Security Doors Service & Maintenance

What are security doors?

The purpose of a security door is to stop unwanted persons entering a building and to keep the building secure at all times. These types of doors can be constructed from Steel, Aluminium, Glass or Timber.

Generally, they are fitted with special locks such as maglocks, shearlocks and motorised bolts where multi-point locking is required. It is common for these doors to be controlled and connected to an Access Control and Alarm System.

To operate, a person may need to present a fob or card to a reader which will verify who they are, then unlock the door for them to open it manually.

It is possible for this door to be automatic as well to provide a touchless operation where the door will open and close without the need to push or pull the door.

Touchless Automatic Door
Conversion in Oxford

Access Control Security Doors

These types of doors are common now as security has become a necessity to commercial and industrial buildings. These building can be accessed 24 hours a day and be monitored at all times remotely.

Many customers are not aware that also these doors are fire escapes and for compliance require inspection and service at 6 monthly intervals, see our compliance page here.

This is why it is important that these doors operate and function correctly to ensure that there is no impact on the day to day running of the business.

Therefore, it is important that these types of doors are specified correctly with a minimum attack resistance and the needs of any user which may also require the door to be automated.

Maglocks

These are generally fitted at the top of a door and retrofitted onto the frame to secure the door.

They are always Fail – Safe which means that they require power to lock so if there is a power failure then the door will unlock.

Also, they can form part of an access control system which has interfaces with the alarm and fire alarm system to ensure people can escape in an emergency.

Electric Strikes

These are generally fitted in the side of the door frame to secure the latch to stop the door being pulled open.

They can be Fail – Safe which means that they require power to lock so if there is a power failure then the door will unlock.

Or they can be Fail – Secure where you can manually open the door from the inside by means of a handle. They can also form part of an access control system which interfaces with the fire alarm system to ensure people can escape in an emergency.

Why Have Your Security Door Serviced?

It is important that your door is aligned correctly for the lock to engage and disengage correctly. Many call outs to access control companies where the customer has found their lock not engaging has been the result of the door system.

Example of security door problems –

Door not closing fully
Worn hinges or pivot
Door binding on the floor / threshold
Door hardware not secure
Difficult to lock / unlock with a key

For compliance to BS9999, fire escapes should be serviced and inspected every 6 months.

This may also be a stipulation of your building insurance, your lease agreement or part of your Fire Risk Assessment for your fire exits to be maintained.

For automatic security doors for compliance to EN16005 / BS7036 2014, the minimum service and inspection is 12 months, but dependent upon the usage, manufacturers recommendation and the door type, this may be more frequent to ensure long term reliability and reduce failures in between service visits.

When carrying out a service we have a specific schedule of works which includes adjustments and minor repairs. This may be to adjust the closing speed if a door closer such as a transom, overhead or concealed type is fitted.

It is also important to test and check the operation as there are maximum forces to open these types of doors, so all engineers carry force gauges on their vans for this purpose.

We documented our findings on our Risk Assessment Checklist for each door so you have a record and documented evidence as this may form part of their fire risk assessment.
Any repairs or defects which could not be rectified at the service were provided by means of a separate quotation per door to allow you to put a plan in place for the repairs and spread the cost.

Planned in advance at your most convenient time
Specific schedule of works
Risk assessment and safety checklist
Test operation for secure locking / safe escape
Minor repairs included
Adjust speeds of floor spring / transom closer / overhead closer if required
Separate quotation for defects or recommendations
Prioritise quotations on multiple door sites

Speak to us today

For all installations, repairs, service & maintenance of commercial doors and roller shutters by a local engineer on 0808 120 0911 or email info@bhdoors.co.uk

SPECIFICATION

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REPAIR

SERVICE

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DOCUMENTATION

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RISK ASSESSMENT

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PRICE

FAQs

What materials are best for heavy-use or high-security areas?

BH Doors & Engineering Ltd recommends materials based on your usage and security needs. For high-traffic or secure areas, we suggest steel for its unmatched strength, impact resistance and longevity. Aluminium offers a lighter alternative with good durability, while solid-core timber with metal cladding can blend aesthetics with strength.

These materials can be customized to fit access control systems. Our team advises on the most suitable materials during consultation to ensure long-term durability, compliance, and security for demanding commercial environments.

Can you integrate new doors with existing access control systems (e.g., key cards, remote access, motion sensors)?

Yes, BH Doors & Engineering Ltd specialises in integrating commercial doors with your existing access control systems, including key cards, biometric scanners, motion sensors, and remote access technologies. Our engineers assess compatibility and ensure seamless installation with minimal disruption to daily operations.

