Overview: Discover how summer heat affects commercial door performance and security. Learn expert tips from Barr Commercial Door on preventing sticky doors and ensuring smooth operation year-round. Read on!
As temperatures rise during Southern California’s blistering summer months, it’s not just your HVAC system working overtime — your commercial doors are feeling the heat too. Many property managers and facility operators notice that doors which once opened smoothly now resist movement, drag on the floor, or fail to close and latch properly.
It’s more than just an inconvenience; these issues can impact your building’s safety, security, and energy efficiency.
Sticky doors can disrupt daily operations, frustrate tenants and staff, and even create compliance issues if they affect fire-rated or emergency exits. And the longer they’re ignored, the more likely they are to result in expensive repairs or equipment failure.
Let’s dive in!
Why Do Doors Stick in the Heat?
Heat causes materials to expand. In the case of commercial doors — especially those made from metal, wood, or composite materials — this thermal expansion can interfere with normal operation.
Here’s how:
Metal Doors and Frames: Steel and aluminum expand in high temperatures, which can cause tight fits, slow closing, or difficulty latching properly.
Wooden Doors: Wood absorbs moisture and swells with heat and humidity, leading to increased friction with the frame.
Rubber Seals and Gaskets: These soften in extreme heat, compromising insulation and door closure performance.
Here’s a quick guide on >> Why Do My Doors And Windows Stuck in the Summer that might interest you!
The Consequences of Heat-Affected Doors
If left unaddressed, heat-related door issues can lead to:
Security Risks: Doors that won’t latch or lock properly compromise your facility’s security.
Safety Hazards: Fire-rated and emergency exit doors may fail to perform as required by code.
Increased Energy Costs: Improperly sealed doors let in hot air and let out cool air, overworking your HVAC system.
Operational Downtime: Jammed loading dock doors can disrupt shipments and workflow.
>> Related Reading: Temperature Effect On Doors
Solutions and Preventive Maintenance Tips
At Barr Commercial Door, we recommend these proactive strategies:
Schedule Seasonal Inspections: Regular summer check-ups can catch early signs of expansion or hardware fatigue.
Upgrade to Heat-Resistant Hardware: Thermally stable materials and modern seals maintain performance year-round.
Adjust Hinges and Closer: Our technicians can recalibrate door hardware to accommodate seasonal shifts.
Install Ventilation and Weatherproofing Enhancements: Reduce interior humidity and prevent direct sun exposure.
Trust Southern California’s Commercial Door Experts
From strip mall storefronts to warehouse loading docks, Barr Commercial Door keeps your doors running smoothly regardless of the weather. Don’t let the summer heat grind your business to a halt — call us for fast, expert service and preventative solutions that keep you compliant and operational.
