Commercial doors come in various shapes and sizes. Yet, did you know that they all have one thing in common? They go through much use and abuse from the daily opening and closing. Being exposed to the elements, they can eventually fail due to normal wear and tear. This article will closely examine the common commercial door problems that pop up from time to time. We will also tackle practical solutions to ensure these doors remain safe, secure, and functional for years.
Common Commercial Door Problems
Door Misalignment
Symptoms: The most common symptoms of door misalignment include difficulty opening and closing, uneven gaps, and a door that drags on the floor. Also, squeaking or scraping sounds may be present.
Causes: Misaligned doors are a sign of structural settling or shifting in the building’s foundation, improper installation, or wear and tear over time. Any of these issues can lead to an alignment issue with the door.
Fixes: Addressing a misaligned door entails adjusting the hinges, repairing the frame, or replacing the door entirely. Also, regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent misalignment from occurring.
Door Binding
Symptoms: The most notable symptoms are difficulty opening or closing the door and a door that drags on the floor. There is also an uneven gap between the door and its frame at the top, bottom, or sides.
Causes: A binding door can be caused by several factors, such as warping, swelling, or misalignment.
Fixes: When it comes to binding doors, there are several potential solutions. One may need to adjust the hinges, use sandpaper, or a plane on the door. However, for more severe cases, replacing the door could be necessary. In this case, a door installation Washington DC expert might be able to help.
Door Sagging
Symptoms: A sagging door is a door that appears to be lower on one side than the other, making it difficult to close or latch correctly.
Causes: This issue is often caused by loose hinges and shifting or twisting door frames.
Fixes: Solutions to a sagging door include tightening or replacing the hinges, repairing the frame, or replacing the door entirely.
Door Sticking
Symptoms: One of the most common indications of a sticking door is difficulty opening or closing the door smoothly. It may require excessive force to open or close, or it may stick or jam in the frame.
Causes: Common causes of sticking doors include warping, swelling, misalignment, or an issue with the door hardware.
Fixes: Fixing sticking doors may involve sanding or planing the door, adjusting the hinges, or replacing the door hardware.
Door Slamming
Symptoms: The most obvious symptom of slamming doors is the loud noise they make when closing.
Causes: Improper installation or adjustment of door hardware, such as hinges or door closer, can cause this issue, among other factors.
Fixes: Common fixes to slamming doors include adjusting the door closer, installing a door stop or soft close device, or replacing the door hardware.
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance
Staying on top of routine maintenance can help to prevent commercial door problems from developing. It can quickly detect problems and extend your doors’ useful life. Here are some preventive maintenance tips for commercial doors:
Inspect doors regularly: Schedule regular inspections of your doors to identify any signs of wear and tear, misalignment, or damage.
Clean and lubricate door hardware: Keep door hardware, such as hinges and locks, clean and well-lubricated to prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
Check weatherstripping: Weatherstripping helps keep the elements out and prevent drafts, so make sure it’s in good condition and replace it if necessary.
Adjust door closers: Door closers should be adjusted regularly to ensure that doors close properly. That will prevent them from slamming shut, which can cause damage and be a safety hazard.
Test safety features: It is important to conduct regular tests to ensure that any safety features, such as sensors or emergency exit hardware fitted on your doors, are working properly. Doing so will help keep everyone secure.
Address issues promptly: It is important to address any issues discovered while inspecting your doors to prevent further damage. In addition, address any red flags immediately so your doors will continue running smoothly and efficiently.
For the optimal performance of your doors, why not partner with an experienced door service provider to design one tailored to your requirements? Such a plan will undoubtedly ensure all your needs are met.
Door Repair Washington DC
Are you considering partnering with a professional service provider of commercial door repair? Do not entrust your door repair needs to just anyone. At MacArthur Locks & Doors, we commit to providing top-quality commercial door services to businesses throughout the DMV area. Our team of seasoned technicians is trained to handle commercial door installation, repair, and maintenance services.
We understand the importance of having safe, secure, and functional doors for your business operations. When you need solutions to commercial door problems, we are here to help. Call MacArthur Locks & Doors today to learn more about our door repair service.
