Common Commercial Door Repairs That Cost You More Later

It’s easy to ignore your sticky storefront door or a small rattle in the closer and hardware, but the problem is waiting until it becomes a big, expensive issue to repair. At Door Resources, we’ve spent over three decades helping Atlanta-area businesses keep their commercial doors working safely and reliably. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the most expensive door repairs usually start as small, overlooked issues.

In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common commercial door problems that go unnoticed, how they escalate, and why catching them early can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. If you're experiencing a problem with your commercial or retail doors, visit our commercial door repair section and learn more about how we can help, and what to expect from the leader in commercial door services in Atlanta. 

Leaking or Failing Door Closers

If your commercial door slams shut, doesn’t close fully, leaks oil, or becomes difficult to open, it’s likely a sign of a failing door closer. If left unchecked, this can lead to damage to the door frame, hinges, and hardware, and more critically, pose safety hazards and ADA compliance issues in high-traffic areas.

Regular inspections and prompt replacement are key, and at Door Resources, we can often replace a failing closer the same day if it’s caught early.

Worn or Misaligned Hinges

If your door drags on the threshold, makes creaking or popping sounds when opening, or shows uneven gaps around the edges, it’s likely misaligned. This is especially true for impact doors seen in commercial spaces like warehouses and kitchens.

It puts added stress on the frame and hinges, which can lead to warped doors, cracked welds, and can eventually require a full frame replacement. The good news is that realigning the door and replacing worn hinges is a quick, affordable fix, especially compared to the cost of rehanging the entire door system.

Loose or Malfunctioning Panic Hardware

If your push bar on an emergency exit door feels loose or sticks, the door doesn’t latch properly, or you hear rattling or metal-on-metal noises, your exit device may be failing. These common exit door issues can lead to failed fire and building inspections, and more importantly, pose serious life safety risks during an emergency. 

Regular checks and timely hardware adjustments or replacements are essential, and at Door Resources, we stock a wide range of panic hardware to provide fast, reliable service when it matters most.

Minor Weather Damage

Early signs like slight warping on wood doors, rust forming around the bottom of metal doors, or cracked and flattened door sweeps and gaskets may seem minor, but they can quickly lead to bigger problems. Air leaks, moisture intrusion, and door misalignment can escalate into rot, corrosion, and eventually total door failure.

The best way to prevent this is by replacing weatherstripping regularly and closely inspecting exterior doors after heavy rain or drastic temperature changes. We're always happy to come out an provide a free quote for all our services, just give us a call at 770-963-8191, or schedule a service call online.

Glass Storefront Door Problems

If your glass storefront door has foggy, cracked, or chipped panels, sticks when opening, has loose handles or framing, or allows in drafts and moisture, these are all early signs of trouble. Even minor damage or seal failures can lead to energy loss, water intrusion, and safety concerns. Misalignment puts extra stress on closers and access hardware, making the entire system less reliable over time. Damaged framing or worn pivots can also weaken security and hurt the appearance of your building.

To prevent bigger, more expensive repairs, it’s important to act early. Addressing misalignment, tightening loose components, and replacing worn hardware can extend the life of your door and avoid the need for full panel or frame replacement. And if your storefront door is integrated with an access control system, staying on top of these issues ensures security and functionality aren’t compromised.

Electrical Issues with Access Control Hardware

If your access control locks start showing signs like unresponsive card readers, doors that lock but won’t unlock without manual override, or buzzing and clicking sounds near the strike, don’t ignore them. These small issues can quickly escalate, taking your entire security system offline. When an electric strike or reader fails, it can leave your doors locked when they shouldn’t be or open at the wrong time, creating serious security vulnerabilities and frustrating tenants or employees.

Preventive maintenance is key. Have one of our trained access control technicians inspect both the hardware and wiring at least once a year, especially on high-traffic doors. Catching and fixing early failures not only keeps your building secure but also helps you avoid costly emergency repairs.

What You Can Do Now

If you’re noticing any of the signs above, now’s the time to act. The good news? Most of these repairs are quick, inexpensive, and can be done in a single visit when caught early. At Door Resources, we specialize in helping Atlanta area businesses stay ahead of major repairs. With two locations in Atlanta and decades of experience, we’re ready to help you fix the small problems, before they turn into big ones.

Schedule a repair or inspection now! Don’t wait for a stuck door or failed inspection to disrupt your business. Contact Door Resources today for a fast, no-pressure assessment, and we’ll help you get your doors back in shape.