When doors aren’t functioning as they should, it’s a workplace safety issue. Catching, jamming, or weak points can all lead to avoidable accidents, so it’s important to take action to repair or replace industrial doors as needed. But which is the right choice?

No matter what kind of doors you have, minor damage can usually be repaired effectively. However, where the doors are not properly maintained, or problems are recurring, parts may be degraded to the extent that the whole door needs replacing.

The Case for Repairing Industrial Doors

Industrial doors are expensive, and it is generally much cheaper to repair a door than to replace it. If repairs are minor and isolated, this can be done with minimal business disruption.

Alignment problems, motor faults or damaged seals are easily repaired and do not require replacement.

When Repair is Suitable:

• Door is relatively new.
• Damage is isolated (not structural).
• Maintenance costs are still low.

Read more about maintaining roller shutter doors.

The Case for Replacing Industrial Doors

Where you might need a replacement is when your door needs repairing so frequently that a larger problem is at play. Constant repairs can add up, in which case replacing the faulty doors will save money in the long term.

When you replace doors of any kind, you’ll likely get a newer model with improved security and insulation, and it will be compliant with up to date safety standards.

Replacing faulty industrial doors also gives businesses an opportunity to upgrade automation, sensors and controls to more modern technology that serve your business more effectively.

When Replacement is the Smarter Choice:

• Door is old/outdated
• Repairs are frequent and expensive.
• Structural damage or severe motor failure.
• Business needs have outgrown the current door.

Factors to consider

How old is the door?

With proper maintenance, roller shutter doors and sectional overhead doors can last between 12 and 30 years.

High-speed doors tend to wear out more quickly, with a lifespan of 20 years.

How frequent are repairs?

If you need to repair industrial doors more than twice annually, despite thorough maintenance, you may be better off replacing them.

Is the Door Still Safe to Use?

For example, if the door closes too rapidly, sensors are unreliable or edges have corroded and become dangerous, consider replacement.

Is it Still Fit for Purpose?

Has your business grown since the door was installed? Have your operations changed in a way that means the door is used more frequently, or does it take up too much space? An upgraded industrial door could help create efficiencies.

For example, older understorey car park shutters may not be up to modern security standards.

Could you save Energy with a New Door?

Insulated shutters can save money on heating bills as they trap internal heat within your premises. Traditional shutters often have gaps or ventilation holes, which lead to cold spots and draughts in winter. Replacing your current shutters with an insulated model can improve energy efficiency and keep your workplace warmer for longer.

An Informed Choice: Repair or Replace Industrial Doors

This article is hopefully helpful in guiding your decision. The main factor to consider is whether it is cost-effective for you to repair or replace faulty doors and shutters.

If you are still not sure, contact I&S Industrial Doors on 0121 544 3483 or by our contact form, and we’ll help you out. We offer a repair service and manufacture bespoke industrial doors in our West Midlands facility.