As winter arrives, keeping your cold storage doors in good shape is important. This helps with smooth operations, saves energy, and keeps products safe. Cold weather can take a toll on door performance, but with proper care and attention, you can keep your Jamison doors functioning optimally even in the harshest conditions. Here are some essential winter maintenance tips to help protect your investment.
1. Inspect Seals and Gaskets
Seals and gaskets are critical for maintaining temperature consistency in cold storage environments. During winter, these components can crack, wear out, or lose flexibility. Regularly inspect your door’s seals and gaskets for signs of damage, such as cracks or gaps, and replace them promptly to prevent energy loss and maintain the integrity of your stored products.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Cold temperatures can cause moving parts to stiffen, leading to operational issues and increased wear. Apply a cold-weather-rated lubricant to hinges, rollers, tracks, and other moving components to ensure smooth operation. Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess grease can attract dirt and debris, potentially causing more harm than good.
3. Test Heating Elements
Some Jamison doors, such as high-speed roll-up models, are equipped with heating elements to prevent ice buildup. Verify that these systems are working correctly by testing them regularly. Malfunctioning heating elements can lead to frost and ice accumulation, compromising door performance and energy efficiency.
4. Clear Ice and Snow
Ice and snow can accumulate around door openings, tracks, and seals, causing blockages and damage. Regularly clear away any buildup to ensure your doors operate without interference. For exterior doors like Jamison’s Thermicroll and B-Drive models, maintain clear pathways to allow smooth access and reduce the risk of accidents.
5. Check Safety Features
Winter conditions can affect the performance of safety features such as sensors and reversing mechanisms. Test these systems regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. Clean any dirt, ice, or debris from sensors, and recalibrate them if needed. Fully operational safety features are essential for protecting your team and equipment.
6. Adjust Door Speeds
In high-traffic areas, adjusting the speed of your high-speed doors can minimize the time they remain open, reducing heat loss and energy consumption. Jamison’s HPD High-Speed Doors are designed to operate efficiently in cold environments, helping to maintain consistent temperatures without sacrificing accessibility.
7. Perform Routine Maintenance Checks
Schedule regular maintenance inspections to identify potential issues before they become costly problems. Check for worn parts, inspect control panels, and verify that all components are operating as they should. Routine maintenance ensures your doors remain reliable throughout the winter season.
8. Upgrade for Winter-Ready Performance
If your current cold storage doors are struggling to meet winter’s demands, consider upgrading to Jamison’s winter-ready solutions. Our Jamison Pack doors and other advanced models are designed to withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining superior energy efficiency. An upgrade can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
9. Educate Your Team
Proper usage and basic troubleshooting can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your doors. Provide your team with maintenance training tips on best practices for operating cold storage doors during winter. Ensure they understand how to identify and report potential issues, helping you address problems before they escalate.
10. Monitor Energy Efficiency
Winter weather can strain energy systems, so it’s essential to monitor your facility’s energy usage closely. Check for drafts or air leaks around doors, and address any inefficiencies immediately. Small fixes, such as replacing worn seals, can result in significant energy savings over time.
Protect Your Doors This Winter
At Jamison Door Company, we design our cold storage doors to withstand the toughest conditions. By following these winter maintenance tips, you can ensure your doors remain reliable, efficient, and durable throughout the season.
If you’re ready to upgrade to winter-ready solutions or need assistance with maintenance, our team is here to help. Contact Jamison Door Company today to learn more about our industry-leading products and services.
Stay warm, stay efficient, and let Jamison doors keep your cold storage operations running smoothly all winter long!
