Our Complete Guide to Retrofitting Your Commercial Garage Door
Are aging commercial or industrial doors cutting into your bottom line? These old systems can compromise security, inflate energy bills, and cause costly downtime. If your existing door is structurally sound but functionally outdated, you don't need an expensive replacement. Instead, retrofitting offers a smart, cost-effective solution.
This process lets you upgrade your industrial door with modern components, technology, and materials—boosting performance, efficiency, and security for a fraction of the cost of a new installation.
When you need retrofit services, our Cornell Authorized Dealers are available right where you live!
You can easily team up with your local commercial door experts to get all the technical support, high-quality service, and resources you need. Because our dealers have access to our full network, they can easily meet your requirements, boost your door's capabilities, and keep your facility running smoothly.
Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Existing Commercial Door
Investing in retrofitting your commercial door pays off immediately by improving performance and saving you money in the long term:
1. Lower Your Energy Bills
Older commercial doors can lack proper sealing, but you can dramatically improve your energy efficiency with focused retrofits. Dealers can install our energy-efficient air infiltration sealing package on existing service and insulated doors. This package will reduce air leakage and improve thermal performance.
For maximum savings, you can replace your standard curtain with an insulated one to reduce thermal transfer, and replace perimeter seals, gaskets, and weatherstripping to block air gaps.
Even small adjustments matter, like upgrading to energy-efficient glass or simply having your local dealer check if your door’s alignment is correct.
2. Achieve Compliance and Confidence
Modern features are built to meet today's rigorous standards. Retrofitting options include:
- Entrapment protection devices and sensing edges
- Locks and other security upgrades
- Fire-rated operators
- Hood and operator covers
3. Maximize Your Operational Efficiency
Our trusted commercial door dealers can modernize your industrial door with advanced operators and automation that streamlines the flow of vehicles and personnel, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Some options include:
- The ControlGard™ Braking Chain Hoist Operator, which can be retrofitted to existing chain-operated doors to provide a more controlled manual operation.
- Battery backup devices for commercial fire doors
- The Magic Switch touchless activation device, which opens and closes doors with the wave of a hand.
4. Meet ADA, Fire Standards, and Code Compliance
Ensure your doors meet current accessibility standards, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 80 standards, and local building codes, protecting your business from potential fines and liabilities with required fire door testing, automatic operators, electronic locks, sensing edges, and guide-mounted interlocks.
5. Reduce Your Maintenance and Repair Costs
You can add features to increase your door’s resistance to damage, prevent corrosion, and improve cycle life.
- To increase damage resistance, consider adding our RapidResponse® System, a Heavy-Duty Bottom Bar, or the Rolling Door Protector.
- To prevent corrosion, your dealer can install corrosion-resistant fasteners and components or coat your curtain with our durable, wear-resistant powder-coat finishes.
- For easier maintenance, install a flexible, easy-to-clean sensing edge or an LED Light Kit to help avoid door collisions.
- To improve the cycle life of your door, your dealer can retrofit it with high-cycle springs and springless direct-drive operators to reduce wear and tear and improve operation.
Finally, connect with your local Cornell Authorized Door Dealer to create a comprehensive Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) that includes inspections, sensor tuning, alignment adjustments, and more. Your dealer can also perform required NFPA 80 fire door testing for code compliance.
Popular Retrofit and Industrial Door Modernization Options
Our expert commercial door dealers specialize in targeted upgrades that deliver maximum impact.
