Changing temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions can affect your commercial overhead doors. Between scorching summers, frigid winters, and severe weather events in between, preparing your doors for the seasons is an essential step in taking care of your investment.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential seasonal preparations for your commercial overhead doors in summer and winter and give you a few techniques to help improve your doors’ insulation. We’ll also clue you in on a few signs that your overhead doors may need some additional TLC from a professional commercial door company. Keep reading to learn more!

How to Prepare Your Commercial Overhead Doors for Summer

In summer, keeping hot air out and preventing issues from pests is essential. Here’s how you can prep your doors for the hot summer months.

1. Perform a Routine Inspection

You don’t need to get fancy with it, but you should perform a basic inspection on your doors to ensure everything is working properly. Look for any signs of abnormal wear and tear, broken components, cracks or warping in the panels, or irregular operation. Just like maintaining clean glass commercial doors, make sure all components of your overhead door are clean and functioning. If you notice anything that can’t be easily fixed or adjusted, call a professional for a more thorough inspection and repairs.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Heat can cause metal parts to expand, which can lead to more friction between moving pieces and jamming. To prevent this, be sure to lubricate any moving parts of your door like springs rollers, and hinges. Be careful not to apply too much lubricant! Over-lubricating can attract dust and gunk up your lubricated areas.

3. Check on Your Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping wears down over time, and it can be easy to miss during an inspection. Take a look at any weatherstripping you have and look for cracks or fraying. If your weatherstripping looks worn out or isn’t touching the surfaces it’s supposed to, you may need to replace it.

How to Prepare Your Commercial Overhead Doors for Winter

Just like in the summer, the winter brings on more extreme temperatures and weather conditions that can affect your doors. Some of the steps for winter prep are similar, but there are a couple of other things to consider when it comes to the cold!

1. Perform an Inspection For Gaps and Leaks

You should conduct a basic inspection and keep an eye out for indicators that your door is leaking air or letting rain or snow in. Look for gaps in your panels or along the sides, top, and bottom of your door. If you see any significant gaps, call your commercial door company for assistance. This can help manage heating costs when it gets cold!

2. Lubricate Again

Hot weather causes metal to expand, while cold weather causes metal to become stiff and more rigid. This can make the moving parts of your door more difficult to operate if not lubricated well enough. Again, don’t use too much lubricant. By doing this, you can prevent stiffness from causing anything to break on your door while it’s cold.

3. Consider Better Insulation

You should check your weatherstripping just like you did in the summer, but you may consider improving the insulation you already have. Better weatherstripping is an example of this. If you notice that cold air is still seeping in from your door, you may consider getting a better system installed.

Please note: getting a more advanced installation system installed will change the weight of your door and therefore require rebalancing. This should be done by a professional door technician as this requires many dynamics to get the job done safely and obtain the correct balance for the new setup. This will help to prevent your door from wearing down or breaking over time with use. Nearly every component of overhead doors need to be recalibrated and adjusted to accommodate the new weight of the added insulation, so leave this to the pros!

How to Improve the Insulation of Your Commercial Overhead Doors

Aside from the steps above, there are other ways you can better insulate your doors for hot and cold weather. Choosing the best commercial exterior door for your business environment reduces the amount of prep you’ll need during weather shifts, so choose wisely!

Use an Insulation Kit

Insulation kits are available for basic overhead doors and are relatively easy to install. They consist of foam panels that are cut to size and fitted into your door to help keep the outside temperature from seeping in. Insulation kits also help with managing both colder and warmer outside temperatures.

Regularly Check Up On Your Seals and Panels

Everyone so often, especially when the seasons change, check up on the spaces between your door panels and all the points where your door meets the walls and floor. If you notice anything that doesn’t line up right or is letting outside air through, call your commercial door company. This may require balancing your door or installing better insulation methods.

Upgrade to an Insulated Door

If the tips above just aren’t cutting it, you may benefit from an overhead door specifically designed for top-tier insulation. These doors come with better insulating materials like polyurethane inside the panels and are the best option for managing temperature concerns. They can help reduce heating and cooling costs as well.

