Winter-Proofing Your Automatic Doors: Commercial Maintenance Tips for Maximum Performance

Winter weather is tough on many building components, and automated entrances are no exception. Without proper maintenance and repair, damage from snow, ice and freezing temperatures can take a serious toll on automatic doors, causing wear, inefficiency and costly downtime if left unaddressed. A proactive maintenance strategy isn’t just focused on keeping doors working smoothly – it can also protect safety, preserve energy efficiency and ensure compliance while extending the life of your investment.

Below, we’ve outlined the key maintenance tasks that facility managers should prioritize before, during and after winter to ensure best results for their automated entrances.

Pre-Winter Maintenance for Automatic Doors
Early preparation is key when it comes to winterizing, with many of the most effective maintenance tasks kicking off well before winter begins. A thorough pre-winter maintenance routine can set automated entrances up for success, helping them operate smoothly and safely as cold weather sets in.

In the fall, facility managers should begin by scheduling an automatic door inspection with an AAADM-certified technician to ensure that each entrance is safe, code-compliant and functioning as expected. Make sure to document this process in detail, both for overall compliance and as a safeguard to reduce the risk of potential liability claims. Next, inspect weatherstripping and seals carefully for cracks, hardening and signs of wear, and replace them as needed. Proper sealing has many benefits, helping to block drafts, prevent moisture intrusion and reduce the risk of ice buildup around moving components.

During Winter: Automatic Door Repair & Maintenance

Once winter arrives, consistent, hands-on automatic door maintenance is essential to keep commercial entrances operating safely and reliably. One of the most critical steps in automatic door service is to perform a Daily Safety Check and to keep thresholds and tracks clear of snow, ice and debris. These quick inspections can identify obstructions before they become larger issues that hinder movement and create safety risks for pedestrians. Sensors and motion detectors should be cleaned regularly and monitored for ice buildup, sliding door tracks and thresholds should be kept clear and given anti-icing treatments, and control panels and wiring should be inspected to ensure enclosures stay sealed and dry.

While routine checks can prevent many common issues, it’s important to watch for early warning signs that an entrance may need repair or adjustment. Indicators like delayed or slow movement, unusual noises and doors failing to fully open or close (or remaining open for too long) often signal that something is wrong. Visible ice or condensation inside control panels or near sensors should be investigated immediately, as it can indicate that a seal is broken, which can quickly lead to serious performance issues or damage.

If these signs are ignored – or if regular winter door maintenance is neglected—the consequences can be significant. Poorly maintained entrances can create pedestrian safety hazards, including slips, trips and entrapment, and may expose the facility to legal liability. It is the responsibility of the facility manager to make sure the daily safety checks are done and any problems reported immediately. Over time, small issues left unchecked can escalate into serious damage to motors, sensors and structural components, shortening the overall lifespan of the entrance. Proactive, attentive maintenance is the best defense against these risks, keeping doors safe, efficient and reliable by catching problems in their early stages.

After Winter: Recalibration & Inspection for Commercial Doors

A focused round of spring maintenance for automatic doors can help them transition smoothly into the warmer months and continue operating at their best. As winter winds down, start by conducting a thorough automatic door inspection for corrosion or damage caused by salt and moisture. Next, inspect seals and weatherstripping and have any that have become cracked, hardened or brittle over the winter replaced. Finally, be sure to clean reflective surfaces and remove anything that could affect the sensor’s pathway – this critical step often goes overlooked in the automatic door maintenance process but plays a key role in sensor accuracy.

See Also: Automatic Doors and Cold Weather

Long-Term Benefits of Routine Commercial Door Maintenance

The benefits of routine automatic door maintenance go beyond day-to-day performance. A thorough maintenance routine is an investment in the long-term reliability and performance of your entrance system. Regular door inspections and service helps address small issues before they escalate, extending the life of components and reducing the need for costly repairs or premature replacements down the line. Consistent maintenance also helps ensure compliance with safety standards, reducing liability risks while improving uptime. This proactive approach to automatic door service leads to safer, more efficient and more cost-effective building operations, ensuring that your automated entrances continue to deliver season after season.

FAQs: Winter Maintenance for Automatic Doors

1. How can I prepare my automated entrances for winter weather?
Schedule a certified inspection, have worn weatherstripping replaced, test sensors and door alignment,.

2. What routine maintenance should I perform during winter?
Keep thresholds, sensors and tracks clear of snow, ice and debris, and watch for early signs of malfunction like slow movement or doors not closing properly.

3. Why is winter maintenance important for automated doors?
Consistent maintenance prevents safety hazards, extends the lifespan of your entrance systems, and ensures compliance with ANSI and AAADM standards.

4. What should facility managers do after winter ends?
Inspect for corrosion or salt damage, replace hardened seals.

5. How does proactive maintenance benefit my facility long-term?
Regular inspections reduce costly repairs, minimize downtime, and help maintain energy efficiency, safety and operational reliability year-round.