| Retrofit Component | Primary Benefit | Who This is For |
|---|---|---|
| Operators and Motors | Convenience, efficiency, security, and accessibility. | All industries with either high or low-traffic openings. Dependent on a variety of factors, including use and door size. |
| Air Infiltration Sealing Package | Significant reduction in heating and cooling costs. | Climate-controlled buildings, refrigerated spaces, and manufacturing. |
| Sensing Edge | Protection against accidents, injury, and door damage. | All commercial facilities, especially those with heavy vehicle and personnel traffic. |
| Entrapment Protection Devices | Prevents the door from closing on objects. | Facilities with high-traffic areas, particularly warehouses, retail stores, and manufacturing plants. |
| Trim Package | Hides bolts and guides for a finished look, enhanced weather sealing, and insulation. | Hospitality (e.g., hotels, condominiums, etc.), retail, restaurants and bars, public buildings, and healthcare facilities. |
Deciding When to Replace vs. Retrofit Your Commercial Door
A retrofit is a smart, budget-friendly way to upgrade your door’s performance and look, but whether you can do a retrofit or not depends on its condition.
| Replace | Retrofit |
|---|---|
| Structural integrity is compromised | Structure is sound, needs upgrades |
| Extensive or Structural Damage: Severe rust, corrosion, warping, major dents, bent beyond repair. | Damage is Limited: Issues are confined to a single slat, components, or the opener system. |
| Frequent & Costly Repairs: Repair costs approach or exceed 50% of a new door's value, or the door requires constant service calls. | Budget Constraints: A less expensive, immediate solution is needed, but your door is still reliable. |
| Outdated Safety Features: Essential modern safety features (photo eyes, auto-reverse) cannot be added or integrated. | Specific Upgrades Are Needed: Ideal for adding features your door lacks, like automation, enhanced security, or minor efficiency improvements. |
| Poor Energy Efficiency: The current door has a low U-factor and lacks adequate insulation and sealing for your space, requiring a full thermal performance upgrade. | Operational Issues are Minor: Problems are limited to unusual noises, slow response times, or a door that occasionally sticks. |
| End of Lifespan: The door is nearing or past its expected life of 15+ years and experiences frequent issues. | The Door is Relatively New: The main structure is sound (under 10 years old) and only needs minor functional updates. |
| Parts Are Unavailable: Finding replacement components for the old model is difficult and expensive, making repair impractical. | Parts Are Readily Available: Components for the existing door are easy to find and affordably replaced. |
| Business Needs Have Changed: Requires a different size, operation type, or compatibility. | Business Needs Haven’t Changed: your door’s size, operation type, and compatibility still work for you. |
Give your commercial property the elevated look and functionality it deserves. Let's explore how strategic commercial garage door retrofitting can work for your building.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Commercial Door Retrofitting
What exactly is commercial garage door retrofitting?
Retrofitting is the process of upgrading your existing commercial or industrial door with new, modern components and accessories without replacing the entire door. For example, if your door curtain or panels are still strong, we can replace the old operator, springs, sensors, and seals to achieve the performance, efficiency, and security that you need.
How much does retrofitting cost compared to a full replacement?
Retrofitting is generally more affordable. Your savings depend on the scope of your upgrades. It's a cost-effective solution when your door in good shape but needs to be more efficient.
Which types of doors are the best candidates for a retrofit?
Most rolling steel doors/ coiling doors and overhead doors are excellent candidates for retrofitting, as long as the guides and door are not severely damaged or rusted. The best way to know for sure is to have a professional on-site assessment. Our expert door dealers inspect the frame, curtain, and existing hardware to recommend the most impactful and cost-efficient upgrades.
What is the biggest benefit of retrofitting for our bottom line?
For many building managers, the biggest benefit is improved energy efficiency. By installing insulated curtains and high-quality perimeter seals, we dramatically reduce air leakage and thermal transfer. This directly translates to lower utility costs for heating and cooling your facility year-round, offering a quick return on your investment.
How long does a commercial door retrofit project take?
The installation time is much shorter than a full replacement. Most retrofits, such as installing a new operator or replacing springs and guides, can be completed in hours to a single day, minimizing disruption to your operations. A full door replacement can often take several days to coordinate and complete.
Ready to Boost Your Commercial Garage Door Energy Efficiency and Security?
Don't wait for a costly breakdown. A professional assessment can determine the best, most cost-effective retrofit plan for you.
Take the Next Step
Contact your local Authorized Cornell Dealer for an on-site door assessment and no-obligation quote.
