Troubleshooting High Speed Door Problems

Rapid rise roller doors – also known as high speed doors – are a sophisticated, high performance solution, which are compatible with a wide range of different use cases. 

They are dependable and durable, and are designed to withstand a huge variety of conditions and settings. However, even the best high speed doors can encounter some problems over time. 

In this article, Access Innovations’ automatic door specialists have shared their guide to troubleshooting high speed door problems. Keep reading to learn the most common causes of these issues, and the best ways to address them. 

What are the Advantages of High Speed Doors?

Before we explore the potential issues that these systems may encounter, it’s worth starting with a round-up of why high speed doors are so widely used across so many industries. 

They feature in countless warehouses, logistics hubs, food production sites, pharmaceutical facilities and retail or public-facing settings, to increase site productivity and performance.

The key advantages of high speed doors include:

• Efficiency – With rapid, consistent opening and closing speeds. 
• Safety – Helping to maintain a steady traffic flow, and controlling access.
• Energy savings – Keeping heat loss to a minimum, while keeping internal temperatures stable. 
• Hygiene and cleanliness – By reducing airflow between different areas, the risk of contamination is minimised.
• Security – Controlling and monitoring access, keeping staff and valuable items on site protected.

However, as with any mechanical system, high speed doors require regular maintenance, in order to remain at peak performance. 

Without the right maintenance schedule, or if early warning signs of issues are ignored, then high speed doors can develop faults.  

The Most Common High Speed Door Problems

Let’s explore the most common problems that high speed doors can experience. 

Motor issues

The motor is integral to high speed doors and their operation. If the motor experiences issues, numerous faults with the door can start to develop. So, in order to protect your motor and keep it operating at its best for longer, regular checks and servicing are invaluable. 

Faulty sensors

High speed doors use sensors to ensure safe and controlled operation, by detecting the presence of obstacles. However, if these sensors become misaligned, dirty or fail, then the door may not operate correctly, as it is no longer able to accurately sense obstacles. This can lead to the door opening unexpectedly, or not closing.

Door damage

Most commonly as a result of impact, from forklifts, trucks or heavy equipment, for example. If this impact results in a dent or misalignment (even if the damage appears to be minor), the door’s performance can be affected, resulting in uneven movements or jams.

Worn or faulty parts

As with any mechanical system, the components in high speed doors can wear over time. This is particularly common in moving parts. Components that most commonly experience wear or degradation are rollers and belts. If not replaced at the right time, these parts can create larger issues with the mechanism. 

Corrosion

If the door is situated in an environment that is exposed to moisture, chemicals or extreme weather conditions, corrosion can build on the door’s parts. If these are not replaced, issues can arise such as slow operation, noisy operation, or unit failure. 

Track issues

Tracks can encounter issues over time, typically due to either long-term usage, or as the result of an impact to the door. If the tracks are misaligned or damaged, the door will no longer move smoothly. This can soon lead to grinding noises, uneven motion or inability to open or close. 

In almost all of these cases, issues can be prevented by a regular maintenance and servicing schedule. During these sessions, an automatic door specialist will thoroughly inspect the door, and identify and replace any flawed parts, before they are allowed to create a bigger issue.  

At Access Innovations, we are one of the UK’s leading suppliers, installers, and repair and maintenance specialists for commercial doors. 

We are trusted by businesses across the country to deliver best in class solutions. Our fully qualified and trained team also provide comprehensive repair and maintenance work, including a 24 hour call out service for account holders.

To find out more about how we can support your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch.