Common Winter Issues with Automatic Doors (and How We Fix Them Fast)

Winter can be particularly harsh on commercial entrances, where constant use and exposure to low temperatures can quickly lead to problems. Automatic doors rely on precise mechanics and sensors to operate smoothly, but cold weather, moisture, and ice can interfere with their performance. Businesses often notice doors moving more slowly than usual, sensors failing to detect motion, or even complete door jams when temperatures drop. These issues not only inconvenience customers and staff but can also pose safety risks and affect your building’s energy efficiency.

At Evolution Entrance Systems, we know how critical it is to keep your entrances functioning flawlessly during the colder months. Our team of skilled engineers provides fast, reliable automatic door repair and maintenance in winter, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. We’re equipped to handle everything from frozen tracks to electrical faults, restoring full performance and preventing future breakdowns. With our quick response and expert service, your automatic doors stay secure, efficient, and ready to handle whatever the weather brings.

The Impact of Cold Weather on Automatic Doors

Automatic doors are designed for precision, but during the winter months, low temperatures, snow, and condensation can interfere with normal operation. One of the most common automatic door problems we encounter is slow or delayed door movement. Cold air thickens lubricants, making the mechanisms less responsive. The result is sluggish opening and closing, which can cause frustration for customers and staff.

Another common issue is sensor malfunction. Moisture and frost can accumulate around the sensors, reducing their ability to detect movement. This may cause doors to stay open too long or fail to open at all. Our technicians are fully trained to service, repair, and recalibrate these systems, ensuring they respond accurately whatever the weather through our servicing and compliance checks.

Frozen or Sticking Doors

One of the most common winter issues with automatic doors is freezing or sticking. When temperatures drop below zero, moisture and condensation on the door tracks, seals, and sensors can turn to ice. This build-up restricts movement, causing the doors to slow down, stick, or stop working entirely. Businesses often notice this problem early in the morning or after periods of snow and frost. Our engineers respond quickly to remove any ice build-up, clear debris, and re-lubricate the tracks using cold-weather lubricants that prevent future sticking. We also inspect and replace worn or cracked seals to stop moisture from getting inside, ensuring your doors move freely and reliably even in freezing temperatures.

Typical signs of frozen or sticking doors:

• Doors move slowly or fail to open fully
• Grinding or scraping sounds during operation
• Visible ice or moisture around tracks and seals
• Door panels stuck midway or off-track

Electrical and Sensor Faults

Cold and damp winter conditions can cause electrical issues within the control system and sensor units of automatic doors. Sensors may become less responsive, wiring connections can contract, and condensation may lead to short circuits or power fluctuations. These issues can cause doors to open and close erratically or not at all. Our engineers use advanced diagnostic tools to identify and repair faults quickly. We recalibrate sensors, replace damaged components, and protect exposed electrical connections against moisture. If your business relies on seamless entry for customers, our commercial door services can restore your doors to perfect working order in hours, minimising downtime and maintaining safety.

Common electrical and sensor issues include:

• Doors failing to detect approaching people
• Irregular or delayed response from sensors
• Flickering indicator lights or system errors
• Sensors staying active and keeping doors open unnecessarily

Door Alignment Problems

Temperature fluctuations in winter can cause the metal components of automatic doors to expand and contract, leading to misalignment. Even a slight shift can create friction, cause the door to drag or scrape, and place extra strain on motors and gears. Left unaddressed, this can lead to early wear or complete system failure. Our experienced maintenance team checks the full alignment of the door, frame, and track system, adjusting as necessary to ensure smooth operation. We also test all safety features and ensure the installation complies with current British standards, keeping your doors operating safely and efficiently throughout the season.

Watch out for alignment issues if you notice:

• Uneven door gaps when closed
• Unusual noise or vibration during movement
• Doors not closing flush with the frame
• Increased resistance when manually moved

Frozen Automatic Door Sensors

Automatic door sensors play a vital role in maintaining accessibility and security, but during winter they’re particularly vulnerable to frost and condensation. When sensors freeze over, they may misread movement or fail to activate entirely, leaving doors stuck open or closed. This not only affects convenience but also leads to significant energy loss as cold air enters the building. Our automatic door servicing includes cleaning, testing, and insulating sensors to protect them from moisture and freezing. We ensure they remain sensitive and responsive, keeping your entrances warm, energy-efficient, and fully functional.

To prevent sensor freezing:

• Keep sensors clean and free from snow or ice
• Install protective hoods or covers where possible
• Schedule regular servicing before and during winter
• Ensure surrounding areas are dry and well-ventilated

Power Supply Interruptions

Winter weather often brings sudden power surges, outages, and battery issues that can disrupt the function of automatic doors. If backup power systems or control panels are not properly maintained, doors may fail to open during outages or lose important settings. Our engineers inspect all electrical connections, control boards, and backup batteries to ensure consistent power flow. We also perform load tests and install surge protection where necessary. By keeping your power systems in top condition, we make sure your automatic doors continue to operate safely and reliably, no matter how harsh the winter weather becomes.

Our winter power protection services include:

• Backup battery testing and replacement
• Inspection of fuses, relays, and circuit boards
• Installation of surge protectors and stabilisers
• Preventative checks on control panel wiring and power units

How We Fix Winter Door Problems Fast

At Evolution Entrance Systems, we take pride in offering a service that’s both fast and dependable, ensuring your doors remain fully operational even in harsh winter weather. Our skilled engineers cover the entire Midlands region, responding quickly to diagnose and repair all types of winter issues with automatic doors. Each van is stocked with high-quality replacement parts for most major door brands, allowing us to complete the majority of repairs on-site. This means less waiting, reduced downtime, and immediate restoration of safe, smooth operation for your business.

We don’t just fix problems when they happen, we help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Our preventative maintenance plans are designed to identify small issues before they turn into major faults. During routine inspections, our engineers check all moving parts, sensors, lubricants, and seals. They clean, recalibrate, and test components to ensure your system runs efficiently. Regular servicing is one of the best automatic door maintenance tips for business owners who want consistent performance and lower long-term repair costs.

If an unexpected breakdown occurs, our 24/7 emergency call-outs team is available 24/7. Whether a door has frozen shut, jammed open, or lost power, we provide immediate assistance to get your system working again. Our engineers arrive promptly with diagnostic tools to locate the fault, make the necessary repairs, and verify that the issue won’t return.

Our approach includes:

• Fast on-site repairs with minimal disruption
• Comprehensive maintenance to prevent breakdowns
• Emergency response available day or night
• Fully qualified engineers ensuring compliant, high-quality workmanship

With Evolution Entrance System’s products, you can count on dependable support, quick turnarounds, and expert care that keeps your automatic doors performing flawlessly all winter long.

Preventative Measures for Business Owners

Tip	Description
Schedule regular servicing	Arrange routine inspections before winter to check sensors, motors, seals, and other components. Regular maintenance helps detect small issues early and keeps systems running smoothly.
Keep entrances clear	Remove snow, ice, and debris around entrances to prevent blockages in sensors and door tracks. A clear area ensures safe and efficient door movement.
Avoid harsh chemicals	Refrain from using aggressive de-icing products near door mechanisms. These chemicals can corrode metal parts, weaken seals, and damage door finishes.
Check weather-stripping and lubricants	Make sure your maintenance provider uses lubricants and seals designed for low temperatures. This helps maintain flexibility and prevents components from freezing.

By following these preventative measures and booking professional inspections with Evolution Entrance Systems, business owners can prevent the most common automatic door problems and ensure reliable operation throughout the winter season.

Why Choose Evolution Entrance Systems

As a trusted local provider based in Lichfield, Evolution Entrance Systems delivers high-quality automatic door services across the Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Stafford. Our engineers are fully qualified, accredited, and committed to delivering honest and transparent service. We offer free surveys, no-obligation quotes, and even a 20% discount when you book online.

We’re completely independent, meaning we work with equipment from all major manufacturers. This flexibility allows us to provide tailored commercial shutter and steel door solutions for every type of business, from retail stores and hospitals to offices and warehouses.

For consistent reliability, consider our automatic door servicing in Lichfield, a cost-effective way to keep your entrances performing efficiently throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean downtime or disruption for your business. With regular maintenance and professional support, automatic doors can operate efficiently even during the harshest winter conditions. Evolution Entrance Systems is here to help with every aspect of automatic door repair in winter, from emergency callouts to ongoing maintenance plans.

If your doors are sticking, freezing, or slowing down this season, contact our friendly team today for a fast and reliable solution. Visit evolutionentrancesystems.co.uk to book a free quote and keep your business moving all winter long.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do automatic doors often malfunction in winter?

During winter, automatic doors are more prone to malfunction due to the combined effects of cold temperatures, moisture, and ice. These elements can cause sensors to fog up or misread signals, leading to irregular door movements or failure to open altogether. Ice buildup along the tracks can obstruct smooth sliding, while seals and gaskets may stiffen, preventing proper closure. Motors and control systems can also struggle when temperatures drop, especially if the doors haven’t been serviced recently. Regular winter maintenance ensures that heaters, sensors, and lubrication systems are inspected and adjusted for cold conditions. 

2. How often should I service my automatic doors during winter?

To keep your automatic doors operating efficiently during winter, it’s recommended to schedule at least two maintenance visits once before the cold weather begins and again mid-season. The first service ensures that all components are prepared for low temperatures, with attention to lubrication, sensor calibration, and seal integrity. The second service helps address any issues caused by frost, ice, or debris buildup that can develop as winter progresses.

3. What should I do if my automatic door freezes shut?

If your automatic door freezes shut, it’s crucial not to force it open, as doing so can damage the door’s motor, sensors, or glass panels. The first step is to check if ice buildup around the seals or tracks is preventing movement. You can gently clear visible ice using warm (not hot) water or a safe de-icing spray. However, if the door remains stuck, the safest solution is to contact a professional engineer.

4. Can I use regular lubricants on my automatic doors in cold weather?

No, using standard lubricants on your automatic doors during winter is not recommended. Traditional lubricants can thicken, solidify, or lose their viscosity in freezing temperatures, causing components such as tracks, rollers, and gears to seize up. This can strain the motor and increase wear on mechanical parts. Instead, always use cold-weather or manufacturer-approved lubricants specifically designed to perform in low temperatures. These lubricants remain fluid, reducing friction and ensuring smooth, quiet door operation even in extreme cold.

5. Do you provide emergency repairs for automatic doors?

Yes, Evolution Entrance Systems offers a 24/7 emergency repair service for automatic doors across the Midlands. We understand that a malfunctioning entrance can disrupt your operations, compromise security, and affect accessibility for staff and customers. That’s why our emergency response team is available around the clock to diagnose and fix urgent door issues quickly and safely.