Common Industrial Sectional Door Faults - And How to Fix Them

Sectional doors are built to last, but in busy logistics environments, they can take a beating.  Whether from vehicle impact or everyday wear and tear, key components can and do fail if not correctly maintained, repaired or replaced.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of damage we see on sectional doors - and what can be done to put it right.

1. DOOR PANELS

Panels are the most visible yet vulnerable part of the door, and unfortunately, one of the most common parts that receive impact damage.

Lorries can reverse with trailer doors not securely open, crashing into the closed sectional door.

While inside the building, forklifts and pallet trucks can hit the door - all of this adds up to serious impact damage.

In some cases, our engineers have even found doors completely folded inwards - with entire panels lying on the warehouse floor.

Replacing panels is the answer here – it’s unlikely any damaged panels can be repaired.

2. TRACKS

When a door takes a hit, the tracks are often affected too. Misaligned, bent, or cracked tracks stop the door from moving smoothly - or at all.

Tracks can also degrade or shift out of alignment over time, increasing strain on the system.

Depending on the severity, tracks can be adjusted, partially replaced, or in some cases, fully replaced and reinstalled.

3. CABLES

Even without vehicle impacts, sectional doors can wear down over time.

Cables, for instance, are under constant tension, operating the door each time it opens or closes.

Over time, these cables can fray and twist, develop sharp, exposed strands, and unwind or come loose.

Ignoring frayed or damaged cables can result in sudden failure and potentially a risk to safety.

Once identified, only trained engineers should replace damaged cables.

4. SPRINGS

Like cables, springs wear out from repeated cycles.

Eventually, they can snap - often without warning - due to the high tension they’re under.

As with cables, springs should be replaced once wear is detected – and by a trained engineer due to the danger involved.

5. CONTROL PANELS AND ISOLATORS

Control units are frequently damaged by forklifts and pallet trucks operating near the door. Buttons and isolators may get knocked off, broken, or become non-functional.

Engineers can replace damaged electrical components with suitable replacements.

With regular servicing ensuring controls stay responsive and compliant.

6. THE ROLE OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

The good news? Most of these issues can be identified and fixed before they become a major problem. That’s where routine industrial door servicing comes in.

We advise servicing sectional doors every 6 to 12 months. Our engineers will check all moving parts, electrical systems, and structural components to keep everything operating as it should.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A damaged sectional door can quickly bring your operation to a halt - but with regular maintenance and prompt repairs, it doesn’t have to.

If your industrial doors are due for a check, contact the team at Stertil Stokvis. We’ll help keep your operations running safely and smoothly.

Contact Stertil Stokvis on 0870 770 0471, option 2, option 4, or email helpdesk@stertil.co.uk.