Automatic doors are a staple of every commercial building. Providing convenience, accessibility, energy efficiency and a first class impression to your customers and clients, they are a key component of any commercial premises. But when they fail, commercial automatic door repair is required in a hurry to ensure that your building remains safe, compliant and open for business.
So why is your commercial automatic door not functioning properly?
At Stride Access we fix complex problems associated with commercial automatic doors quickly. Here are some common problems and possible fixes:
Sensor Plates The metal plates on the frame of the automatic door are sensors. If they become clogged with dirt and debris, the door may not stop upon approaching objects or stay closed when there is no object detected. Check and clean the plates to fix the problem.
Motor problems can occur frequently. The large motor powers the door in one direction or another. If the door becomes hard to turn in one direction, or will not turn at all, there may be a problem with the motor.
A qualified service technician can assist you with replacement or repair of the motor.
Object Detection Obstacles are supposed to be detected by the door’s sensors and prevent it from closing or fully opening. If a door is not properly detecting an object, the door may continue to close on people or objects. Having a service technician assess and repair the object detection of your door is important for preventing accidents.
Door and Panel Alignment It is not uncommon for the panels and door of an automatic door to become misaligned, which can prevent the door from functioning properly. A service technician can assess the alignment of your door and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper function.
Other Issues In addition to the problems listed above, a range of other issues may be affecting the proper function of your commercial automatic door. Contact a service technician at Stride Access if your door is not functioning properly.
Why Timely Repairs Matter
Malfunctioning automatic doors can lead to:
• Safety hazards for customers and staff
• Accessibility compliance issues
• Increased energy loss
• Business interruptions
Liability risks
Maintenance or repairs are needed sooner rather than later if you want to avoid more expensive repairs later on. We strongly recommend that you schedule regular maintenance and commercial door repair.
- Common Sensor Issues
Sensors are one of the detection objects in the automatic door system. The signals that the sensors send will allow the door to open or stay open.
A. Dirty or Misaligned Sensors
Problem:
Dust, dirt or debris in the sensor lens can block the view of your camera. The sensor on your camera can also become misaligned from a severe drop or intense vibration.
Symptoms:
• Door doesn’t open consistently
• The door opens randomly with no one nearby
• Door closes too quickly
Solution:
The sensors may require a cleaning and recalibration. Ask a mechanic to reposition and test the sensors to ensure they work properly and safely.
B. Faulty Motion or Presence Detectors
Problem:
Eventually the sensors on the traffic signals can fail due to wear and tear, or an electrical fault, or even the weather.
Symptoms:
• Delayed door response
• Door not detecting approaching customers
• Safety sensor not preventing door from closing
Solution:
Replace the sensor and door calibration is required to ensure that the door is safe and operational.
- Motor and Drive System Problems
The motor is the heart of an automatic door. It is used with a system of belts, gears and tracks in order to open and close the door.
A. Worn-Out Motor
Problem:
All motors will eventually fail due to normal wear and tear from years of heavy usage. This is especially true in high traffic locations such as busy retail stores, hospitals and office buildings.
Symptoms:
• Grinding or humming noises
• Sluggish door movement
• Door stopping midway
• Complete failure to open
Solution:
Work involved from replacement of individual components up to the replacement of the entire motor. It is recommended that maintenance work is carried out to avoid a total breakdown of the system.
B. Belt or Gear Damage
Problem:
Drive belts can wear out, loosen, crack or even snap. Gears can wear down and become misaligned. These parts play a crucial role in the proper operation of your car. If they fail, your engine may not run at all. In some
Symptoms:
• Jerky door movement
• Uneven sliding
• Loud mechanical sounds
Solution:
Replacing worn components restores smooth, quiet operation and prevents further internal damage.
C. Track and Roller Issues
Problem:
Tracks come off track, become bent or clogged. Rollers wear out.
Symptoms:
• Door dragging or sticking
• Increased noise
• Door not closing fully
Solution:
Cleaning, realigning, or replacing track components helps maintain optimal performance.
- Control System and Electrical Failures
The control system is the electronic “brain” of an automatic door. Its task is to receive the information given by the sensors and send command signals to the motor.
A. Control Board Malfunction
Problem:
Power surges, moisture, or aging components can damage the control board.
Symptoms:
• Door behaves unpredictably
• System resets randomly
• Door fails to respond to sensors
Solution:
A qualified electrician or technician should inspect the wiring of the garage door and replace any circuit boards as necessary.
B. Wiring or Power Supply Problems
Problem:
Loose connections, damaged wiring, or inconsistent power supply can disrupt door performance.
Symptoms:
• Intermittent operation
• Door stops working entirely
• Circuit breaker trips
Solution:
Electrical troubleshooting ensures safe, code-compliant repairs and prevents recurring issues.
Environmental and Usage Factors
Several external factors can accelerate wear:
Extreme temperature changes
Heavy daily traffic
Improper installation
Lack of preventive maintenance
Routine inspections significantly reduce the need for emergency repairs.
When to Call a Professional
You should schedule professional service if:
The door fails to open or close properly
You hear unusual noises
The door moves unevenly
Safety sensors are unreliable
There are visible signs of wear or damage
A common misconception for many homeowners and businesses is that they can perform a DIY HVAC repair on their system. While it may be tempting to give it a try, improper installation and repair can result in serious safety hazards and will more than likely void any warranties that were included with the product. Professional HVAC systems require highly trained and licensed individuals to properly diagnose the issues with the system and complete the repair work to ensure the system is functioning correctly and to manufacturer specifications.
Preventative Maintenance: The Smart Investment
Preventative maintenance will help extend the life of your doors and reduce downtime. A typical preventative maintenance visit will include:
• Sensor testing and calibration
• Motor and belt inspections
• Track cleaning and alignment
• Electrical system checks
• Safety compliance verification
If a door emergency occurs, repairs could take days or even weeks and the cost to the customer can be prohibitive. We strongly recommend preventative maintenance to avoid any door emergencies. Regular scheduled maintenance can help to identify and repair potential problems before they occur, thus preventing door failures.
Trust Stride Access for Reliable Service
Operable and fully automatic doors are a vital piece of equipment to the successful running of your business. We offer an array of services from quick repairs to regular maintenance to ensure that your doors remain safe and fully functional. Our highly trained and knowledgeable staff of technicians are here to help you with any needs you may have.
Do you have an issue with a door that needs to be repaired because of sensor misalignment, a failed motor or perhaps a faulty board? Whatever the reason, Commercial Automatic door repair will do a repair that will last, be safe and reliable.
Faulty doors at commercial premises? There is no need to waste time. Contact Stride Access, and we will arrange a Commercial Automatic door repair for you, ensuring that your premises remain open for business, safe and operational.
