Get Your Automatic Doors Serviced Regularly

Automatic doors can cost a pretty penny to install, but after the installation they don't really cost much at all in relation to overall building costs. However, if your automatic doors break-down, the costs will build-up rapidly and could lead to costly repairs or replacements.

Reasons the break-down could cost you excessive amounts are:

• Loss of customers who are unable to get into the building, or put off coming into the building because of emergency repairs

• Safety issues causing injuries or accidents which could leave staff members off work, customers injured and/ or compensation claims heading your way (potentially worth thousands of pounds)

• A complete replacement of the doors because of lack of essential maintenance

• Expensive emergency repairs

These are fairly basic, and important reasons to ensure you get your automatic doors serviced regularly. Preventative maintenance will save you money long term, and it will also offer you peace of mind. It will prevent faults occurring (that would otherwise be prevented during a service) and prevents the doors breaking completely or needing expensive repairs.

Current European safety standards advice that all qualified engineers recommend to the customer that their doors are serviced regularly to prevent damage and to ensure safety levels are maintained.

Automatic doors tend to be used continually, so are highly likely to become slightly worn over time and suffer from minor damage through regular use. Getting your automatic door maintenance done regularly means these signs of wear and tear are kept to a minimum, and the door can be adapted to meet the latest safety standards if needed.

In relation to current EU safety regulations, automatic doors must be serviced once every 6 months by a qualified engineer. The engineer will have a checklist to follow to ensure your door meets all safety standards. Expect your engineer to look for signs of; wear and tear, sensor problems, accidental damage, programming issues, loose fittings and safety issues. 

What if I need a repair doing before the 6 months service?

If you need any repairs or maintenance doing in-between services you should not hesitate to contact the supplier of your automatic doors. If you wait until your service to get an issue dealt with it could result in the doors becoming damaged, the problem getting worse and safety being compromised. Any reputable installation expert will offer you their full range of services, clearly outlining any additional costs that will be incurred to use them. Expect a period of time after your doors are installed where you get free repairs if anything goes wrong (terms and conditions will apply). After that it is more than likely you will need to pay for emergency repairs, particularly if they are out of hours. If you discuss this with the company you purchase your doors from they will explain to you exactly what services they offer and how much they cost. Although you might be hesitant to make a call to get an emergency repair, you must remember that above all else, safety is paramount so it will be worth the money.

Will the installation company arrange services with me?

This all depends on the company and how they operate. Before you have your doors installed you will have more than likely discussed maintenance with the company so you can budget long term costs. If you haven't discussed it with them, or moved into a premises which already had the doors installed, you need to arrange for a service as soon as possible (unless you only had them installed recently). If you're not due a service, get one booked in so you know it's arranged. If an accident occurs with the doors and it becomes apparent during an investigation that you didn't get them serviced, you will be liable. As well as the moral issues with this, you may also be liable to pay out thousands of pounds in compensation fees. For small to medium businesses this can cost them their business. So it is imperative you get your doors serviced regularly.

How do I arrange a service?

All you need to do is contact your installation company to arrange a service, if they haven't already arranged it with you. If you're about to look into getting automatic doors make sure you ask about service and maintenance before you make a financial commitment. If you don't have the contact details of the automatic door company, contact a reputable company with ADSA membership so you know they are fully qualified to service your doors.

Read Original Post on the ADSF UK Website