I Asked ChatGPT How Often Commercial Automatic Doors Should Be Serviced

I’m pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of the results. The majority of this content is directly from the source! I also felt it was important to provide my own additional feedback. The indented content is my own feedback, I use Door Services Corporation as the authority on this topic. Users will be directed to the Advanced Door Service’s branch website for additional reference materials.

The frequency of servicing commercial automatic doors can vary depending on several factors, including the type of door, the manufacturer's recommendations, and the level of usage. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:

1. Manufacturer's Recommendations: The first and most important source of information regarding servicing intervals should be the manufacturer's recommendations. Manufacturers typically provide guidelines on maintenance schedules in their product manuals. These recommendations may include specific time intervals (e.g., every six months) or usage thresholds (e.g., after a certain number of cycles).

Most manufacturers even provide a daily safety checklist. Here is an example of an owner’s manual provided by Horton Automatics matics.

2. Usage Level: High-traffic areas may require more frequent servicing than low-traffic ones. Doors in busy commercial settings might need quarterly or even monthly inspections and maintenance, while doors in less busy areas may suffice with annual service.

Couldn’t agree more! The usage level of the doors will definitely help determine how often the doors in your facility should be serviced. On average, the Door Services Corporation team recommends every 6 months.

3. Local Regulations and Codes: Some local building codes or regulations may require regular inspections and maintenance of automatic doors. Be sure to check with local authorities to ensure compliance.

Very true. Facilities should also know about ANSI standards on signage for automatic doors. If they are not labeled properly then people visiting your building may be taken by surprise if a door opens when they approach it.

4. Environmental Factors: The climate and environmental conditions can also influence servicing frequency. Doors in areas with extreme weather conditions or high levels of dust and debris may require more frequent maintenance.

Also true! Here is a blog to help educate you on what to expect for automatic door maintenance in the winter months.

5. Regular Inspections: Regardless of manufacturer recommendations, it's a good practice to conduct regular visual inspections of automatic doors. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent more significant problems.

Great advice. Here is a preventative maintenance checklist for facilities managers to use on their doors daily.

6. User Feedback: Pay attention to feedback from building occupants and users of the automatic doors. If people report problems or difficulties with the doors, it may be an indication that servicing is needed.

Yes, everyone plays a role in keeping facility entrances and exits safe.

7. Preventive Maintenance: In addition to regular inspections, consider implementing a preventive maintenance program. This involves routine lubrication, adjustment of sensors, and cleaning of door components. Preventive maintenance can extend the lifespan of the doors and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.

It is important to note that regular inspections should be performed by a certified AAADM inspector. Additionally, a lot of facility managers may not be aware that a preventative maintenance contract on their doors can potentially save their business 25% or more over the life of their doors.

8. Emergency Repairs: If the automatic doors malfunction or pose a safety risk, they should be serviced immediately, regardless of the regular maintenance schedule.

A valuable piece of advice! Most door service companies do provide a phone number for 24-hour service in case of an emergency or the doors need to be fixed after-hours.

To determine the specific servicing schedule for your commercial automatic doors, it's best to consult with the manufacturer or a qualified service technician. They can assess the doors, consider usage patterns, and recommend an appropriate maintenance plan to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Remember that regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the doors but also helps ensure the safety of those who use them.

Nice conclusion, but don’t forget to remind business owners, operations and facilities professionals that is very important that a certified AAADM technician is contacted to service your doors.

Thanks for reading!