All posts by Eduardo Savin

Why Do Commercial Aluminum Doors Have Problems in Cold Weather?

Commercial aluminum doors are built for frequent use, but reliable operation depends on more than the aluminum frame. Closers, hinges, pivots, locks, seals, and thresholds must work together whenever someone enters or leaves the building.

During winter, several conditions can affect these components. Water can freeze inside hardware or around thresholds, while road salt and moisture may accelerate corrosion on exposed metal parts.

Aluminum also contracts slightly as temperatures fall. Properly designed and installed door systems account for thermal movement, so cold weather alone should not cause serious misalignment. However, existing installation problems or worn hardware may become more noticeable as conditions change.

Hydraulic door closers can be particularly sensitive to temperature. Cold conditions may increase the viscosity of the fluid inside certain models, slowing the closing cycle. Closers designed with all-weather hydraulic fluid can provide more consistent performance across seasonal temperature changes.

Understanding which component is affected helps determine whether the entrance needs routine maintenance, professional repair, or a more extensive upgrade.

6 Common Commercial Aluminum Door Problems in Winter

Not all winter door problems appear in the same way. Some affect the door’s movement or locking mechanism, while others involve moisture, corrosion, or gaps around the entrance. Recognizing the specific symptoms can help narrow down the cause and prevent unnecessary repairs.

The following six issues are among the conditions that property managers and maintenance teams should watch for during colder months.

1. Commercial Door Won’t Close or Latch Properly

A storefront door that remains slightly open can become a security concern after business hours. During the day, it may also allow cold air into the building even when no one is passing through.

The way the door behaves provides an important clue. If it moves unusually slowly throughout the closing cycle, the hydraulic closer may be affected by temperature or internal wear. If it reaches the frame but doesn’t latch, the problem could involve the strike, alignment, or interference from a seal or threshold.

Hinges and pivots also influence the position of the door leaf. When these components become worn, the door may begin rubbing against the frame or sitting incorrectly within the opening.

A closer adjustment will not solve every closing problem. The cause should be identified before changing hardware settings, particularly on doors subject to accessibility, fire safety, or emergency egress requirements.

2. Locks, Hinges, and Pivots Become Stiff

A lock that turns normally in October may become difficult to operate after several freezing nights. Moisture inside the mechanism can freeze, while dirt, corrosion, or existing wear may increase resistance.

Similar problems can affect hinges and pivots, especially on entrances exposed to rain, snow, or heavy daily traffic.

Forcing a jammed lock or repeatedly pushing against a sticking door can damage components that might otherwise be repairable. Applying an unsuitable lubricant can also interfere with the mechanism.

When a lock or pivot repeatedly becomes difficult to operate in cold weather, a qualified technician should check its condition and suitability for the installation. Doors used for emergency exits require prompt attention if their operation is impaired.

3. Cold Air Enters Around the Door

A noticeable draft near a closed storefront door often points to gaps around the perimeter, the meeting stiles of double doors, or the threshold.

Weatherstripping is designed to limit air movement through these locations. However, repeated opening and closing can eventually damage seals or cause them to lose proper contact with the door.

Alignment also matters. Even an intact seal may not work as intended if the door leaf no longer sits correctly within the frame.

Inspecting the weatherstripping and checking how the door closes can help identify these issues. Damaged seals may be replaceable without changing the entire entrance.

However, a cold surface is not necessarily evidence of an air leak. Heat transfer through aluminum framing and glazing can create a similar sensation. If the door is properly sealed but the entrance still feels uncomfortable, the building’s thermal performance should be evaluated separately.

4. Ice Builds Up Around Thresholds and Bottom Rails

Ice near a commercial entrance can prevent a door from opening or closing completely. It can also create a slipping hazard for customers and employees.

The problem often begins with water accumulation around the threshold. Melting snow, freezing rain, or moisture carried inside may collect near the entrance, particularly where drainage is obstructed or exterior surfaces direct water toward the opening.

When temperatures fall overnight, that water can freeze along the door’s operating path.

Maintenance teams should remove accumulated snow, keep accessible drainage areas clear, and investigate places where water repeatedly collects.

Avoid forcing a door against frozen deposits or striking aluminum components to break the ice. These actions can damage protective finishes, seals, and hardware.

If ice returns to the same location after every storm, the underlying drainage or installation conditions may need correction rather than repeated cleaning.

5. Deicing Salt Causes Corrosion on Door Components

In regions with heavy snowfall, commercial entrances are regularly exposed to deicing salts used on sidewalks and parking areas.

Salt deposits combined with moisture can accelerate corrosion, particularly around steel fasteners, exposed hardware, and damaged protective finishes.

Aluminum does not develop the same reddish rust associated with iron and steel, but it can still corrode under certain conditions, especially in chloride-rich environments.

The lower sections of an entrance deserve attention because they are exposed to water, cleaning products, and materials carried in from outdoors.

Removing salt deposits with cleaning methods compatible with the existing finish can help limit deterioration. If corrosion affects hinges, pivots, fasteners, or other operational components, a professional inspection is advisable.

During replacement projects, the exposure conditions should also influence the selection of hardware materials, protective finishes, and maintenance requirements.

6. Condensation Appears on Door Glass or Frames

Condensation may form when humid indoor air contacts glass or aluminum surfaces that have become sufficiently cold.

Its presence does not automatically indicate a defective door. Indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, ventilation, and surface temperature all influence condensation.

One distinction is particularly useful: moisture on an accessible glass surface is different from fogging between the panes of an insulated glass unit. Condensation inside the sealed cavity may indicate failure of the unit’s edge seal.

Persistent condensation should be investigated, especially when it affects nearby finishes or is accompanied by other signs of deterioration.

For projects where the concern involves interior surface temperatures and heat transfer rather than mechanical operation, our guide to glass and aluminum systems for buildings in very cold climates explains the relevant glazing and framing considerations.