You are Here: Blog Home | Preparing Your Industrial Doors for Winter: Tips from the Experts
Call us on: 01603 410304
or: 0800 0180304
Call us on: 01603 410304
or: 0800 0180304
Winter can be tough on industrial doors. From the first frost to heavy rain and icy mornings, your doors take a real beating. We’ve been fixing, installing, and maintaining doors for over 50 years, and by the time December rolls around, we’ve seen just about everything. That’s why we thought we’d share some practical tips to keep your doors working smoothly all winter.
Cold weather, ice, and wind aren’t just uncomfortable - they can affect the way a door moves. Metal contracts in low temperatures, seals can harden, and snow or mud can get into tracks. Even a small problem, like a misaligned roller or a frozen sensor, can stop a door from working properly. And in a busy warehouse or factory, a stuck door can mean lost time, frustrated staff, and even security risks.
Give Your Doors a Good Look-Over
Before it gets really cold, take a proper look at your doors. Check for cracks, rust, or worn panels. Look at the seals and weatherstripping - are they still flexible? Check the tracks for leaves, dirt, or anything that could block the rollers. And don’t forget automation systems. Make sure motors, sensors, and controls are working as they should. Even a quick inspection now can save a lot of hassle later.
Keep Things Moving Smoothly
Lubrication is simple but crucial. A small amount of the right grease or silicone spray on rollers, shingles, and bearings keeps everything moving quietly and smoothly. Just be careful not to use oil on rubber seals - it can make them crack faster. We always make sure our engineers carry the right stuff to tackle this when they’re on site.
Test Safety Systems
Winter is when doors can behave unpredictably, so check all your safety features. Make sure safety edges stop the door when they should. Check photo sensors aren’t blocked by frost or grime. And make sure any manual overrides, like hand chains, work properly. If something goes wrong, you want staff to be able to operate the door safely.
Tracks, Guides, and Debris
A common winter problem is debris in tracks. Ice, mud, leaves, or grit can jam rollers or stop doors from closing fully. A quick sweep of the tracks and guides can make a big difference. For cantilever or sliding gates, keep the side rails clear too. A small obstruction can be enough to cause a big headache.
Check Motors and Controls
Cold weather can highlight problems with motors and control units. We always check wiring, sensors, and emergency systems before the frost sets in. A motor might run fine in October, but a few degrees of frost can make a difference. Batteries in backup systems should also be checked. You don’t want a failure in the middle of a busy morning.
Keep the Heat In
Seals and weatherstripping do more than just block drafts - they stop condensation building up, which can lead to rust. If your doors are older single-skin panels, it’s worth thinking about upgrading to insulated ones. They keep the cold out, save on energy, and just make life inside a bit more comfortable.
Plan for Emergencies
Even when you’re prepared, doors can still fail. That’s why we run a 24-hour emergency call-out service. Our engineers turn up ready to fix most issues on the spot. For any business, a quick repair isn’t just convenient - it can make all the difference to keeping things running smoothly.
Get Staff Involved
Your team can help too. Show them how to operate doors safely in icy conditions. Make sure they know what to do if a door gets stuck. Point out who to call if there’s a problem. Staff awareness is a simple way to avoid accidents and keep operations running smoothly.
Regular Maintenance
The easiest way to avoid winter headaches is to keep up with regular maintenance. We suggest checking your doors at least once or twice a year. During these visits, we’ll:
Little Extras Matter
Don’t forget the small things. Keep some ice melt or grit nearby, have tools ready for manual operation, and store common spare parts if you can. It seems obvious, but these little steps make life a lot easier when the unexpected happens.
In Short
Winter can be hard on industrial doors, but a little attention now goes a long way. Take some time to check that seals are still snug, rollers are properly lubricated, and tracks are clear of debris. Make sure all safety features are working, too. It’s also worth having a plan in place for any surprises. Do this, and your doors should run smoothly and reliably all season.
At Cooks Industrial Doors, we’ve seen just about every winter issue you can imagine, and we know what really works. Our engineers can take care of maintenance, repairs, and upgrades, so your doors are ready for whatever the cold months throw at them. A bit of preparation today keeps your doors running smoothly and your business moving without interruption.
