When it comes to commercial garage doors, repairs make up the bulk of our work. At Garage Door Specialist, our team is out in the field every week handling everything from minor adjustments to full emergency rebuilds. These repairs are often more complex than residential work, requiring more time, heavier equipment, and specialized knowledge.
Repairs Outnumber Installations
While we love the challenge of a brand-new commercial garage door installation, the reality is that most of our commercial calls are service-related. There are a few reasons for this:
Cost – Commercial doors are built tough and designed to last, so replacing them entirely is rare unless the panels are badly damaged.
Size and complexity – These doors are larger, heavier, and often customized to fit specific facilities, making repair the most cost-effective option.
Business downtime – Repairs can often be completed faster than a full replacement, which is critical for businesses that can’t afford to have their operations disrupted.
We typically schedule a three-hour window for commercial service calls, even for assessments. Many facilities have multiple doors, and it’s common for us to inspect all of them while on site.
The Top Culprits in Commercial Door Damage
Over time, we’ve noticed a pattern in the types of issues we see most often.
Forklift Damage
This is hands-down the number one problem. Forklifts can clip bottom panels, bend tracks, or even knock doors completely off the rails. The damage often results in emergency repairs since a non-functioning door can bring a business to a halt.
Broken Springs
Commercial garage door springs carry a lot of weight and tension. When one breaks, the door can’t function safely. Because commercial springs are larger and often require specialized winding bars, this is not a DIY repair – it’s a job for trained technicians with the right tools.
Snapped Cables
Cables can wear out over time or fray due to misalignment, rust, or heavy use. A snapped cable can cause the door to become unbalanced, crooked, or jammed.
Opener Failures
When an opener fails, it can be due to electrical issues, worn sprockets, or damaged chains and belts. Commercial openers endure more cycles than residential ones, so they need regular inspection and servicing.
An Emergency That Stands Out
One repair that still stands out to our team involved a forklift accident that completely dislodged and flipped a door. The client needed it functional the same day to keep operations running. We reassembled the door on site, ensuring it could operate safely until the new parts arrived for a full replacement.
This kind of job is a perfect example of why quick response times and skilled technicians are so critical in the commercial sector. A downed door can mean delayed shipments, safety hazards, or lost business.
Why Fast Repairs Matter for Businesses
Our commercial clients include automotive shops, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and more. Many of these businesses operate 24/7 or have strict shipping schedules. A malfunctioning garage door isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a direct hit to productivity and revenue. That’s why we prioritize getting doors operational as quickly as possible, even if that means providing a temporary fix until the necessary parts arrive.
The Bottom Line
Commercial garage door repairs require a different skill set than residential service. The doors are bigger, the parts are heavier, and the stakes for downtime are higher. At Garage Door Specialist, we combine speed, safety, and precision so our clients can keep their operations moving without missing a beat.