How Often Should Automatic Doors Be Serviced?

Automatic doors are a vital feature for many commercial properties, providing convenience and accessibility to customers and staff. Ensuring your doors function smoothly and safely is crucial for business operations and the safety of all who use them. 

Here we outline for you how often your automatic doors should be serviced, what the servicing includes, and provide a rough plan to guide commercial customers in scheduling their maintenance.

Why should you service your doors regularly 

1. Safety Compliance: Regular servicing ensures that the doors comply with safety regulations and standards, reducing the risk of accidents and liability issues.
2. Operational Efficiency: A well-maintained door or doors will operate smoothly, preventing disruptions to business operations.
3. Cost Savings: Regular maintenance can identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major, costly repairs. See below
4. Extended Lifespan: Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of the doors, maximising the return on investment.

We recommended a service between 3-6 months.

The frequency of servicing depends on a few things, including the type of automatic door, the volume of traffic it has to handle, and the type of environment in which it operates. Generally, the following guidelines can be applied:

1. High-Traffic Doors: For doors in areas with high footfall, such as shopping centres, hospitals, and airports, it is recommended to service the doors every 3 months.
2. Medium-Traffic Doors: Doors in moderately busy areas, such as office buildings and schools, should be serviced every 6 months.
3. Low-Traffic Doors: For doors in less frequented areas, such as warehouses or smaller retail shops, an annual service is normally sufficient, but check regularly.

What is Included in a Service – make sure you check!

A comprehensive service of automatic doors involves several key checks and maintenance tasks to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Here’s what typically is included:

1. Visual Inspection: Technicians will perform a thorough visual inspection of the doors and their components to identify any obvious signs of wear and tear or damage.
2. Safety Checks: This involves checking the sensors and safety systems to ensure they are functioning correctly and that the doors respond appropriately to obstacles and emergencies.
3. Mechanical Inspection: All moving parts, such as tracks, rollers, and hinges, are inspected and lubricated if necessary to ensure smooth operation.
4. Electrical Inspection: Technicians will check the electrical systems, including the wiring, control panels, and motor, to ensure they are in good working condition.
5. Performance Testing: The doors are tested for proper opening and closing speeds, alignment, and overall performance to ensure they meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
6. Cleaning: The doors and their components are cleaned to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with their operation.
7. Adjustment and Calibration: Any necessary adjustments or calibrations are made to optimise the door’s performance and ensure it operates smoothly.
8. Reporting: A detailed report is provided, outlining the condition of the doors, any work performed, and any recommendations for future maintenance or repairs.

Creating a Maintenance Plan

Creating a maintenance or service plan tailored to your specific needs ensures that your automatic doors remain in optimal condition. To give you an idea here’s a rough plan to help you get started:

1. Initial Assessment: Conduct an initial assessment of all automatic doors in your facility to determine their current condition and any immediate maintenance needs. This can be done in-house or by a professional technician.
2. Traffic Volume Analysis: Analyse the traffic volume for each door to categorise them into high, medium, or low traffic. This will help in determining the appropriate servicing frequency.
3. Schedule Regular Servicing: Based on the traffic volume analysis, schedule regular servicing for each door. Ensure that high-traffic doors are serviced every three months, medium-traffic doors every six months, and low-traffic doors annually.
4. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all servicing and maintenance activities. This helps in tracking the door’s history and any recurring issues.
5. Periodic Reviews: Conduct periodic reviews of the maintenance plan to ensure it remains effective. Adjust the servicing frequency if necessary based on the door’s performance and any changes in traffic volume.
6. Emergency Procedures: Develop emergency procedures to address any unexpected issues with the doors. Ensure that staff are trained to handle such situations and know how to contact maintenance support quickly.
7. Budget Allocation: Allocate a budget for regular maintenance and unexpected repairs. This ensures that financial constraints do not delay essential servicing and repairs.

Additional Tips for Optimal Maintenance

1. Choose Reputable Service Providers: Select experienced and reputable service providers for the maintenance of your automatic doors. They will have the expertise and tools necessary to perform thorough and effective servicing.
2. Use Quality Parts: Ensure that any replacement parts used are of high quality and meet the manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures the longevity and reliability of the doors.
3. Staff Training: Train your staff on basic maintenance tasks, such as keeping the door area clean and free from obstructions. This helps in maintaining the door’s performance between professional services.
4. Regular Self-Checks: Implement a routine self-check system where designated staff perform basic checks on the doors weekly. This includes looking for obvious signs of damage, testing the sensors, and ensuring the doors open and close properly.

Potential Savings from Regular Servicing

Regular servicing can result in significant cost savings over time. By identifying and addressing minor issues during routine maintenance, businesses can prevent these from developing into major, more expensive problems. Regular servicing reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, which can lead to costly emergency repairs and potential downtime that disrupts operations. Well-maintained doors operate more efficiently, reducing energy costs associated with door motors and mechanisms. These cumulative savings make regular servicing a financially prudent decision.