Signs Your Commercial Overhead Door Needs Season-Specific Attention

Materials can expand, contract, and even warp due to certain weather conditions. This means that the weather can directly cause issues with your doors in some instances. Here are a few signs your door needs seasonal attention or weather-related repairs.

1. Difficulty opening and closing: If your rolling door isn’t operating properly or is difficult to use, you may have some weather-related damage that has caused parts of your door to become misshapen or broken.
2. Visible gaps or cracks in materials: Warping or the door itself, your building, and even movement in the foundation of your building from settling can cause your doors to become misaligned. You may need new weatherstripping or alignment for your door.
3. Increased energy bills: as the seasons change, changes in your energy bills can happen. But, if you notice a sharp increase in your bills, your overhead doors may be the culprit.
4. Rust or corrosion: many metals used to construct doors can experience wear and tear over time, This includes rust and corrosion, which can be caused by different weather conditions. These can hurt the longevity of your door and lead to more issues over time.
5. Noisy operation: Squeaking, creaking, scraping, and more can all be signs that something isn’t right with your commercial overhead door. Sometimes, these issues are caused by changes in the weather and require attention.

Seasonal Prep for Commercial Overhead Doors: Conclusion

Properly preparing your overhead doors for seasonal changes not only ensures their longevity but also preserves the energy efficiency of your building. Regular maintenance check-ups and seasonal preparations can help prevent your overhead doors from wearing out and allow you to spot potential issues before they become major problems.
If you need seasonal maintenance, an inspection, or some new commercial overhead doors, give us a call at Commercial Door. We service commercial doors in Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and surrounding areas. See our services to learn more about what we’re capable of, and take a look at our blog to learn more about keeping with your commercial doors.

Commercial garage doors, or overhead doors, can seem like a straightforward part of a business. But, they often aren’t just a point of entry. They can be a crucial component in streamlining operations and managing your business as a whole. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of commercial garage doors available, discuss some of their customization options, and give you a few signs that your commercial overhead door is due for replacement with something better!

Types of Commercial Garage Doors

Commercial garage doors, or roll-up doors, come in many different types and configurations that serve different purposes. Below are a few of the best types of commercial exterior doors for the garage, and their most common uses for different business needs.

Classic Roll-Up Commercial Doors

Roll-up doors are a staple in many businesses, like warehouses, storage facilities, retail spaces, mechanic shops, and more. Known for their compact design and unmatched durability, most roll-up doors are made of metal and roll into a compact space when not in use. This saves space in facilities where maximizing your real estate is essential.

This space-saving option can also help prevent damage to your door, as there are no overhead tracks to worry about dealing with equipment. They are also constructed with numerous panels that allow the door to roll up into a tighter coil than a traditional garage door. This can make repairs and replacing panels much easier to complete.

Sectional Commercial Doors

A sectional door is another term for a commercial garage door. They are made with larger panels, or sections, that are connected by hinges and move on wheels along a track above the doorway. Traditionally, sectional doors are made of metal and are some of the most widely used overhead doors in commercial settings.

When it comes to customization, sectional doors are an excellent choice. They are great for many applications, from loading docks, to stockrooms, to automotive shops. 

Glass Overhead Doors

Typically chosen for their modern and sleek aesthetic, glass overhead doors are popular in retail shops, bars, restaurants, and other customer-facing establishments. They let in a lot of natural light and allow establishments to let the outdoors in nice weather.

Glass overhead doors typically operate just like traditional sectional doors. They are, however, not intended to serve industrial purposes where damage from machinery or frequent use is possible. Most business owners choose them for aesthetic purposes.

Insulated Roll-Up Doors

Insulted roll-up doors are another sub-type of sectional doors but with an added benefit. In buildings where maintaining temperature to preserve merchandise or keep people comfortable is important, insulated roll-up doors are a great choice.

These doors contain insulating materials that help keep outside temperatures from entering the building. They help regulate temperature and can even help save on energy costs from heating and cooling. They can also help with noise reduction.

Rolling Grilles

Rolling grilles are more of a security feature than a typical overhead door. They are made of metal grilles that roll up when not in use and roll down over an existing door to provide an extra level of security. 

