screws can become loose, leading to rattling or clanging noises. Tighten all hardware to prevent the door from making excessive noise.
- Worn-out Rollers or Hinges: If your rollers or hinges are old or damaged, they can cause the door to operate noisily. Replacing these parts can resolve the issue.
3. Misaligned Tracks
If your commercial garage door appears crooked or gets stuck during operation, the tracks may be misaligned. This problem can occur if the tracks are bent, loose, or blocked by debris. To fix misaligned tracks:
- Check for Obstructions: Clear any dirt, dust, or debris that may be blocking the tracks.
- Realign the Tracks: Use a level to check the alignment of the tracks. If they’re crooked, gently adjust them back into place using a rubber mallet.
- Tighten Brackets: Ensure the brackets holding the tracks to the wall are secure, and tighten any loose bolts.
4. Door Reverses Before Closing
If your commercial garage door reverses direction before fully closing, the issue is likely related to the safety sensors. Here’s what to do:
- Clean the Sensors: Dirt or dust on the sensor lenses can prevent them from working correctly. Wipe the sensors clean with a soft cloth.
- Check the Alignment: Make sure the sensors are properly aligned. If one sensor is out of alignment, the door may interpret it as an obstruction and reverse.
5. Broken Springs or Cables
Broken springs or cables are among the most serious commercial garage door problems and require immediate attention. If your garage door isn’t opening, or if you hear a loud bang when trying to operate it, the springs or cables may have snapped.
- Call a Professional: Replacing broken springs or cables is dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals. Attempting to fix these components yourself can result in injury.
Conclusion for Commercial Garage Doors
Commercial garage doors are vital for the smooth operation of many businesses, and knowing how to identify and fix common problems is key to minimizing downtime. From slow operation to misaligned tracks, many issues have simple solutions, but others—like broken springs—require professional assistance. At Open Sesame Garage Doors Summerlin, we provide expert repair services to keep your commercial garage doors functioning efficiently.
FAQs for Commercial Garage Doors
What causes my commercial garage door to open slowly? Worn-out springs, motor problems, or electrical issues can cause a garage door to open slowly.
Why is my garage door making loud noises? Lack of lubrication, loose hardware, or worn-out rollers and hinges can lead to noisy operation.
How do I fix misaligned tracks on my commercial garage door? Clear any obstructions, realign the tracks using a level, and tighten the brackets to ensure smooth operation.
Why does my garage door reverse before closing? This is likely due to misaligned or dirty safety sensors. Clean and realign the sensors to fix the issue.
Should I attempt to replace broken springs or cables myself? No, replacing broken springs or cables is dangerous and should only be done by a professional to avoid injury.