How much does commercial door repair typically cost?
A standard commercial door repair, such as replacing hinges, a door closer, or realigning a misaligned frame, typically costs between $150 and $500 including labor. More involved repairs, such as replacing a damaged door panel or repairing a bent metal frame, typically run $500 to $1,500 depending on door material and the extent of damage. Full door replacement, needed when a door is too damaged or warped to repair economically, generally costs more once the new door and frame work is added to labor. Cost also depends on door type, since a solid core wood door, a hollow metal door, and an aluminum storefront door all have different repair parts and labor requirements.
Why does my commercial door not close properly?
A commercial door that will not close properly is commonly caused by a misaligned door frame, often from building settling or a previous impact, worn or loose hinges no longer holding the door square in the opening, or a door closer that is not adjusted correctly for the door's weight and the force needed to fully latch it. Weather-related expansion in wood doors, or a warped door panel in any material, can also prevent proper closure, especially seasonally in extreme temperature swings. Check hinge tightness and frame alignment first, since these are the most common and least expensive causes to fix. If the frame itself is out of square, a door technician needs to properly shim or adjust it.
How often should commercial door hardware be inspected?
Commercial door hardware, including hinges, closers, locks, and panic hardware, should generally be inspected at least twice a year, with fire-rated doors and doors with panic hardware often subject to more specific inspection requirements under fire and life safety code, sometimes requiring annual documented inspection. High-traffic doors, such as a main entrance or a frequently used interior door, wear hardware faster than a rarely used door and may benefit from more frequent checks. An inspection typically covers hinge tightness, closer function and adjustment, latch and lock operation, and for fire doors, confirming the door closes and latches fully and that required labeling and hardware remain intact.
What ADA requirements apply to commercial door hardware and clearance?
The Americans with Disabilities Act sets specific requirements for commercial doors, including minimum clear door opening width, maximum opening force required to push or pull the door open, hardware that can be operated with a closed fist rather than requiring tight grasping or twisting (such as lever handles instead of round knobs), and maneuvering clearance on both sides of the door for wheelchair access. Door closers are also regulated for closing speed, since a door that closes too quickly can be a hazard for someone using a mobility device. A facilities manager replacing door hardware should confirm current ADA specifications rather than assuming existing hardware meets requirements just because it has been in place for years.
Why is my commercial door dragging on the floor?
A commercial door dragging on the floor is usually caused by sagging hinges, which happens as screws loosen or wood around hinge mortises wears out over years of use and the door's own weight gradually pulls it out of square in the frame. It can also result from the frame itself settling or shifting, particularly in older buildings, or from a door that has warped due to moisture exposure. Tightening or replacing worn hinge screws, sometimes with longer screws that reach further into the framing, resolves many dragging door issues without needing to replace the door itself. If tightening hinges does not resolve the drag, the frame may be out of square and need adjustment by a door technician.
Is it better to repair or replace an old commercial door?
Repair is generally the better option for a commercial door with isolated hardware problems, minor frame misalignment, or surface damage that does not affect structural integrity, since hardware repairs are typically far less expensive than a full door and frame replacement. Replacement becomes the better choice when a door is significantly warped or rotted, when the frame itself is damaged beyond simple adjustment, or when a fire-rated door has lost its label or been modified in a way that voids its rating, since a fire door without proper certification is a code compliance issue that repair alone cannot fix. Get a technician's assessment of both the door and frame condition together.
What is the typical lifespan of a commercial exterior door?
A commercial exterior door's lifespan depends heavily on material and usage, with hollow metal doors in a properly maintained frame often lasting 20 to 30 years, aluminum storefront doors similarly long-lived, and wood doors generally having a shorter service life due to greater vulnerability to moisture and warping unless well protected from weather exposure. High-traffic doors, such as a main public entrance opened hundreds of times a day, wear hardware and hinges faster than a low-traffic side or service door, even though the door panel itself may last just as long. Regular hardware maintenance, including hinge tightening and closer adjustment, extends a door's functional life significantly.