At a Glance
With the festive season retail surge looming, early preparation is key. Beyond pricing and staffing, you’ll need to maintain your commercial doors to prevent safety, security, and compliance risks. Check your doors’ structure, sensors, weatherstripping, and fire safety to make sure they can perform efficiently and allow for a safe customer experience.
Open The Doors to The Festive Sale and Profits
By October, you’ll likely see more people visiting your store than at any other time of year. UK retail businesses saw an increase in footfall by 7.1% in December 2024 compared to November of the same year. Shopping centres saw a 13.2% surge, while high street stores saw a 4.8% increase.
Seasonal events, discounts, and sales for Boxing Day, Black Friday Weekend, and Super Saturday (the last Saturday before Christmas) are a big reason for this rush. That’s why October is the month that retailers should start their festive preparations, including pricing and store layout strategy, stock inspection, hiring additional staff, and scheduling external commercial door maintenance.
Businesses often overlook their retail doors when preparing for increased footfall. But when your doors haven’t been properly maintained to withstand the increased usage, they may be at risk of causing accidents and security concerns.
Contact Doorway Services as part of your festive preparation and get your door maintenance and repairs out of the way.
The Risk of an Unmaintained Door During the Festive Rush
When your commercial storefront door parts are worn out, you’re exposing yourself and your customers to multiple risks, leading to health and safety hazards, security concerns, and even compliance issues.
Here’s what could happen if you fail to follow a preventative commercial door maintenance checklist:
- Customers and workers may trip or fall and injure themselves
- Rainwater may enter the store, leading to damage, especially if the weatherstripping is worn out
- The door may open improperly, possibly leading to a stampede during an emergency evacuation
- The door might also close improperly, which can lead to higher energy bills due to drafts and leaks, as well as security concerns
- Excessive noise can impact the ambience of your store
To avoid these nuisances and give your customers a more enjoyable shopping experience, contact the experts at Doorway Services.
4 Things To Check in External Commercial Doors Before Peak Season
To be fully prepared for the holiday rush, here are four things to look for in your commercial doors:
1. Structural Integrity & Condition
How is the structural integrity of your external commercial doors? Do you have issues with your sliding doors, stemming from dirty or broken rollers?
Problems with the hinge or alignment are also common, leading to scraping, floor damage, or unpleasant noises. Some structural issues can make it difficult to open and close the door, increasing the chances of safety and security challenges.
Look out for signs of warping, especially if your retail door lacks an awning and is exposed to natural elements. Test the door movement and alignment before scheduling a door maintenance with professionals.
Lubricating or tightening your commercial storefront door parts can help you maintain the balance of your doors.
2. Automation & Sensors
Do you have an automatic commercial door? These generally require more regular maintenance than manual alternatives.
Your door may use one of several sensors, such as infrared sensors, pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and combination sensors, and these need to be regularly checked to keep them performing as intended.
These sensors help automatic doors to open and close as needed. During the holiday season, when your doors are constantly opening and closing to accommodate an increased number of customers, the chance of malfunction increases.
Conduct visual inspections for signs of damage, clean the sensors (it’s best to get this done professionally), and test them individually.
3. Weatherstripping
If your customers are shivering in your store, they’re less likely to shop with you in the future. One of the most essential commercial storefront door parts is a weatherstrip. This prevents cold air infiltration, which helps maintain an ambient temperature inside, as well as reducing energy consumption and preventing dirt and pests from entering your store.
Check your door’s existing weatherstripping for signs of damage, such as a visible gap between the stripping and the door frame, tears and cracks, missing seals, or draught. It’s a good idea to check the weatherstripping every month, as it’s exposed to weather elements and is prone to damage.
4. Safety Compliance
Before the festive rush begins, it’s essential to ensure your retail front doors are ready. If they’re found to be non-compliant with national regulations, you may end up being fined or forced to close your store, resulting in significant financial losses.
Some important things to consider for your external commercial door safety include:
- Fire door safety certification should be easily visible and legible
- Intumescent and smoke seals are undamaged
- Door hardware and sensors should be in proper working order
- Remove any obstructions from loading doors and emergency exits
- Retail door must meet accessibility standards
What To Do Before the Festive Rush Begins
Here are some things you can do to ensure your external commercial doors are in proper working order:
- Inspect your doors in October, before the festive rush begins
- Set aside a budget for emergency door repairs or commercial door parts replacement
- Train staff to identify signs of issues like noise, scraping, draught, or improper door closing
- Contact the experts at Doorway Services for professional door maintenance
Contact Doorway Services for Regular Maintenance and Repair
Regular external commercial door maintenance helps you reduce the risk of setbacks before the festive season. Getting professional repairs when needed can help you avoid accidents and stay compliant with UK safety regulations.
As a retail store owner or manager, door maintenance probably isn’t your area of expertise. Call the professionals at Doorway Services to get your retail doors ready for the busiest time of the year.
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