We also offer custom solutions for security upgrades and automation. Whether your system is standalone or networked, we ensure doors function securely and reliably with your infrastructure, enhancing both convenience and control. All installations follow industry best practices and meet current security compliance standards.

What are the available security features for your commercial doors (e.g., high-security locks, reinforced frames, tamper-proof fittings)?

BH Doors & Engineering Ltd offers a full range of security features tailored to your risk level and building type. These include high-security locks, multi-point locking systems, reinforced steel frames, anti-pry protection, tamper-resistant hinges, and security glazing for glass installations.

We also install panic bars. Every door system is engineered to meet relevant UK standards, offering peace of mind for premises requiring enhanced protection.

My commercial door is making unusual noises (grinding, squeaking, banging) – what could be the cause?

At BH Doors & Engineering Ltd, we often find unusual door noises are due to worn or misaligned rollers, loose hardware, lack of lubrication, or debris in the tracks. In automatic doors, it may indicate motor strain or gear issues.

These noises are early signs of mechanical wear or potential failure. If left unaddressed, they can lead to more serious damage. We recommend scheduling a professional inspection to quickly identify and resolve the issue before it affects safety or daily operations. Our engineers are fully equipped to diagnose and repair noise-related issues efficiently on all commercial door systems.

The door is difficult to open or close, or it's moving slowly/jerky – what are the common culprits?

At BH Doors & Engineering Ltd, doors that operate slowly, jerkily, or are hard to open often suffer from roller wear, dirty or damaged tracks, or poor alignment. In automatic systems, power supply problems or sensor malfunctions may also contribute. Manual doors may have issues with hinges, closers, or spring tension.

We’ll assess the entire door system to determine the root cause and make the necessary adjustments or replacements. Regular maintenance helps prevent these issues, ensuring smooth and consistent operation. Contact our expert team for prompt diagnostics and reliable repairs on all commercial door types, from roller shutters to automatic entrances.

My automatic door isn't responding or is opening/closing unexpectedly – what should I check first?

For an unresponsive or erratically moving automatic door, BH Doors & Engineering Ltd recommends checking the power supply, control panel settings, and ensuring the safety sensors are clean and unobstructed. Check if the emergency stop or manual override has been activated. Sudden behaviour may also indicate software errors or worn drive components.

If the issue persists, our engineers can perform a full diagnostic using industry-grade tools. We specialise in automatic door systems and can quickly restore functionality while ensuring the door meets BS EN16005 safety compliance standards. Don’t ignore malfunctions—they can compromise safety and security. Call us for expert support.

The door isn't latching properly or is sagging / dropped – what's the likely issue?

A door that sags or fails to latch correctly often points to issues with hinges, door alignment, or frame integrity. At BH Doors & Engineering Ltd, we frequently see this in high-traffic commercial doors where components wear out over time. Misaligned strike plates, warped frames, or weakened fixing points can all contribute.

Our engineers will assess and adjust hinges, reinforce frames, or realign locking mechanisms to restore smooth operation and secure closure. In more severe cases, parts may need replacing. Prompt repairs prevent additional wear on surrounding components, ensuring your door remains functional and compliant with building regulations.

What causes tracks to become misaligned or rollers to become damaged, and how are these fixed?

Roller and track issues are common in commercial doors that experience heavy daily use. At BH Doors, we find causes include impact damage (from trolleys or forklifts), accumulated debris, improper installation, or general wear and tear. Misaligned tracks or damaged rollers can cause noise, jerky motion, or complete failure.

We’ll inspect the entire system, realign or replace worn tracks, and fit new rollers if needed. All repairs are carried out to manufacturer standards using high-quality parts. We also offer scheduled maintenance to prevent such issues from developing, keeping your doors running smoothly and safely all year round.

What should I do if a commercial door breaks down completely? Do you offer emergency repair services?

If your commercial door has broken down entirely, do not force it open or closed—this can worsen the damage or create safety risks. BH Doors & Engineering Ltd offers 24/7 emergency repair services to respond quickly to urgent breakdowns. Our trained engineers carry diagnostic tools and spare parts to resolve most issues on the first visit.

We prioritise securing your premises, restoring access, and minimising downtime. Whether it’s a shutter failure, automatic door malfunction, or structural issue, we’re here to help. Contact our emergency response team any time for fast, professional, and reliable commercial door support.

