Overview:  Before closing for the holidays, learn what facility managers should check to keep commercial doors secure, compliant, and winter-ready with Barr Commercial Door! 

For many facilities, the holiday season brings a welcome slowdown, but it also introduces a brief period where your building is left unattended. Before you lock up for the holiday break, your commercial doors and access systems deserve a closer look. A quick year-end review can prevent security breaches, weather-related damage, and costly surprises when your team returns.

Whether you manage a warehouse, retail property, industrial site, or commercial building, here’s what you should double-check before stepping away for the holidays!

Essential Security Checks for Commercial Doors Before the Holidays   

The holiday break often means reduced staffing and empty facilities — prime conditions for unauthorized access if doors aren’t secured properly.
Before closing up, confirm that:

• All exterior doors latch and lock without hesitation.

• Automatic doors respond correctly and fully close on each cycle.

• Roll-up and overhead doors seal tightly and engage properly with their locking mechanisms.

If any door sticks, hesitates, or leaves a gap, it may compromise after-hours security. Barr Commercial Door can inspect and service locking systems to help protect your building during the shutdown.

Winter Weather Prep for Doors and Loading Docks  

Even in Southern California, winter brings colder nights, moisture, and unpredictable rain — all of which can impact your facility while you’re away.
Perform a quick winter-readiness check:

• Inspect weatherstripping for cracks or gaps.

• Make sure thresholds sit flush to prevent water intrusion.

• Confirm that loading dock levelers and dock seals rest in their proper positions.

These small steps help prevent energy loss, pest intrusion, and moisture-related damage issues that often go unnoticed during holiday closures.

Preventing Equipment Failure During Facility Shutdowns  

A quiet building is the ideal time to catch mechanical issues before they escalate. Commercial doors often experience their highest stress during the end-of-year rush, so year-end checks are essential.
Focus on:

• Door operators and motors running smoothly

• Springs and counterbalance systems showing no signs of fatigue

• Tracks and rollers free of debris

If a door is slow, noisy, or misaligned, it may be signaling a pending failure. Addressing these issues before the break helps you avoid costly downtime when business resumes.

Also Read >> 5 Causes of Equipment Failure & How to How to Prevent Them

Fire-Rated Doors and Emergency Exits: Compliance Matters  

Even if your facility is closing temporarily, life-safety systems must remain functional at all times. Verify that:

• Fire-rated doors close and latch fully

• Exit routes remain clear of holiday décor and stored materials

• Emergency hardware functions without resistance

A simple oversight — such as a propped-open fire door or blocked exit can put your building out of compliance. Barr Commercial Door offers professional inspections to ensure everything is operating safely throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)   

1. Why should I inspect commercial doors before the holiday break?  

Unattended buildings are more vulnerable to security issues, winter damage, and mechanical failures. A pre-break inspection helps prevent costly surprises.

2. What systems are most important to double-check before closing?  

Exterior doors, roll-up doors, loading docks, fire-rated doors, and operators should all be tested for proper function, security, and compliance.

3. Does Barr Commercial Door offer year-end maintenance?  

Yes. Barr provides seasonal inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance to prepare facilities for holiday closures and winter conditions.

Why Year-End Maintenance Reduces New Year Repairs  

Holiday closures are a perfect opportunity to perform preventative maintenance that doesn’t disrupt operations. A quick seasonal check can help:

• Extend equipment lifespan

• Reduce emergency repair requests

• Improve security and energy efficiency

• Identify early warnings before they become major issues

A proactive approach allows facility managers and property owners to start the new year with confidence, knowing their doors and dock systems are ready for whatever comes next.

If you need assistance preparing your facility for the break, Barr Commercial Door provides expert inspections, repairs, and seasonal maintenance to help keep your property safe, compliant, and secure.