Maintenance made easy – this is how you extend the lifespan of your sectional door / roller door (and keep the warranty)
With a few seasonal checks, your gate will run more quietly, safely, and efficiently. Here's what you can do yourself – and what requires a professional.
1) Why maintenance is worthwhile (lifespan, safety, warranty)
Regular maintenance keeps moving parts clean, reduces friction and protects against avoidable damage – this extends the service life and preserves comfort.
At the same time, functioning light barriers/closing edges ensure safe use. Many manufacturers link the warranty to proper maintenance and professional repair.
2) Do's & Don'ts – what you are allowed to do yourself
Do's (doable yourself)
- Clean the rails and wipe them dry.
- Apply minimal grease to roller bearings (sparingly, resin-/acid-free).
- Lubricate hinges; check screws for tightness.
- Visually inspect wire ropes (strand breakage?).
- Clean light barriers/light grids and test their function.
Don'ts (Specialist company!)
- Adjusting/replacing torsion/tension springs.
- Reposition the rope winding mechanism, dismantle the drums.
- Change the electrical components in the control systems.
Safety before speed: Work on springs/ropes should only be carried out by a specialist company. We provide support in the Rhine-Main area.
3) Season checklist for sectional doors
| component | Check | interval | If needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| casters | Smooth running, no rattling/lateral play | semi-annually | Replacing roles |
| Hinges/Roller holders | Cracks, oval holes, tight fit | semi-annually | exchange |
| Wire ropes | Strand breakage, uneven winding | semi-annually | Replace ropes in pairs |
| Light barrier/closing edge | Cleaning, test drive (stop?) | monthly | Check sensor technology |
| Bottom edge/sides | Drafts? Light gap? | as needed | Add sealing |
4) Rolling door seasonal checklist
| component | Check | interval | If needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upstand profile | Continuous surface, no waves | semi-annually | Choose a wider seal |
| Guide rails | Clean, free of shavings/dust | quarterly | Clean, lightly grease |
| Sensors | Is the light barrier/light grid active? | monthly | Check light grid |
| Winding shaft/drive | Unusual noises/heat? | semi-annually | specialist examination |
5) Lubrication, cleaning, tightening – step by step
- Cleaning: Wipe rails, roller tracks and sealing surfaces dust-free (dry/slightly damp).
- Rollers & hinges: Apply a small amount of grease (resin-free/acid-free) to the affected area. Remove any excess.
- Screws: Check visible fasteners and tighten gently.
- Test run: Smooth running? No slippage points?
Never adjust springs or cable tensions. Call a specialist if necessary.
6) Detect wear and tear: rollers, hinges, cables
- Caster wheels: rattling, lateral play, flat spots → replace.
- Hinges/roller holders: Hairline cracks, oval holes, bent tabs → replace.
- Wire ropes: Replace individual broken strands and rust spots in pairs.
7) Test safety & sensors
Clean the light barriers with dry cloth surfaces; Test: Let the gate close and briefly interrupt the beam – the gate must stop/open.
Test the closing edge (OSE/8.2 kΩ) via a functional test of the drive. Contact a specialist company in case of a malfunction.
Light barriers (overview) Closing edge sensor Light grids (industrial)
8) Saving energy: Gap seals & doors
The biggest heat leaks are located at the bottom edge and on the sides. Magnetic gap seals close the gap instantly – without drilling.
For side doors (basement/side entrance), a door gap seal is worthwhile – more pleasant climate, less dust & rodents.
Gap seals for sectional doors Gap seals for roller doors Door seals
9) Drive & Control: Radio, App & Comfort
Handheld transmitter: Change batteries before winter, check range. Receiver/control unit: Mount securely to protect from moisture, position antenna freely.
Smart home: Rules such as "close at 10:00 PM" or push notifications for open gates increase security and comfort.
Garage door openers (overview) Radio receiver & button Handheld transmitter Smart home for the gate
10) Warranty & Documentation
- Note down maintenance dates (date/work) – a photo of the condition helps.
- Use only approved products (e.g., resin-/acid-free greases, no aggressive cleaners).
- Spring/rope work, control system modifications = specialist company (mandatory for warranty & safety).
Regional: Tormeister 24 provides testing and service in the Rhine-Main area.
FAQ
How often should I wait?
Private: once a year (autumn). Commercial/Industrial: twice a year, depending on usage.
Which lubricant?
Use resin-/acid-free greases or thin lubricants sparingly; never on brake surfaces/sensors.
The gate rattles – what to check first?
Check the rollers (for flat spots/play), hinges (for cracks), and rails (for dirt). Then inspect the wire ropes.
May I adjust the springs?
No – high forces, risk of injury. Only a specialist company should be involved, otherwise warranty may be voided.