How do I troubleshoot minor issues before calling a professional technician? (e.g., checking power, resetting system, clearing obstructions)

Before calling BH Doors, there are a few safe troubleshooting steps you can take: Ensure the door is receiving power, check for obvious obstructions in tracks or near sensors, and see if a reset button is available on your automatic system. For manual doors, inspect for loose screws or hinges.

Do not attempt repairs involving torsion springs, internal wiring, or structural adjustments. If basic checks don’t resolve the issue, contact our professional team. We can provide quick support and on-site diagnostics to prevent small problems from becoming costly repairs. Always prioritise safety when dealing with commercial doors.

What are the signs of worn-out or damaged torsion springs or cables, and why are these dangerous to repair myself?

Torsion springs and cables are high-tension components critical to your door’s balance. Signs of wear include loud snapping noises, uneven door movement, doors that won’t stay open, or visible fraying in cables. These components are dangerous to handle without specialist tools and training, as failure can result in serious injury.

At BH Doors, our engineers are fully qualified to safely repair or replace springs and cables. We strongly advise against DIY attempts. Call us for a professional assessment – we will restore your system’s safety and functionality using approved methods and top-quality replacement parts.

My metal door is showing signs of rust or corrosion – can it be repaired, or does it need replacement?

Metal doors exposed to moisture or chemicals can develop rust over time. At BH Doors & Engineering Ltd, we assess the extent of corrosion before recommending repair or replacement. Surface rust can often be removed, treated, and repainted to extend the door’s life.

However, if corrosion has compromised the structure or function, a replacement may be more cost-effective and secure. Our team can offer a site inspection and advise on the best course of action.

Door closer is malfunctioning (slamming shut, not closing fully, leaking oil) – what's the fix?

At BH Doors & Engineering Ltd, we often find door closers failing due to worn seals, incorrect tension, or internal damage. If a closer slams, won’t close fully, or leaks oil, it likely needs adjustment or replacement.

We inspect alignment, adjust speed valves, and check mounting points. A leaking closer usually indicates irreparable damage, so we recommend replacing it to restore smooth operation and ensure safety compliance.

What if there's structural damage to the door or frame – is repair or replacement recommended?

When commercial doors or frames suffer structural damage, BH Doors & Engineering Ltd assesses whether repair or replacement is best. Minor damage like dents can often be repaired, but significant warping, rust, or cracks may compromise safety and require full replacement.

Our experienced technicians evaluate integrity and compliance with fire or security standards before recommending the most cost-effective and long-lasting solution.

How do you diagnose electrical or sensor issues with commercial doors?

BH Doors & Engineering Ltd approaches electrical and sensor issues with a step-by-step diagnosis. We check power supply, wiring integrity, and sensor alignment. Our team cleans lenses, tests inputs, and inspects control boards.

We also verify response from motion detectors and safety sensors. If a fault is detected, we offer expert repair or component replacement to restore full functionality and compliance with safety standards.

My glass door has cracks or chips – can it be repaired, or does the glass need to be replaced?

For cracked or chipped glass doors, BH Doors & Engineering Ltd recommends immediate assessment. Small chips may be repairable, but most commercial doors use safety glass, which must be replaced if cracked.

This ensures the door remains safe, secure, and compliant with building regulations. Our team supplies and fits high-quality safety glass to match existing designs with minimal disruption to your premises.

What causes weather stripping or seals to break down, and how important is it to replace them?

Weather stripping and seals degrade over time due to exposure, wear, and environmental factors. At BH Doors & Engineering Ltd, we stress the importance of replacing damaged seals to maintain energy efficiency, noise reduction, and weather protection.

We offer quick replacements to prevent drafts, water ingress, and rising energy costs. Regular inspection helps catch issues early before they compromise your door’s performance.

How can I tell if a repair will be sufficient versus needing a full door replacement?

BH Doors & Engineering Ltd helps clients decide between repair and replacement based on damage severity, age, and cost. Minor issues like faulty hinges or closers are typically repairable.

However, if a door is warped, corroded, or repeatedly failing, replacement is often more cost-effective long-term. We provide transparent assessments to ensure your door meets performance, safety, and compliance requirements.

WIMM, Oxford

“Thank you for the work, now complete on the automated doors in the WIMM.”

“I have had nothing but positive feedback.
Could you please pass onto your engineers / electricians my thanks for their work on this project.”

Mediterranean Shipping Company

“Thanks for coming out so promptly and for managing to resolve this. Very impressed.”

“Sorry to have bothered you out of hours yesterday, I really wasn’t expecting you to reply! Thank you again for a great response.”

Holiday Inn

“The guys were brilliant today, I have updated our files so from this point on you are the only company that we allow to service or repair any of the doors on site.”