Weatherproofing External Doors

From cyclones and gale-force winds through to rust and water damage, industrial and commercial doors must withstand everything thrown their way. If they don’t, this can cause delays on-site, leading to more long-term costs for your operations.

Protecting your industrial and commercial doors on-site should be on your top list of maintenance priorities, and in this blog, we’re going to tell you why.

At Larnec, we understand the harsh environments that our industrial and commercial doors face daily, so we’ve put together some helpful tips to get the most out of your on-site doors. Read on to learn more.

The harshest environments for doors

Mine sites

The environment of a mine site presents incredible challenges to the durability and performance of doors. Frequent dust, dirt and mud can block flush seals, while loose debris and heavy equipment subject the door to frequent collisions and impacts that may warp or damage frames.

The humid weather conditions of most mite sites leads to the eroding of surfaces – especially doors. Doors suitable for these extreme conditions must use sufficiently robust and resilient materials, like aluminum or steel alloys with powder coatings for extra protection to protect against the elements, temperature fluctuations and corrosion.

 

Construction and building sites

Doors on a construction or building site face some of the most adverse conditions imaginable. Whether it be a sulfuric acid spill in a chemical factory or constant and extreme abrasive forces in a concrete processing facility, these doorways must endure environments that require robust and resilient materials.

Working with hazardous material day after day requires doors with stainless steel components, coatings to protect from corrosion and finishes that can withstand high temperatures. It is essential for safety reasons that these doors are highly reliable, as any damage to them could reveal areas of volatile and dangerous material.

Warehouses and workshops

Warehouses and workshops present some of the most challenging conditions for doors. These areas often feature extreme temperatures, shifts in humidity, high traffic leading to wear and tear, and possible impact from forklift damage. Many standard door materials, such as wood, need more strength and durability to endure harsh conditions like these effectively.

To overcome this obstacle, it is important that warehouses and workshops install doors specifically designed to resist the elements; industrial doors are a great choice as they are built specifically with durability in mind.

Upgrading to a colorbond finish with meta prep

One of the best weather-proofing options for industrial and commercial doors is to upgrade them to a colorbond finish called ‘meta prep’. Meta prep is a door prep finish designed to protect doors from harsh coastal conditions, especially salt and rust.

Rusting industrial doors

Industrial doors on the exterior of buildings can quickly succumb to the elements and rust over time. Rust can occur when iron, a predominant element in most industrial doors, is exposed to water and oxygen. This chemical reaction reduces the strength of the metal and accelerates aging.

Cyclone and wind-damaged doors

Industrial and commercial doors are typically designed to withstand the natural forces of wind. However, severe weather like cyclones can cause significant damage. Depending on the severity of the cyclone, up to 160km/hour, sustained winds can break windows, move structures, dent metal parts, and cause panels to buckle.

 

Tips to help increase the life of your commercial and industrial doors

Apply a protective paint layer

One great tip for protecting exterior doors from weathering is to ensure they have a protective layer of paint applied and that this paint is reapplied annually. Depending on each door’s direct sunlight, more frequent painting may be advised.

Apply a caulking sealant

Caulking sealants provide an airtight, long-lasting barrier around the perimeter of doors to ensure that no moisture can get inside and cause damage. When applying caulking to a door bottom seal, it is important to choose the proper type of caulk, as there are several varieties based on temperature rating, longevity requirements, and other factors.

Conduct frequent door inspections

Protecting industrial and commercial entryways from harsh climates involves frequent inspections and maintenance. Severe weather can cause excessive wear and tear on doors, resulting in costly repairs or even the outright replacement of components.

Any visible corrosion or unnatural wear indicators must be investigated during these inspections. Any issues identified during the inspection should be addressed with appropriate repairs or timely replacements, as further delay can compromise the safety and security of the building. Discover corrosion prevention strategies from the Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA).