Operating a business in Colorado means dealing with some of the most unpredictable and extreme weather patterns in the country. From the blistering sun of a Denver summer to sub-zero blizzards in the dead of winter, the elements take a continuous toll on your building’s exterior - especially your commercial doors.

Your doors are the first line of defense for your business, responsible for security, energy efficiency, and welcoming your customers. When they fail due to climate-related wear and tear, it can lead to massive energy bills, security vulnerabilities, and costly emergency repairs.

Here is a comprehensive guide to maintaining your commercial doors so they can withstand the brutal Colorado climate.

1. The Impact of Extreme Temperature Fluctuations

Colorado is famous for experiencing all four seasons in a single week. It’s not uncommon for Denver to see a 40-degree temperature swing within 24 hours. These rapid shifts cause the materials in your doors - whether aluminum, steel, glass, or wood - to constantly expand and contract.

Over time, this thermal cycling can lead to several critical issues:

Warping and Misalignment: Metal frames can warp, causing the door to scrape against the threshold or fail to latch properly.
Seal Degradation: Weatherstripping and rubber sweeps become brittle, shrink, and crack, allowing drafts and moisture to penetrate your building.
Glass Stress: Commercial glass storefronts can experience thermal stress cracks if the temperature differentials are severe enough.

Maintenance Tip:

Regularly inspect the alignment of your doors during both hot and cold spells. Ensure the hinges are tightened and lubricated. If you notice the door requires extra force to close, it’s time to call a professional for an adjustment before the hinges give out completely.

2. Winterizing Your Commercial Doors

Winter in the Front Range brings a unique set of challenges. Snow, ice, and road salt are the natural enemies of door hardware and mechanisms.

When snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, ice can build up inside the threshold, preventing the door from closing. Furthermore, the magnesium chloride and rock salt used to de-ice Denver sidewalks are highly corrosive. When tracked inside by customers, these chemicals can eat away at the finish of aluminum doors and destroy the internal springs of floor closers.

Maintenance Tip:

Keep thresholds clear: Vigorously sweep away snow, ice, and standing water from the door threshold daily.
Check your closers: Cold hydraulic fluid inside door closers thickens in the winter, which can cause the door to slam shut or close too slowly. A professional can adjust the sweep and latch speeds to compensate for the temperature change.
Replace weatherstripping: Before the first freeze, check all perimeter weatherstripping. If it is flat, torn, or missing, replace it immediately to keep your heating bills under control.

3. Dealing with High Winds and Debris

Spring and fall in Colorado are notorious for high winds, sometimes exceeding 60 mph along the foothills. High winds can catch an opening door like a sail, violently wrenching it backward. This can instantly shatter the glass, rip the door off its hinges, or destroy the automatic door closer.

Maintenance Tip:

Install a high-quality “crash chain” or a heavy-duty door closer with a backcheck feature. The backcheck acts as a shock absorber, preventing the door from being thrown open past a certain angle. If your location is highly exposed to wind, consider installing a vestibule to create an airlock system.

4. The Sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) Damage

At a mile high, Denver receives intense UV radiation. Continuous exposure to the high-altitude sun will fade paint, dry out rubber seals, and degrade the lubricants inside your door hardware.

Maintenance Tip:

Apply a UV-resistant clear coat to wood or painted doors to prevent peeling. Re-lubricate locks, panic bars, and hinges twice a year using a dry graphite or silicone-based lubricant. Avoid using oil-based lubricants like WD-40, as they will attract dust and grit, turning into a sludgy mess that can jam the lock cylinder.

When to Call a Professional

While sweeping thresholds and checking weatherstripping can be done in-house, most commercial door maintenance requires specialized knowledge and tools. Attempting to adjust a high-tension door closer or fix a misaligned storefront door without experience can be incredibly dangerous and often voids the manufacturer’s warranty.

At Denver Commercial Doors, we specialize in fortifying businesses against the harsh local climate. Whether you need an emergency repair after a winter storm or a proactive seasonal maintenance check, our expert technicians are ready to help.

Don’t wait for the next blizzard or windstorm to test your doors. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive commercial door inspection and keep your business secure, efficient, and welcoming year-round.