How to Fix a Commercial Door That Does Not Close

A commercial door that won’t close can disrupt business, compromise security, and create safety risks. This guide explains the most common causes, step-by-step troubleshooting tips, and when to call a professional for repair. Keep your business doors secure and functional with practical solutions and maintenance advice.

Introduction

A commercial door that won’t close is more than just an inconvenience. It poses serious safety, security, and accessibility risks. From unauthorized entry to heating and cooling loss, a malfunctioning door can disrupt your business and create liability concerns. For business owners, property managers, and maintenance staff, addressing this issue quickly is essential to keep operations safe, secure, and compliant.

Common Causes of a Commercial Door Not Closing

Commercial doors are built to withstand heavy use, but constant wear and tear can cause problems. Here are the most frequent culprits:

Cause	Description
Misaligned Hinges	Hinges can shift over time, making the door sag or bind.
Faulty Closer	Hydraulic or spring closers may lose tension or leak oil.
Obstruction in Track/Threshold	Dirt, debris, or objects in the way stop the door from shutting fully.
Worn-Out Hardware	Rollers, pivots, or locks can wear down and prevent smooth closing.
Sensor Malfunction (Automatic Doors)	Faulty or dirty sensors may keep doors open unnecessarily.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Inspect the Door Visually

Stand back and look for obvious signs like sagging, gaps, or uneven alignment.

2. Check for Physical Obstructions

Remove any dirt, stones, or debris from the track, threshold, or surrounding floor area.

3. Test Hinges, Rollers, or Closer

Open and close the door slowly. If it resists or feels heavy, the hinges or closer may be worn or damaged.

4. Adjust Tension or Spring (If Safe)

On manual doors with closers, you may be able to adjust closing speed or tension. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid over-tightening.

5. Test the Automatic Closer or Sensor

For automatic doors, check if sensors are blocked, dirty, or misaligned. Clean them with a soft cloth and test again.

6. Know When to Stop DIY

If the issue involves springs, closers under tension, electrical wiring, or advanced alignment, stop troubleshooting and call a professional. Attempting complex repairs without training can cause injuries and further damage.

Safety Warning

Important: Repairs involving springs, hydraulic closers, or automatic sensors should only be handled by trained technicians. These components store tension and may cause injury if mishandled.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Problems

Lubricate moving parts (hinges, pivots, rollers) every few months.
Schedule regular inspections by facility staff or professionals.
Keep thresholds and tracks clean from dirt, salt, and debris.
Have professionals service closers and sensors yearly.
Replace worn hardware promptly before it causes breakdowns.

Consistent maintenance reduces downtime and extends the lifespan of your commercial doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my commercial door stay closed?

Most often, the issue is misaligned hinges, a faulty closer, or an obstruction preventing full closure.

Can I fix it myself?

You can handle simple fixes like clearing debris or cleaning sensors. But repairs involving springs, hydraulic closers, or wiring require a professional.

How much does it cost to fix a commercial door that won’t close?

Costs vary depending on the issue. Minor adjustments may be inexpensive, but replacing a closer or hardware can cost more. Professional diagnosis is best.

When should I replace instead of repair?

If the door has recurring problems, excessive wear, or outdated hardware that no longer meets safety standards, replacement is usually more cost-effective.

How do I know if my automatic door sensors are the problem?

If the door stays open, opens randomly, or refuses to close even when the path is clear, dirty or faulty sensors are likely the cause.

How often should commercial doors be serviced?

At least once a year by a certified technician, or more often in high-traffic facilities like retail stores and office buildings.

certified technicians For commercial door repair

A commercial door that does not close can put your business at risk. Don’t wait until it becomes a security or safety issue.

Contact Enlive Doors today for same-day service across Toronto and the GTA. Our certified technicians provide expert commercial door repair, adjustment, and installation, keeping your business secure and accessible.