Autumn check for sectional doors – quieter, safer, more energy-efficient
The most comprehensive checklist for operators, caretakers, and workshops. With clear testing steps, limit values, and direct links to suitable spare parts.
0. Quick check in 120 seconds
- Noise: unusually loud, grinding or cracking?
- Run: Gate pulls to one side, gets stuck in curve?
- Joint pattern: uneven gaps between panels?
- Ropes: Are broken wires or frayed areas visible?
- Seals: can you feel a draft at the bottom/side?
- Safety: Does the light barrier/closing edge trigger reliably?
Result: If two or more points are "conspicuous," schedule the fall maintenance. You'll find the parts for each section below.
1. Safety & Preparation
Before checking: De-energize the drive, secure the range of motion, and wear gloves/goggles. Working on springs should be left to professionals .
- Unplug the power cord or de-energize the drive.
- Secure the gate against unwanted movement (e.g. locking/support).
- Do not work on torsion springs without specialist knowledge.
2. Mechanics: rollers, hinges, wire ropes
Check rollers
- Roller noise: rough/scratching → bearing worn.
- Lateral play: The roller must not wobble or jam in the rail.
- Is the size right? Usually 2" for private use, often 3" for industry.
View ball bearing rollers 2″ / 3″ short/long tandem
Hinges & roller holders
- Cracks on the hinge leaf, oval screw holes, bent top brackets?
- Panel joint uneven → check center hinge/side hinge.
- When replacing: note hole pattern, side (L/R), manufacturer.
Hinges & roller holders Center hinge Side hinge Top roll holder
Wire ropes
- Broken wires, crushed wires, frayed ends → replace immediately (always in pairs!).
- Compare diameter and length on the old part (3 mm/4 mm; 3–18 m depending on the gate).
3. Springs & Balance (specialist only)
Caution: Torsion springs are subject to high energy. Inspection and adjustment should only be performed by a qualified technician.
Balance note (observation)
- Move the door by hand with the operator unlocked: Does it stay approximately halfway open? Otherwise, the spring tension is usually incorrect.
- Uneven rope tension or “skew” → check wire ropes/fittings.
4. Tracks & fittings
Rails & Arches
- Remove dirt and old grease, re-lubricate sparingly (do not over-grease).
- Check straightness & fastenings, no deformations on the curve.
Surveying (short)
- Note the clear width × clear height .
- Side stops/frames: min. ~85 mm per side (guide value per system).
- Lintel: at least ~100 mm. For dark doors facing south, allow for a larger lintel (thermal expansion).
5. Sealing & Energy Efficiency
The bottom edge, sides, and joints are the major loss points. Retrofitting is especially worthwhile in the fall—increasing comfort and reducing costs.
- Bottom edge: robust, magnetic gap seals, can be shortened.
- Sides: sealing profiles + protective plates (rodent protection, forklift area).
- Side doors: Door gap seal + adapter tape for non-magnetic frames.
6. Sensors & safety devices
Light barriers
- Cleaning: Is the lens/reflector clean? Test: Let the gate close, interrupt the beam → it must stop and reverse.
- Outdoor use: Observe polarizing filter/IP protection.
Light grids (industry)
- For pedestrian areas and high-speed operation: Check protective field, inspect cables/covers.
Closing edge (optosensor/contact strip)
- Test OSE sensors in profile; check cables, sockets, and connectors.
7. Drive, radio & emergency release
- Test the emergency release (key/cable). Follow the instructions.
- Radio: replace empty batteries, re-learn handheld transmitter if necessary.
- Check soft start/stop and end positions, test obstacle detection.
8. Practical examples & errors → Cause → Part
terraced house
Scratching noise & jerking → 2" roller bearing defective. Replace + clean rail → door runs noticeably quieter.
Logistics hall
Draft in the front zone → bottom edge & sides sealed → temperature more stable, less energy consumption.
Existing system
Uneven joint pattern → center hinges replaced, top holder adjusted → panels close flush.
Quick selection (Error → Cause → Part)
| Error pattern | Probable cause | Component / Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Gate goes wrong | Rollers/side hinge worn out; cable tension uneven | Check/replace rollers and roller holders; replace wire ropes in pairs |
| Clamps in the curve | Top roll holder bent/incorrectly adjusted | Replace/adjust top holder |
| Cracking/metal powder | Hinge crack, oval screw holes | Replace hinge, if necessary reinforcement angle |
| Draft on the floor | Seal worn/missing | Install gap seal lower edge |
| Gate does not reverse | Light barrier dirty/misaligned | Clean/align lens, perform test |
9. FAQ
How often should I check?
Private garages: once per year (autumn). Commercial/industrial: based on operating hours – often twice a year is advisable.
Can I adjust springs myself?
No. This is specialized work with high risk. Just monitor the balance and document any abnormalities – leave the adjustment to the specialist company.
What roll size do I have?
Private use is usually 2", industry often 3". Measure the inner width of the rail and compare it with the product range.
Which seal is suitable?
Select the bottom edge based on the opening width + the largest gap. Use suitable profiles/adapter strips for side/side doors.
What are the energy benefits of sealing?
Less cold air and more stable temperatures. Particularly beneficial for frequently used doors and hall zones with sensitive processes.
