At UK Doors and Shutters, we’ve installed, serviced, and repaired hundreds of automatic doors in a wide range of settings, from shops and offices to hospitals, warehouses, and large residential buildings.
Over time, we’ve noticed that many of the faults we’re called out to fix are surprisingly common.
Because automatic doors play such an important role in safety, security, and accessibility, it’s essential that they’re working smoothly at all times.
When something goes wrong, you need a fast, reliable solution, and that’s exactly what our team delivers.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the most common automatic door problems, along with the professional fixes that keep them operating.
Automatic door faults we'll cover include:
- Doors that won’t open or close properly
- Sensor malfunctions
- Power and electrical issues
- Mechanical wear and tear
- Door alignment problems
- When to call in a professional
- …and more.
Need an immediate quotation for automatic door repairs?
Call UK Doors & Shutters today at 01204 918991 or book your repair online here.
Let's get into some of the most common automatic door faults and how we professionally repair...
Doors That Won’t Open or Close
One of the most common and noticeable issues with automatic doors is when they refuse to open or close as they should.
This might happen intermittently or develop into a consistent fault.
Typical causes include:
- Obstructions in the doorway, such as dirt, debris, or foreign objects
- Misaligned safety sensors falsely detecting an obstacle
- Faults with the control unit or wiring
- Mechanical problems within the opening mechanism
A professional inspection quickly pinpoints the cause, and in most cases, our engineers can carry out a same-day repair to get your doors back in full working order.
How it’s fixed:
Our team begins by checking for any blockages around the doorway, tracks, and railings, as these need to be cleared first. If no physical obstruction is found, we move on to inspect the sensors and control settings. In some cases, a simple system reset restores normal operation.
However, if the issue lies with worn components such as belts, rollers, or tracks, these will need to be repaired or replaced to ensure smooth, reliable performance.
Sensor Malfunctions
Automatic doors rely on motion sensors, infrared beams, or pressure sensors to detect approaching users. When these sensors fail, the door may not open when needed or, worse, may open and close unpredictably, creating both safety and security risks.
Common causes include:
- Dust or dirt covering the sensors
- Misalignment during installation or after impact
- Electrical faults or damaged wiring
- Software glitches within the control system
How it’s fixed:
In many cases, simply cleaning the sensors to remove dust and debris restores full functionality. If the issue continues, the sensors may need realignment to ensure they’re accurately monitoring the correct detection zones.
Where wiring faults or sensor damage are identified, replacements are installed and the system is thoroughly safety-tested. Our engineers always provide a clear diagnosis on-site so you know exactly what caused the problem and how we’ve fixed it.
Power and Electrical Issues
If your automatic door is completely unresponsive, the problem is often linked to a power or electrical fault.
Common causes include:
- A tripped circuit breaker
- Loose or faulty wiring connections
- Control unit malfunctions
- Power surges damaging internal components
How it’s fixed:
Electrical faults require expert attention from a trained engineer. The first step is to check the power supply and confirm that the control unit is receiving the correct voltage.
From there, wiring connections and the motor are thoroughly tested for faults. If any components are damaged, they are replaced, and additional surge protection can be fitted to safeguard against future issues.
Mechanical Wear and Tear
Like any frequently used equipment, automatic doors are subject to wear and tear over time.
Components such as rollers, hinges, gears, and drive belts naturally deteriorate with constant use, leading to reduced efficiency or complete failure. This is especially common in busy environments where doors are in near-constant operation.
Regular automatic door servicing by UK Doors & Shutters is the best way to identify issues early, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and extend the overall lifespan of your doors. Proper usage, avoiding unnecessary strain and operating the doors only when needed, can also help slow down wear.
How it’s fixed:
Routine servicing allows engineers to spot worn or damaged parts before they cause major faults.
Where necessary, components such as rollers, belts, or hinges can be repaired or replaced on-site, restoring the door to smooth, reliable operation.
Door Alignment Issues
When an automatic door becomes misaligned, it may drag, stick, or fail to close fully. Not only does this look unprofessional, but it can also reduce energy efficiency by letting in draughts and may even compromise security if the door does not lock correctly.
Common causes of misalignment include:
- Heavy or constant use
- Impact from people, trolleys, or equipment
- Gradual shifts or imbalances in the building’s structure
How it’s fixed:
To resolve alignment issues, engineers carefully remove the door and realign it within its frame.
Any broken or damaged components are repaired or replaced during the process. Once corrected, your automatic door will glide smoothly and close securely, restoring both functionality and appearance.
When to Call UK Doors & Shutters
While simple tasks like cleaning sensors or removing obvious obstructions can sometimes restore functionality, most automatic door faults require professional expertise.
What may appear to be a minor issue on the surface could in fact point to a deeper fault within the system. Calling UK Doors & Shutters ensures the problem is diagnosed accurately and resolved quickly, using the right tools and replacement parts.
This not only saves time and money in the long run but also guarantees your doors remain safe, reliable, and compliant.
Book Your Automatic Door Repair Today
No automatic door issue is too big or small, and our expert team at UK Doors & Shutters is here to help.
Whether you need advice, a professional inspection, or a repair, we can provide a fast, reliable solution.
Call UK Doors & Shutters today at 01204 918991 or book your repair online here.