Regardless of what kind of business you run, the doorway is always your customer’s first impression of your storefront, office, or other commercial building in Houston. Not only are jammed glass doors, or glass doors that refuse to close smoothly, extremely frustrating, but they can also impact the perception of your business. Along with the irritation and overall guest perception, faulty doors can also greatly reduce your building’s security. Because of this, investing in expert commercial glass door repair is essential. If you’re tired of wondering why your glass door isn’t closing, these are the 5 most common reasons to call your local glass door experts at Buffalo Glass.
1. Glass Door Alignment Issues: A Not-So-Subtle Shift
Glass doors, as well as any type of door, can easily become misaligned. Oftentimes, this results in that all-too-familiar “jammed” effect that can quickly grow from just needing a slight jostle to fully not closing, no matter how hard you try. This is because door frames require near-perfect alignment to close smoothly.
To determine if your door is misaligned, look for uneven gaps along the edges of the glass and the frame, or the latch bolt hitting the plate at a faulty angle. Oftentimes, a glass door alignment problem can be caused by the weight of the glass causing settling over time or foundational shifting. In Houston, foundational shifting is common during rainy seasons when the clay soil might be susceptible to sliding. Regardless of the cause, our team of expert technicians at Buffalo Glass can quickly and efficiently repair your glass door frame, keeping your business running at full capacity.
2. Bent or Warped Door Frames: The Invisible Danger to Commercial Glass
Sometimes, the problem with your glass door might not be as visible as an alignment issue. Bent frames can be extremely subtle and virtually invisible to the untrained eye. A bent frame occurs when the wood, aluminum, or other metal material bends or twists ever so slightly when faced with too much stress or tension.
You might be wondering: What causes this level of stress on door frames? The answer might be surprising, as truly very little amounts of increased pressure can begin the process of a warped door. Even a bump that seemingly leaves no damage is all it takes. Additionally, another problem that can contribute to warped frames in Houston specifically is the extreme heat. High temperatures can contribute to lots of glass repairs, and this is no exception. Extreme temperature changes can make the internal parts of the frame’s material contract and expand, causing the slight warping that can damage your glass door over time.
When you call Buffalo Glass for your commercial glass door repair, we can accurately assess if the frame can be repaired or if it requires a full-scale replacement to ensure the glass pane’s safety.
3. Failed Glass Door Seal Repairs: Keep Out The Texas Heat
While your commercial glass door refusing to close is frustrating on its own, it can also cause more significant glass problems down the line, such as seal leakage. A glass door’s seal is one of the most vital elements in keeping your commercial business safe from the elements. If your door is refusing to close, it could be due to a misplaced seal. Not only can this easily make your door feel stuck, but it can also contribute to higher energy bills, uncomfortable temperatures indoors, and condensation on the window pane.
Next time your commercial glass door feels jammed, look out for these key signs that a leaky seal is the culprit:
- Condensation between your glass panes
- Visible cracking, or brittleness, of the seals themselves
- Steadily increasing energy bills
- Higher levels of humidity in your commercial building
This type of commercial glass door repair always requires professional help. This is because not only can a leaky seal damage the glass door and lead to worsening issues, but it also poses a risk to your business’s energy usage and your overall budget.
4. Worn or Damaged Pivots and The Unseen Strain On Your Glass Door
Glass doors might look fragile and delicate, but they are actually known to be quite heavy. Because of that, the hinges and pivots on a commercial glass door must be strong enough to withstand the weight and offer the support needed to avoid repair. Over time, this can put too much weight and strain on these mechanisms and eventually lead to the door slightly sagging. When this occurs, a fully secure door closure is not possible – making professional commercial glass door repair integral.
The main reasons for these fixtures failing include several key components:
- Loose or stripped screws
- Bent or worn-out pins
- Rust and corrosion
While tightening your screws might solve the issue for a few days or even weeks, it will never bring your door back to its full arc of motion. To fully restore a glass door suffering from damaged gears, Buffalo Glass technicians can help by properly filling in your stripped screw holes and re-drilling them. This helps revamp your existing door and allows it to open and close both smoothly and securely.
5. The DIY Disaster: Improper Commercial Glass Door Repairs
While attempting to repair or install your commercial glass door yourself might seem like an easy way to save money, one small mistake can set you up for long-term failure and costly maintenance. Although it may be tempting to opt for a DIY commercial glass door repair, trust us, sticking with your professional team from Buffalo Glass in Houston can save you from a slew of headaches and expenditures in the future.
When it comes to DIY disasters, the most common problem is failing to use a level correctly, resulting in misaligned frames, increased pressure on hinges, and even seal failure upon installation. Additionally, another common problem caused by DIY errors is using screws that are too short for any type of long-term security or screws that cannot bear the weight of the glass door. Lastly, the most important aspect of Houston door installation specifically is ensuring a durable, tight, and flawless seal installation. Without the proper training and experience, it is nearly impossible to fully seal out Houston’s relentless heat and sticky humidity.
If you want to set your business up for success and keep it secure for the foreseeable future, professional commercial glass door installation is essential. Skip the stress, expenses, and backaches that DIY attempts bring, and call Buffalo Glass for your glass door repairs.
Why Professional Commercial Glass Door Repairs are an Investment, Not Just a Cost
While it might be tempting to ignore your door being jammed or difficult to close, commercial glass door repair is vital for keeping your business secure and your energy bill low. When it comes to commercial glass, not only can it help keep your building safe, but it also greatly contributes to your overall reputation and appeal for customers or visitors. If you want to leave a lasting first impression on all who enter your commercial building, a beautiful, well-maintained glass door can make all the difference. We value our customers and seek to provide efficient and dependable service for all our glass repairs in Houston. If you don’t believe us, take a look at our Google reviews:
“Ray and Larry did a fantastic job replacing my front door window pane that shattered from a weed-whacker/rock combo. They came out the same day to measure, and I had a replacement installed within a week despite needing fabrication and tempering. Great service all around!” – Steven Jansen
Contact Buffalo Glass today for a no-obligation commercial glass door repair quote!