You can find rolling grilles in many different types of businesses. Most commonly, they are used on retail storefronts, service windows, or business entrance doors that need an added touch of security. 

High-Speed Doors

High-speed doors are a type of overhead door that are specifically designed to move quickly and efficiently. Instead of using metal like most overhead doors, high-speed doors are usually made of lightweight and flexible materials like special types of plastic and fabric. This allows these doors to move quickly due to their flexible nature and lighter construction.

High-speed doors are great for areas where access management needs to be fast, efficient, and secure with little downtime. They are best for areas that do not require intense security or insulation, as they are made with efficiency in mind.

Rolling Fire Doors

Rolling fire doors are a type of roll-up door intended for fire-safety precautions. In some instances, depending on ordinances and building codes, fire-resistant doors like these are required. While not always required, installing a rolling fire door can be worth the investment for some businesses.

When it comes to containing hazards like fires, protecting merchandise, or ensuring the safety of staff in areas where fire risk may be more apparent, rolling fire doors are an excellent option. They contain fires and prevent them from spreading within buildings.

Customizing Commercial Garage Doors

Despite how straightforward overhead commercial doors may seem, there are quite a few custom additions you can make to them. Doors can serve multiple purposes, not just access management! In some cases, your doors may be crucial to other systems in your building. Here are a few examples:

1. Vents/Ventilation: Some areas, like garages or other spaces that need ventilation, can benefit from having vents or other types of ventilation fixtures installed on overhead doors. They can help prevent the buildup of warm air or fumes from equipment in enclosed spaces.
2. Windows: In areas where visibility is important for safety and smooth operations, windows can be installed on overhead doors. This allows employees to see outside of the door for potential obstructions or pedestrians.
3. Mail Slots: While not as common as other overhead door customizations, you can add a mail slot to your door. This allows for easier mail collection in some cases. This works well for businesses that have overhead doors that are more accessible for mail carriers than other doors on their building.
4. Sloping Bottoms: For buildings that sit on uneven ground or sloping foundations, sloping bottoms can be affixed to overhead doors to prevent gapping when the door is closed. This small touch makes a huge difference in energy efficiency by improving insulation.
5. Wind Load: Some types of overhead doors can be fixed with high wind-resistance materials and parts that help them withstand high winds and severe weather. In Oklahoma especially, wind load doors are crucial for protecting your building from tornado and severe weather damage.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Commercial Garage Door

Overhead doors may be durable, but everything wears out with age and use! Here are some signs your overhead door needs to be replaced:

1.  Unusual Noises: If your overhead door is making unusual sounds like creaking or grinding, they may need some attention. If lubrication isn’t doing the trick and your door isn’t working as well as it used to, call a professional!
2. Inconsistent Operation: Overhead doors that jam or stick when moving, occasionally stop working, or vary in speed during operation can have issues with their motor or other parts. Your door should work consistently and be reliable to ensure the best operation.
3. Missing or Damaged Parts/Panels: Panels and other parts of commercial garage doors are often damaged by vehicles and machinery in certain settings. When this happens, the damage is sometimes cosmetic, but it can still impair the functionality of your door. 
4. Signs of Significant Wear and Tear: If you’ve been consistently using your overhead door for years and haven’t kept up with maintenance, signs of wear and tear can build up significantly over time. Start with some much-needed maintenance and an inspection from a commercial door company. From there, you can find out if you need a replacement.

Overhead Door Options: Final Thoughts

Overhead doors are known for their versatility and durability, but they can be configured to suit the needs of many businesses. If you’re in the market for a new overhead door system, talk to your commercial door company about your needs. You might be surprised how many options you have!
If you’re looking for commercial door installation, maintenance, or services in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Tulsa, or surrounding areas, give us a call at Commercial Door. We specialize in all commercial door services, including overhead doors, glass-aluminum storefronts, hollow metal doors, and more. Get in touch with us on our contact page, and learn more about us and our services.

Roll-up doors are everywhere, from warehouses to mechanic shops, but some aren’t the best at maintaining the internal temperature of your building. Insulated roll-up doors are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to keep your building at an ideal temperature and save you money on energy costs. 
In this post, we’ll go over the basics of insulated roll-up doors and cover what they are, their benefits, and how they can be customized. We’ll also cover some common questions about insulated roll-up doors.

