Roll up doors are a common and convenient option for commercial businesses. However, they need regular maintenance to remain functional and avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are 5 ways you can maintain your roll up doors: Clean them regularly, lubricate them, repair any damage, inspect them regularly and replace them when necessary.
1. Clean Them Regularly
A well-maintained commercial roll up door will work optimally and open and close smoothly. The key to maintaining your doors is to clean them regularly. This will remove any dust or dirt that may have built up over the years, reducing wear and tear. You can clean your door by hand using a broom or soft-bristled brush and mild dishwashing liquid detergent. This will help you to avoid damaging the curtain of the door or causing any damage to the paint coating on the steel. You can also use a power washer, but this could be dangerous. Many roll up doors don’t have seals that keep water out, so the nozzle of a power washer will allow water to enter the building and cause damage to your belongings or company inventory.
2. Lubricate The Rollers
Whether your door has nylon or steel rollers, lubricating them regularly will make them operate more smoothly. Use a lithium-based grease or silicone lubricant if you can find it. Before you start lubricating, be sure to cut off the power to your garage door opener (if you have one). This will help keep your family safe and allow you to work safely. You should lubricate the hinges, rollers (bearings and shafts), springs and the spring end bearings at least every six months. Never spray lubricant on the tires of nylon rollers, since this will make them work harder.
3. Repair Any Damage
If there is any damage to your roll up doors, it is important that you repair it as soon as possible. This will help you avoid costly repairs down the line, and it can also save you from having to replace the door altogether. One of the most common problems that can occur with roll up garage doors is that the tracks become misaligned. This can be very dangerous and is often an indication that the whole system needs repair. Fortunately, this is something that can easily be repaired. You may be able to tighten the loose track or even clean it off. However, if the problem is more severe, it is best to get it fixed by an experienced professional. This will prevent the problem from happening again.
4. Inspect Them Regularly
A good way to keep your roll up doors in tip-top shape is to inspect them regularly. First, you should check the hardware components to see if they are damaged or loose. This includes the fasteners, chain drive and guides. If any of these appear to be loose, you should tighten them as soon as possible. You should also look at the weather seals to make sure they are in place and working correctly. If they are not, have them replaced immediately. You should also take a look at the door curtain and bottom bar to see if there are any signs of damage. This can include dents, scratches and other wear and tear.
5. Replace Them When Necessary
The door’s components can eventually wear out, especially springs that control the up and down motion. Springs can last up to 50,000 cycles before they need to be replaced, but humidity and other environmental factors can deteriorate them over time. Another area of a roll up door that may become worn out is the end bearing plates. Over time, these plates could begin to grind against each other, which forces the door to operate noisily.