Winter Prep Checklist: Keep Commercial Overhead Doors Running Smoothly
Michigan winters can be brutal, especially on mechanical systems that operate outdoors every day—like your commercial overhead doors. Between freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, even a minor issue with your doors can quickly turn into a costly disruption.
If your business relies on overhead doors for shipping, deliveries, fleet access, or security, now is the time to make sure they're ready for the season. A little preventive maintenance before winter hits can save time, money, and a major headache down the line.
Here's a practical checklist to help keep your commercial overhead doors running smoothly all winter long.
1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts
Cold weather causes metal to contract, which can make hinges, rollers, and tracks more prone to sticking or grinding. Start your winter prep by inspecting all moving parts:
- Rollers and tracks
- Hinges and springs
- Pulleys and cables
- Bearings and shafts
Use a silicone-based lubricant (not grease or WD-40) to keep everything moving smoothly. This helps reduce friction and prevents wear, especially in freezing conditions.
2. Check the Weather Seals
Worn or cracked bottom seals and side weatherstripping allow cold air, snow, and ice to enter your facility. That can lead to higher heating bills, frozen thresholds, and even water damage.
Inspect the seals for cracks, gaps, or brittleness. If they're not forming a tight seal against the floor or frame, it's time to replace them.
3. Test Door Balance and Alignment
A properly balanced door should stay in place when opened halfway. If it falls closed or jerks upward, the springs may be worn or misaligned. An unbalanced door puts strain on your opener and can lead to premature failure.
Commercial doors are heavy and under extreme tension. If you suspect a balance issue, don't try to fix it yourself—call a trained technician.
4. Clear Tracks and Check for Obstructions
Snow, salt, debris, and even ice buildup can collect in the door tracks or along the floor line. This can lead to doors getting stuck, derailed, or damaged mid-cycle.
Before winter sets in, make sure the tracks are clean and properly aligned. Remove any buildup around the bottom of the door where it meets the pavement or dock.
5. Examine the Opener and Control Systems
Cold temperatures can affect electronics and motor performance. Inspect your opener for:
- Frayed wiring or exposed connections
- Dimming indicator lights or display panels
- Delayed response or unusual sounds
Check control panels and remotes for battery strength and responsiveness. If your opener seems sluggish, have it serviced before it fails on the coldest day of the year.
6. Ensure Safety Features Are Functioning
Safety sensors and auto-reverse features should be tested regularly, especially before winter when visibility may be lower and door movement becomes more critical.
Clean the photo eyes with a soft cloth and make sure they're aligned correctly. Test the auto-reverse by placing a small object in the door's path—if it doesn't stop and reverse, it's time for service.
7. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Visit
Even if everything appears to be working fine, scheduling a winter maintenance check can help catch hidden issues before they cause downtime. A commercial door technician can:
- Check spring tension and cable integrity
- Tighten hardware
- Test opener limits and force settings
- Calibrate sensors
- Replace worn weather seals
This kind of proactive service extends the life of your overhead doors and helps your operations run without interruption all season.
Rely on Altech for Commercial Door Maintenance in Southeast Michigan
At Altech Doors, we help businesses across Metro Detroit prepare their commercial overhead doors for winter and stay operational year-round. Our expert technicians understand the wear and tear Michigan winters cause, and we offer fast, professional maintenance services to minimize downtime and costly emergency repairs.
Whether you manage a warehouse, auto shop, distribution center, or retail space, we'll ensure your doors are ready for whatever winter brings.
Need a Winter Tune-Up?
Contact Altech today to schedule your commercial door maintenance visit. Keep your business protected and your operations running smoothly this winter.
