After weeks of rain, we’re seeing more issues with automatic doors across Edmonton.
Moisture can affect automatic door sensors, activation switches, wireless transmitters, and receivers. In some cases, parts become corroded, unreliable, or stop working completely.
The good news is that many common replacement parts are available. Some parts can be purchased and replaced by your own maintenance team, while more complicated sensors and safety devices should be handled by trained technicians.
Common Automatic Door Issues After Heavy Rain
Rain, moisture, and humidity can create problems that are not always obvious right away.
Common issues include:
- Corroded activation switches
- Wireless transmitters not responding
- Activation switches acting inconsistently
- Automatic door sensors failing or misreading
- Doors not opening reliably
- Doors reversing or stopping unexpectedly
These issues are especially common on exterior swing and sliding doors, vestibule doors, and entrances exposed to wind-driven rain.
Activation Switches and Wireless Controls
Most automatic swing doors often use wall-mounted activation switches, wireless transmitters, and receivers.
When moisture gets inside the switch housing, it can cause corrosion and inconsistent operation.
Signs of a problem may include:
- The door only opens sometimes
- The button feels worn, loose or damaged
- The switch has visible corrosion
- The wireless transmitter does not activate the door
- The door works from one switch but not the other
In many cases, these parts can be replaced individually as needed.
Sliding Door Sensors and Rain Covers
Heavy rain can affect automatic sliding door sensors, especially when entrances are exposed to wind-driven moisture.
This can cause doors to open unexpectedly, stop, reverse, or activate inconsistently.
SHARC stocks the BEA rain accessory for IXIO and ULTIMO activation sensors, which can help protect compatible sensors in exposed locations.
Because sensors are part of the door’s safety system, sensor issues should be handled by a qualified technician.
Replacement Parts Available from SHARC
SHARC stocks many common automatic door replacement parts, including activation switches, wireless transmitters, and receivers and sliding door sensors.
That means you have options:
- Purchase replacement switches from us and install them yourself
- Pick up wireless transmitters or receivers for your maintenance team
- Contact us to confirm the right replacement part
- Book service if the issue involves sensors, wiring, or door operation
If you are not sure what part you need, send us a photo of the existing switch, transmitter, receiver, or sensor. We can help identify the right replacement.
When to Call for Service
Some automatic door issues should not be handled as a DIY repair.
Call for service if the problem involves:
- Safety sensors
- Activation sensors
- Wiring issues
- Doors reversing unexpectedly
- Doors not closing properly
- Doors activating on their own
- Any failed AAADM daily safety check
Automatic doors are safety systems. If a sensor is not working properly, the door should be inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.
Do Not Ignore Intermittent Problems
Moisture-related issues often start as intermittent problems.
For example, a door may work one day and fail the next. A switch may respond sometimes but not always. A sensor may appear normal until humidity or rain affects it again.
Because of this, intermittent issues should not be ignored.
Small electrical problems can become larger failures, especially if corrosion continues to spread inside the component.
Because of this, these issues should be addressed as soon as possible.
Practical Tips / Action Steps
- Perform a daily safety check
- Check exterior activation switches for visible corrosion
- Test each activation switch separately
- Confirm wireless transmitters are responding consistently (Press the button, hold, wait for beeps)
- Watch for doors that open, stop, or reverse unexpectedly
- Send us a photo if you need help identifying a replacement part
- Call for service if sensors or safety systems are involved
Need Replacement Parts or Service?
We stock common replacement parts for automatic door activation switches, wireless transmitters, and receivers. Your team can purchase parts directly, or we can provide service for more complicated sensor, wiring, or operator issues.
Including products from:
- Camden
- BEA
- Stanley
- DormaKaba
Contact SHARC for automatic door parts or service in Edmonton and surrounding areas.
FAQ
Yes. Moisture can enter activation switches and cause corrosion, inconsistent operation, or complete failure.
In many cases, yes. If your maintenance team is comfortable with basic replacement work, you can purchase replacement switches from SHARC. If you are unsure, contact us first.
Yes. SHARC stocks many common wireless transmitters and receivers for automatic door systems.
Call for service if the issue involves sensors, wiring, safety checks, unexpected door movement, or anything affecting safe operation.
Yes. Send us a photo of the existing part, and we can help confirm what you need.
Preventive maintenance is a simple way to improve the performance of your automatic doors.
Sliding doors benefit most from cleaning and inspection, while swing doors require basic checks to ensure proper operation.
However, automatic doors are require properly functioning systems. Knowing what to handle in-house—and when to call for service—helps keep your building safe and reliable.
If your automatic doors need attention—or haven’t had their annual inspection—now is the time.
Contact us to schedule your AAADM safety inspection or to have your doors checked by a qualified technician in Edmonton and the surrounding areas.
