Most times, commercial door problems sneak up on you when you’re least prepared. You’ll either not have the budget to fix at that exact moment or have too much on your plate to care. One minute your door’s fine, the next it’s creaking, sticking, or just not locking properly. Whatever it is, one thing’s clear: you don’t have the time to play detective every morning you walk into your office. The good news is that you can totally repair your commercial door on your own, even if you have no clue what you’re doing whatsoever. Not every door problem you run into requires a full replacement!
Here’s a quick run-through of some of the most common commercial door problems you’ll run into in a lifetime and how to fix them. You could need professional commercial door repair in Providence, too, depending on the problem, but we don’t want to worry you just yet.
Why Do Commercial Doors Break Down So Quickly?
Before we get to solving, it’s important to address the elephant in the room. Why do commercial doors seem to always have something wrong with them?
No, it’s not because your contractor cheaped out last minute. It’s because your commercial doors take a good beating. They’re opened, closed, slammed, pushed, pulled, propped open, and sometimes even bumped with deliveries — all day long.
So, if you do run into an issue, it’s alright. It’s not your fault. It’s probably just an overworked door.
Also Read: How Much Does Commercial Door Repair Cost in Providence, RI in 2025?
Common Commercial Door Problems and What You Can Do About Them
Problem 1: Sticking or Sagging Door
If it feels like you’re having to throw your entire body weight into opening your door, that’s the telltale sign of a sticking or sagging door. Especially if it’s scraping against the floor or door frame.
A couple of things could be the issue here. You might have loose hinges, a warped door, or door frame.
Here’s what you can do:
- Grab a screwdriver and tighten all the hinge screws.
- If the screws are stripped or not catching, replace them with longer ones.
- Use some wood filler if holes are too loose to hold a screw.
- Lightly sand any part of the door that’s rubbing the frame or floor.
Problem 2: You’re Having a Hard Time Locking (or Unlocking) Your Door
This is probably one of the most common issues business owners run into. You’re putting your key in the lock, but the key sticks, the handle just jiggles, or the door just feels flimsy. A door that’s not securing your building the way it used before is an issue that requires immediate attention.
Common causes for this include worn-out lock hardware, a latch that’s out of alignment with the strike plate, or plain old dirt buildup inside the lock mechanism.
Whatever it is, here’s what you need to do:
- Clean the lock using a spritz of graphite lock spray.
- Loosen the strike plate screws, realign it, and tighten them again.
- If it still doesn’t catch cleanly, replace the handle or lock entirely.
Problem 3: Your Automatic Door is Giving You Trouble
Sliding or swinging automatic doors are great for office spaces. They make the place look professional and are a lot easier to work around. The only issue, however, is when they stop responding the way they used to. It either doesn’t respond at all when you approach it, or it closes way too quickly.
Possible reasons for this could be dirty or blocked sensors, mechanical problems with the motor, or misaligned tracks.
This is what’ll help:
- Clean the sensors with a dry cloth.
- Check the tracks for debris.
- Test the door several times.
If that doesn’t do the trick, you might want to call in the professionals before you make matters worse.
Problem 4: A Squeaky or Rattling Door
When it comes to commercial doors, sometimes the issue isn’t big. It’s just loud and annoying, like a squeaky door.
The DIY route is simple. Spray some lubricant on the hinges and moving parts and tighten any loose screws or bolts you see along the frame or hardware. If you hear rattling inside the door itself, it could mean something came loose; in that case, it’s worth having it inspected.
When to DIY, When to Bring Out the Big Guns
Look, we’re all for a good DIY fix. But there’s no shame in calling in help when things get beyond the basic stuff. Here’s when it’s smart to call a professional instead of getting your hands dirty:
- The frame is visibly damaged
- The lock system is electronic or part of an access control system
- Your automatic doors are acting up
- You’ve fixed the same problem more than once, and it keeps coming back
Your commercial door is single-handedly carrying the brunt of it all — the slams, the pulls, the pushes, and whatnot. Taking a little time to care for it (or getting help when needed) can make a big difference in how smoothly your day runs.
If you’re in need of a hand, get in touch with none other than the Providence Door Company. We offer expert commercial door repair in Providence, and we’ve quite literally seen it all, so nothing fazes us anymore.
Let’s get your commercial door working like new without all that added stress!
