Businesses rely on every aspect of their buildings to function as they should to help them operate efficiently at all times of the year. Winter, however, can be particularly challenging. When it comes to industrial doors, these challenges can compromise functionality. It is essential to understand not only the impact that winter can have on your industrial doors but also what you can do to help prevent issues occurring where possible.
From freezing temperatures to an increase in moisture several issues can go wrong with your doors. These ultimately require regular attention and proactive measures. Read on as we look at some key maintenance tips that could help you keep your doors working smoothly and efficiently this winter.
How does winter affect industrial doors?
Before we look at what you can do to winterproof your industrial doors it is important to understand how winter can affect them. Winter's challenges mean freezing temperatures can cause the mechanisms in your doors to stiffen. This impacts their ability to function smoothly and may cause the door to malfunction or break.
Both snow and rain result in increased moisture, which can seep into any sensitive electronic components in your doors and cause sensors to malfunction – even worse if they freeze. Worn-out seals can also be made worse by cold weather, allowing more cold air into your facility and compromising indoor temperatures.
1. Check your door seals
Damaged seals on your industrial doors will not only let cold air into your building but, in driving rain, may also allow water into your building. The first can reduce the temperature in your industrial unit, which may compromise the quality of your stock and make working conditions colder for your employees, and this is when accidents can happen.
If water gets in through damaged door seals, it can cause a safety risk due to slippery floors, which can compromise the safety of your employees. Check the seals on your doors regularly, particularly during the winter, and when you see damage, ensure that they are replaced as soon as possible.
2. Lubricate where necessary
Lubricating and maintaining your industrial doors can help ensure their smooth automation. This is particularly important during the winter when cold temperatures can cause moving parts to seize up which hampers movement and can lead to operational glitches. Lubrication will help preserve the moving parts of your doors and prevent further wear and tear due to friction.
3. Check all moving parts
Keeping an eye on the moving parts of your doors is essential year-round. However, this becomes more important in winter when water ingress can damage their functioning. Proactive preventative checks will ensure that if there is an issue, you are more likely to spot it before it stops your doors from functioning as they should.
4. Schedule regular maintenance
Make sure that you have a scheduled maintenance slot booked with a company that specialises in the care of industrial doors. This will help you to keep your doors working efficiently and also to spot any issues before they become a real problem that could disrupt your efficiency.
During the winter, you can schedule more maintenance appointments for your doors to avoid the issues caused by cold and dampness.
Conclusion
Damp and cold weather can have a detrimental effect on your industrial doors. However, with a few simple key maintenance tips, you can ensure that you are prepared for every eventuality. Make winterproofing your industrial doors part of your winter preparation every year and keep on top of any problems. That way, you can have a smooth and productive operation all year round.
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