The Real Risks: What Happens When You Don’t Maintain Commercial Overhead Garage Doors
Commercial overhead doors are a critical part of your facility’s daily operation. Whether it’s a warehouse, storage facility, or service center, these doors take a beating—opening and closing countless times a day under heavy use.
But what happens when you neglect regular maintenance?
At Access Garage Doors of Chattanooga, we know that overlooking these large, moving systems can create serious safety hazards—not just for property and productivity, but for your people as well.
Here are some of the biggest risks businesses face when commercial overhead doors are not properly serviced:
- Sudden Door Collapse
Overhead doors operate under high tension—supported by cables, torsion springs, and heavy-duty tracks. When any one of these components wears out or fails, the door can slam shut unexpectedly. A falling door can crush equipment, damage vehicles, or seriously injure anyone standing beneath it.
- Worn or Broken Springs
The torsion spring system is what counterbalances the door’s weight. These springs are under extreme pressure, and over time they fatigue. A broken spring can cause the door to become dangerously unbalanced or inoperable. Worse, if one snaps during use, it can whip loose and cause major harm.
- Misaligned Tracks and Rollers
If the track system bends, shifts, or becomes obstructed, the door may bind, shake, or derail during operation. This creates a major safety risk for anyone nearby and can also damage the door beyond repair. Regular alignment checks prevent these issues and ensure smooth operation.
- Faulty Hardware and Fasteners
Loose bolts, worn hinges, and missing fasteners might seem minor—but they’re not. These components keep the door stable and secure during movement. If they fail, the entire door structure can become unstable, leading to shaking, jamming, or even collapse during use.
- Manual Operation Risks
When an overhead door fails and must be opened or closed manually, the risk of injury rises. These doors are extremely heavy, and attempting to operate them without the right tools or knowledge can result in strains, sprains, or worse.
- Increased Liability and Insurance Concerns
Neglected maintenance doesn’t just put employees at risk—it also opens the door (literally) to liability issues. If someone is injured due to a malfunctioning door, your business could face insurance claims or safety violations that could have been easily prevented with routine servicing.
Why Preventive Maintenance Matters
The reality is simple: regular inspections and servicing keep your overhead doors running safely and efficiently. Preventive maintenance helps spot worn parts, loose hardware, and alignment issues before they become hazards or lead to downtime.
At Access Garage Doors of Chattanooga, we offer professional maintenance plans tailored for commercial facilities of all sizes. Our experienced technicians know what to look for—and how to keep your doors operating safely day in and day out.
Don’t wait until something breaks or someone gets hurt.
Schedule a commercial door inspection today and make safety a priority for your business.
