When we think about seasonal challenges for building entrances, most people picture icy winter mornings or heavy summer rainfall. While these are certainly important factors, there are other, lesser known pressures that can affect the smooth operation of automated entrances throughout the year. By understanding these subtler seasonal issues, businesses can take proactive steps to keep their entrances reliable, safe, and welcoming.
Spring and Summer Challenges
Spring brings with it an abundance of pollen, which does not just affect people with allergies but also creates difficulties for automatic entrance systems. Pollen particles are incredibly fine, and when they accumulate on sensors or lenses, they can reduce accuracy and lead to false readings. This might cause doors to open when no one is nearby or fail to open when they should, frustrating visitors and posing safety risks. A structured cleaning programme during pollen season is one of the most effective preventative measures. Using gentle cleaning products on sensors and checking for buildup on frames and glass also helps maintain overall appearance while protecting performance.
In summer, humidity and heat create a different set of challenges. Condensation often forms on metal and glass surfaces, especially where air conditioning meets hot external air. Over time, this moisture can seep into seals, compromise insulation, and corrode electrical connections. In busy entrances, condensation also contributes to slippery floors, which creates additional health and safety concerns. Preventative steps include checking seals more frequently, ensuring ventilation systems are working correctly, and applying anti-condensation coatings where appropriate. Regularly wiping down exposed surfaces during peak humidity periods can also reduce the risk of longer term wear.
Autumn Debris and Mechanical Strain
As the seasons change, falling leaves and organic debris become a persistent problem. Automatic sliding and revolving doors rely on precision mechanics, and even a small obstruction in the track can create resistance that wears down components prematurely. Debris such as leaves, dirt, and even litter brought in on shoes can accumulate quickly and remain hidden in the entrance thresholds until a malfunction occurs. Establishing a daily routine of sweeping and vacuuming around entrance tracks prevents this buildup. For larger commercial sites, professional maintenance visits in autumn can also provide peace of mind, as engineers are able to remove compacted debris and check for early signs of strain on moving parts.
Moisture from autumn rain adds to the problem, creating a paste-like residue when combined with leaves or dirt. This residue can harden and act as an abrasive against rollers and guides. A preventative approach includes applying protective lubricants to moving parts and scheduling inspections before the peak of autumn sets in. These measures extend the life of the equipment and keep entrances functioning smoothly even when footfall is high.
Winter Corrosion Risks
Winter often brings the harshest entrance conditions, and while snow and ice attract the most attention, the effects of grit and salt are just as damaging, if not more so. Each time grit and salt are carried indoors on footwear or tyres, they come into contact with entrance tracks, hinges, and metallic components. Salt accelerates corrosion, weakening metal and making it more susceptible to cracking, while grit works like sandpaper, grinding down delicate mechanisms. Over months of exposure, this combination can cause significant deterioration that is costly to repair.
The best preventative measure is thorough and consistent cleaning. Entrances should be swept and mopped multiple times throughout the day in busy locations, particularly when salt and grit are in heavy use outside. Installing high quality entrance mats can also capture much of the debris before it reaches the door systems. For long term protection, businesses should invest in seasonal maintenance visits where engineers can clean internal mechanisms, check for signs of corrosion, and apply protective coatings to vulnerable areas.
Beyond corrosion, winter also affects sensors through condensation from rapid temperature shifts, and cold weather can cause seals and gaskets to stiffen, reducing efficiency. Checking and replacing these components in advance of winter is a small investment that prevents larger problems from developing.
Staying Ahead of the Seasons
Seasonal pressures may not always be dramatic, but they can have a lasting impact when overlooked. Small issues like pollen buildup, leaf debris, or grit corrosion gradually compromise performance and shorten the lifespan of automated entrances. By planning ahead and aligning maintenance schedules with the seasonal calendar, businesses can minimise risks, reduce unexpected downtime, and provide a safe and welcoming experience for everyone who enters their buildings.
A proactive approach that includes seasonal cleaning, regular inspections, and preventative maintenance ensures that entrances remain reliable and efficient throughout the year. These measures not only protect the equipment but also reflect positively on the business, as well maintained entrances create an immediate impression of care and professionalism.
