A commercial overhead door that won’t open can bring part of a business to a stop. Whether it’s a warehouse door, loading dock door, industrial overhead door or commercial garage door, getting it operating again safely is usually the priority.
There are several reasons a commercial door may stop opening. Some problems are relatively straightforward, while others can involve springs, cables, tracks, operators or other components that should be inspected and repaired by a qualified commercial door technician.
Here are some of the most common causes of a commercial overhead door that won’t open.
1. The Door Is Locked or Mechanically Secured
Before assuming there is a mechanical failure, check whether the door is locked or otherwise secured.
Commercial doors can have different types of locking systems, including slide bolts, mechanical locks and other security devices. An engaged lock can prevent the door from operating, and attempting to force the door open can cause additional damage.
If the door is connected to an automatic operator, the operator should also be checked to make sure it is functioning correctly.
2. The Door Is Off Its Tracks
A commercial sectional overhead door relies on tracks, rollers and other hardware to move properly.
If a roller comes out of the track, a track becomes damaged or the door becomes misaligned, the door may become difficult or impossible to open.
Track problems can sometimes occur after an impact, including a forklift striking the door or surrounding hardware.
A door that appears crooked, is binding or has one side moving differently from the other should be inspected rather than forced open.
3. A Broken Spring May Be Preventing the Door From Opening
Many commercial overhead doors use counterbalance springs to help support the weight of the door.
If a spring breaks or another part of the counterbalance system fails, the door can suddenly become extremely difficult to lift.
Depending on the door, a broken spring may be visible, but not every counterbalance problem will be obvious from the ground.
Do not attempt to repair or replace commercial door springs yourself. Springs and counterbalance components can store significant energy and require the appropriate tools, procedures and experience to service safely.
4. A Cable or Other Hardware Component Has Failed
Commercial overhead doors have numerous components working together, including cables, rollers, hinges, brackets, tracks and other hardware.
A failed or damaged component can prevent the door from operating properly.
For example, a damaged cable can cause the door to become uneven or bind in the tracks. Continuing to operate the door after a component has failed can potentially cause additional damage.
5. The Door Is Damaged
Physical damage is another common reason a commercial door stops operating.
Doors can be damaged by:
- Forklifts
- Delivery vehicles
- Material-handling equipment
- Severe weather
- Accidental impacts
- Normal wear and tear
Damage can affect the door sections, tracks, guides, bottom bar, curtain, hardware or surrounding structure.
With rolling steel and roll-up doors, for example, an impact can damage the curtain or guides and prevent the door from moving correctly.
6. There Is a Problem With the Door Operator
If the door is motor-operated, the problem may be with the operator rather than the door itself.
Possible causes can include:
- Electrical problems
- Operator component failure
- Control station problems
- Safety device issues
- Limit-setting problems
- Damaged wiring
- A disconnected or damaged component
If the door can be operated manually but will not operate using the motor, the operator and controls should be investigated.
If the door cannot be moved manually either, the problem may be mechanical.
7. The Door May Be Binding
A commercial overhead door should move through its operating cycle smoothly.
If the door has become difficult to lift, stops partway through its travel or appears to bind, there may be an issue with the tracks, rollers, counterbalance system, guides or other hardware.
A door that is becoming progressively harder to operate should not simply be ignored. Addressing the problem early may prevent a relatively minor repair from becoming a larger one.
Should You Try to Force the Door Open?
No.
If a commercial overhead door is stuck, forcing it open can turn one problem into several.
For example, forcing a damaged door can potentially cause additional damage to:
- Tracks
- Rollers
- Cables
- Springs
- Door sections
- Curtain or slats
- Operator components
The safest approach is to stop operating the door and have the problem assessed by a qualified commercial door technician.
Can a Commercial Garage Door Be Repaired?
In many cases, yes.
A commercial overhead door does not necessarily need to be replaced simply because it has stopped working.
The appropriate solution depends on the condition of the door, the cause of the failure, the age of the equipment, the availability of replacement components and the extent of any damage.
A technician can assess the existing door and determine whether repair, component replacement or complete door replacement makes the most practical sense.
For example, a door with a damaged roller, broken spring or minor hardware issue may only require a repair. A severely damaged or deteriorated door may make replacement the more appropriate long-term solution.
What If the Door Was Installed by Another Company?
A commercial door does not necessarily need to be serviced by the company that originally installed it.
Commercial and industrial door service companies may work on existing equipment from different manufacturers and installers, depending on the door and availability of appropriate replacement components.
If you are unsure who originally installed the door, a qualified technician can assess the existing equipment and determine what is required.
When Should You Call for Commercial Door Repair?
Consider arranging an inspection if your commercial or industrial door:
- Will not open or close
- Is becoming increasingly difficult to operate
- Is making unusual noises
- Is opening unevenly
- Is coming off its tracks
- Has been damaged by a forklift or vehicle
- Has a broken spring or cable
- Is stuck partway open or closed
- Requires repeated repairs
- Is no longer operating reliably
A commercial door that is used repeatedly throughout the day can have a direct impact on a facility’s operations. Addressing problems early can help reduce unexpected downtime.
Commercial & Industrial Door Repair in Mississauga and Surrounding Areas
Candoor Overhead Doors Ltd. is a commercial and industrial overhead door company based in Mississauga, Ontario. Since 1988, we have provided service, repairs, replacements and installations for commercial and industrial door systems.
Our work includes sectional overhead doors, roll-up doors, rolling steel doors, high-speed doors and other commercial door systems, as well as loading dock doors and loading dock equipment.
While Mississauga is our home base and a key service area, we also provide commercial and industrial door service to businesses throughout surrounding areas of the GTA and Southern Ontario.
If your commercial or industrial door isn’t operating properly, contact Candoor to arrange an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why won’t my commercial garage door open?
Common causes include a broken spring or cable, damaged tracks or rollers, an obstruction, physical damage, a failed operator or another mechanical problem. - Can a commercial overhead door be repaired?
Often, yes. Whether repair or replacement is appropriate depends on the condition and age of the door, the cause of the failure and the extent of the damage. - Why is my commercial door opening unevenly?
An uneven door can be caused by damaged or worn hardware, cable problems, track issues or a problem with the door’s counterbalance system. It should be inspected rather than forced. - Can a commercial overhead door be repaired after forklift damage?
Depending on the extent of the damage, individual components or sections may be repairable or replaceable. A technician should assess the door and surrounding hardware before determining the appropriate solution. - How often should a commercial overhead door be serviced?
Service intervals depend on the type of door, how frequently it is used and the operating environment. High-use commercial and industrial doors generally benefit from regular inspection and preventative maintenance. - Where does Candoor provide commercial door repair?
Candoor is based in Mississauga and provides commercial and industrial door repair and service in Mississauga, the GTA and surrounding areas. Servicing Southern Ontario for 38 years. Service availability depends on the location, type of work and scheduling. - Need Commercial Garage Door Repair?
If your commercial or industrial overhead door isn’t opening properly, Candoor can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate repair.
Call us at 1 (866) 341-3253 or contact us online to discuss your commercial door repair needs. From sectional overhead doors and roll-up doors to rolling steel doors and other commercial door systems, our experienced team provides service and repair for businesses in Mississauga, the GTA and surrounding areas, and southern Ontario.
With Candoor, you’re dealing with a company that has been working with commercial and industrial doors since 1988.