Automatic doors have become a major feature in commercial architecture. An automatic door gives consumers the ability to enter and exit a business without having to touch anything. This reduces the transmission of illness and helps ensure customer safety.
As useful as automatic doors are, they can become problematic during the winter months if they are not repaired and maintained properly.
1. Salt on the Sensors
All automatic doors rely on sensors to indicate when a person is approaching. If these sensors become obstructed, the door will not function properly. Winter conditions pose a threat to automatic door sensors.
The ice melt that is used to keep sidewalks and parking lots safe for customers can begin to accumulate on the surface of the door sensors. As the salt mixes with moisture, a film forms over the sensor. This film can prevent the sensor from working properly.
You will need to ensure that you clean your automatic door sensor often if you want to avoid salt damage this winter.
2. Cracked Seals
Most automatic doors are fitted with rubber seals. These seals help to cradle the door as it opens and closes, and they offer a waterproof barrier between the inside of your commercial space and the winter elements outside.
Cold temperatures have the potential to make rubber door seals become brittle. This brittleness makes the seals more susceptible to cracking over time.
You will need to work closely with your door technician to replace any cracked seals and keep good seals lubricated throughout the winter months.
3. Damaged Tracks
An automatic door is fitted into metal tracks along the top and bottom edges of the door. These tracks help to guide the movement of the door while it's opening and closing. Winter weather can really take a toll on the condition of your automatic door tracks.
Water from melting snow can seep into the tracks. When outdoor temperatures drop, this water freezes and expands. Your tracks could become misshapen as a result of ice damage.
An experienced door technician will need to replace damaged tracks quickly to prevent your automatic door from coming loose and creating a safety threat for your customers.
It's important that you monitor the condition of your automatic doors carefully during the winter months.
Repair any salt damage to the sensors, replace cracked seals, and address damaged tracks immediately to ensure your doors continue to provide safe access to your business over time.
To learn more about automatic doors, reach out to a local door company.