A Comprehensive Guide to Roller Door Maintenance
Although they’ve been around for more than 100 years, strong, space-saving roller doors have continued to evolve. From adding motors to connecting smartphones, moving from steel construction to aluminium, and providing consumers with all sorts of finishes, from wood grain to acrylic panels — roller doors have been adapted for all sorts of applications.
User-friendly in residential and commercial premises, the efficiency and durability of roller doors mean they continue to be a popular choice.
Let’s take a look at how to maintain your garage roller door to ensure its longevity.
What are roller garage doors, and where are they used?
A roller door is usually made from steel or aluminium. It opens from the bottom and slides upwards on tracks. It rolls itself around a cylinder that sits just inside the garage door opening. A roller door is different from a sectional door, which is made up of multiple panels that are connected together. You can read more about the difference between sectional garage doors and roller doors here.
Because they are easy to use and install and are long-lasting, roller garage doors are commonly used in residential homes, as well as in commercial and industrial premises.
A commercial roller door to suit every need
Roller doors are popularly used on commercial and industrial sites because they are sturdy and strong. There are a range of types available:
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- Aluminium roller shutters: Constructed from interlocking aluminium slats and an incorporated bottom rail, aluminium roller shutters are a popular choice in shopping centres where they can be made clear so customers can still view the merchandise.
- Steel roller shutters: An ideal option for a larger commercial or industrial building due to their exceptional strength.
- Aluminium roller grilles: Roller grilles act like gates and can be used externally or internally, allowing airflow and light into commercial settings.
- Industrial roller doors: Industrial roller doors are the best option for light industrial premises and are manufactured to ensure many years of quiet and smooth operation.
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10 tips to keep your garage roller door problem-free
Understanding the ins and outs of garage door maintenance and knowing when to seek the help of a professional can save you from having to get a replacement door sooner.
1) Do an inspection of your roller door opening and closing: Watch the opening and closing operation of your door for jarring, wobbling or noise. If your roller door isn’t opening or closing on its own, don’t force it, as it may indicate there is a problem. In this case, you should call a service technician for assistance.
2) Replace the batteries in the remote regularly: Weak batteries can cause the erratic operation of an automatic opener, so ensure they are in good condition and replace them before they reach the end of their life.
3) Clean your roller door regularly: Dirt and debris caught in the tracks can cause noise, friction and damage to your garage door, causing it to jam or wobble. Clean the tracks and rollers regularly to keep them operating smoothly. Use a soft cloth or clean rag and methylated spirits to polish the tracks and clean them of debris.
4) Lubricate the openers and cables: Apply silicone-based or garage door lubricant to openers, cables and other moving parts to reduce friction and help the door run smoothly.
5) Check for loose parts: Bolts, nuts, hinges and brackets can become loose as a part of normal wear and tear. Be sure to tighten them to prevent the door from coming off its tracks. Get replacements for any missing parts as soon as possible.
6) Check the torsion springs: Torsion springs wrap around the bar directly above the door, helping to take the weight and lift your garage door. If your roller door is bouncy or noisy, it could indicate the spring tension isn’t as strong as it should be. If this occurs, you should call in a service technician.
7) Check the door’s balance: To check if your door is balanced, disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway open. If it fails to stay in place, you should have it looked at by a service technician. An unbalanced door can put strain on the motor and cause it to wear prematurely.
8) Check if the tracks are properly aligned: After disconnecting the automatic opener, examine the tracks for dents or damage as a misaligned track can cause a roller door to jam. Use a spirit level to check if the track is level, and if it’s not, loosen the bolts and use a rubber mallet to tap it back into place gently.
9) Test the safety features: Automatic roller doors will reverse the door if it is obstructed while closing. Test this feature by placing an object in the path of a closing door and adjust the sensors as required. Operators receive the signal from the opener to lift the door, so if your roller door doesn’t have this feature, you may need to upgrade the operator.
10) Make servicing a priority: As well as tackling any necessary roller door repairs throughout the year, you should schedule a service once every 12 months. Service technicians have the correct tools and specialised knowledge to identify problems before they can become a hazard. Not addressing problems as they arise puts your safety at risk and could void your warranty.
Call Steel-Line for roller garage door maintenance, installation or repair
For residential, commercial or industrial roller door repairs or installation of replacements, Steel-Line has the knowledge and expertise to get the job done.
We’ve been manufacturing our garage doors in Australia for more than 40 years. So, whether you have a roller door or another type of garage door, our sales staff and service technicians are here to help. Covering all capital cities in Australia and major regional areas, call Steel-Line on 1300 767 900 for a free quote today.
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