Information on maintenance and repairs of sliding doors
Automatic sliding doors are used primarily in high-traffic areas – in public buildings, hospitals or supermarkets. If they aren’t working properly, this can cause major issues for building users. Because of this, the building operator or owner must ensure downtimes are kept to a minimum. If a defect occurs, quick repairs are needed so the door can operate normally again as soon as possible.
Regular maintenance prevents the need for sliding door repairs
Regular maintenance of sliding doors, such as here at the Novotel at Heathrow Airport, is important for fault-free operation. © GEZE GmbH
When a sliding door is suddenly damaged by an external influence, quick repairs are appropriate and essential. Luckily, these events happen only rarely. More often, defects occur slowly over time due to wear. Preventive maintenance can keep wear from turning into a defect. During regular maintenance, doors and their individual parts are inspected and tested, so that experts can identify the first signs of deficiencies and correct them.
Because of this, testing and maintenance are extremely important to ensure the operational safety and function of power-operated doors at all times.
Safety technology in automatic doors must be regularly tested and maintained:
- Safety technology tests before commissioning, as well as at least annually and as needed (for instance during a change in function) expert maintenance in accordance with DIN EN 16005 and DIN 18650-2.
- Regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. In addition, maintenance displays on the programme switch, for instance, give information indicating the need for maintenance based on the calendar date or opening cycles.
- Maintenance is required at least twice a year for sliding doors in escape and rescue routes.
Why quick, professional repairs of sliding doors are important
Defective sliding doors, especially in operating wings and escape routes, must be repaired quickly to ensure safety, comfort, and protect against liability risks. © Łukasz Janicki / GEZE Polska
Even for high-quality, optimally maintained sliding doors, however, repairs may be needed – whether due to external damage or a defect or foreign object in the system. In these cases, quick action is essential. The door must, after all, be functional to allow people to pass through, provide the right level of comfort, guarantee the necessary safety in different areas, and even to guarantee sales in some cases – such as in shops. The consequences of a defective sliding door may be wide-ranging, and may even impact liability. Operators are responsible for ensuring doors work properly – in particular in escape and rescue routes.
To avoid repairs: recognising signs of defects in sliding doors
In most cases, there are different signs that appear over a long period of time before a sliding door develops a defect requiring repair that may lead to a fault. If these signs are noticed, a service technician can plan to correct the defect in advance, before it causes an outage and all of the resulting consequences.
Typical signs include:
- Squeaking or noise when opening or closing the door
- Sluggish operation
- Seals come off or are porous
- The floor guide is dirty or bent
Characteristics of good repairs
Both planned repairs and repairs due to an urgent defect require expertise and care. Especially in automatic sliding doors, all system components need to interact optimally to work safely in the long-term.
Excellent maintenance and repairs are characterised by:
- Complete system testing for personal and property safety and occupational protection
- An all-around assessment of the entire system, from troubleshooting to regular contractual maintenance to modernisation – regardless of the manufacturer.
- Quick reaction times in case of a fault through 24-hour customer service
- Use of original spare parts
- Fair and transparent pricing
- High security for operators through verifiable maintenance in accordance with manufacturer specifications, entered into an inspection book
Who is liable for defective sliding doors?
Automatic sliding door system for heavy and large fire protection doors in resistance class EI30 © Lorenz Frey / GEZE GmbH
A defective sliding door in a high-traffic area is not only inconvenient, but may also be a hazard. The operator is obligated to secure such hazards in order to protect the door users. Automatic door systems are subject to traffic safety obligations. The operator is responsible for guaranteeing the safe and proper condition of the doors, and for meeting technical standards. This includes regular system maintenance and inspections in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, pursuant to ASR A1.7 (Technical rules for workplaces - doors and gates). Particularly high requirements apply to safety-relevant passages like escape and rescue routes as well as for fire protection doors. Violations may result in high liability claims. In addition, specific protective measures are required to ensure employee safety – by the Workplaces Ordinance (ArbStättV) in Germany or the Employee Protection Act (ASchG) in Austria, for instance.
We consider preventive maintenance by our experts as the most effective method for ensuring the durability of sliding door systems. If repairs are needed, however, we can be on site quickly to provide targeted correction of defects with minimal restrictions for users. We always focus on the system as a whole, to avoid downtimes wherever possible.
Katrin Höfer, Managing Director GEZE Service GmbHDiscover our custom-tailored service packages
GEZE Services - Everything from a single source © GEZE GmbH
With regular maintenance and testing from our expert technicians, we ensure the function and maintain the value of your systems – regardless of manufacturer. Thanks to our Germany-wide service network, we can be on site quickly even for other work besides maintenance.
What makes our GEZE Services stand out:
- All-around service, no matter the system manufacturer
- 24/7 customer service
- Quick reaction times in case of a fault
- Fair and transparent pricing
- Professional advising on statutory regulations and standards
We offer custom-tailored solutions for your needs with our GEZE service contracts.
As a service contract customer, you benefit from a wide range of advantages:
- Reduced hourly rates – so you can better plan your budget.
- Reaction time within 24h after an error message – so you can avoid downtimes.
- Quick availability of original parts for GEZE products – eliminating long purchasing lead times.
Please contact us for a non-binding consultation. We look forward to meeting your needs - precisely and cost-effectively.