What Are Insulated Roll-Up Doors?

Insulated roll-up doors are like normal overhead doors, only they contain insulating materials that help maintain the internal temperature of your building. This also helps with avoiding pest infestations, noise reduction, and weather protection. They are commonly used for commercial garages, warehouses, loading docks, and other commercial spaces where access points are needed alongside insulation. 

Insulated roll-up doors roll up into a coil when not in use, which helps ensure clear space around access points. This feature also eliminates the need for a door that swings open and closed, as a swinging door can push and pull air from the outside into your building.

Benefits of Insulated Roll-Up Doors

There are a few key perks that come with insulated overhead doors, all of which can make them a perfect match for your commercial door needs:

1. Thermal Efficiency: Insulated roll-up doors are excellent at maintaining the temperature in your building, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They can be fitted with different types of insulation as well. This can help keep employees comfortable and keep any merchandise in ideal temperature conditions.
2. Space Saving: Doors that roll up are a great option for saving space in closer quarters. Instead of accommodating the space of a swinging door or overhead door, the whole door rolls up into one space.
3. Enhanced Security: Some types of roll-up doors are made of durable, higher-security materials like steel. Depending on your security needs, these doors can help protect your building. 
4. Noise Reduction: Insulation isn’t just for temperature control! It can also help with noise reduction, making them a great choice for noise-sensitive areas.
5. Energy Saving: With better temperature control, these doors will decrease your energy costs for heating and cooling your building.
6. Durability: Most roll-up doors are made with rust and corrosion-resistant materials that hold up against weather conditions and last.
7. Less Maintenance: Roll-up doors typically require less maintenance than other door options because they have fewer moving parts and components. This means they can be less prone to wear and tear over time and do not require frequent lubrication or repair.

Customization Options for Insulated Roll-Up Doors

Roll-up doors in general are popular for how customizable they are. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials to suit aesthetic and functional needs. Here’s how:

Size

Insulated roll-up doors come in a variety of sizes. You may be picturing these doors in places like loading docks or garages, but they are also a popular choice for spaces like outdoor counters at restaurants and service windows. They work well in both small and large spaces.

Color and Finish

You can get these doors in just about any color or finish to match your building as a whole. These options will vary depending on the material of the door you choose. 

Windows and Hardware

Windows can be essential for safety and visibility on commercial doors. Despite their compact design, windows can be added to some types of insulated roll-up doors. 

You can also affix different kinds of hardware such as different types of hinges or handles that can improve the way your door functions.

Automation

Some types of insulated roll-up doors can be automated and motorized to move up and down with more ease. This can make it easier to use the doors and safer.

Insulated Roll-Up Door FAQs

How much do insulated roll-up doors cost?

• Depending on the size of your door, customization, and materials chosen, the price of a roll-up door can vary greatly. You can expect your door to be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Call us and get a free estimate!

What types of businesses are suitable for insulated roll-up doors?

• Roll-up doors are common in industrial spaces like warehouses, loading docks, and commercial garages. They are also great for enhancing security and weather protection on outdoor counters and secure windows.

How long do they last?

• With proper maintenance, they can last several decades. Material, installation quality, and frequency of use also play a role in the lifespan of your roll-up door.

Can I install a roll-up door myself?

• Typically no, you cannot install a roll-up door on your own. They often require professional installation to ensure proper alignment, function, and safety. For most commercial door services and installations, you should call a professional.

Conclusion: Are Insulated Roll-Up Doors Right for You?

Commercial, insulated roll-up doors are a versatile and practical solution that offers numerous benefits like thermal efficiency, space-saving, and enhanced security. With the variety of customization options available and their unmatched durability, they have a lot of applications for a variety of business types and needs. Understanding these basics of insulted roll-up doors is the first step in choosing the right commercial doors for you.

If you’re looking for more information or need commercial doors installed in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or Norman, call us at Commercial Door or reach out on our contact page. Check out our other services and door types and see what we’re capable of, or read our blog to learn more about commercial doors. See our reviews and find out why we’re the best choice for commercial door services in Oklahoma.