Cookson Commercial Door Retrofit: Your Complete Guide
Are aging commercial or industrial doors compromising security, inflating energy bills, or causing costly downtime? If your existing door is structurally sound but functionally outdated, an expensive full replacement is not your only option.
Retrofitting offers a smart, cost-effective solution. This process allows you to perform an industrial door upgrade with modern components, technology, and materials—boosting performance, efficiency, and security for a fraction of the cost of a new installation.
When you need rolling door retrofit services, our Cookson Authorized Dealers are available right where you live—team up with your local commercial door experts for technical support and high-quality service. Our dealers and technicians leverage a comprehensive network to meet your requirements and keep your facility running smoothly.
Top 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Existing Commercial Door
Improve performance and save money in the long term with focused door retrofits.
Top Reasons to Upgrade Your Existing Commercial Door
- Lower Your Energy Bills
- Air Infiltration Sealing Package:
- Dealers can install this energy-efficient package on existing service and insulated doors. This reduces air leakage and improves thermal performance.
- Insulated Curtain Replacement:
- For maximum savings, replace your standard curtain with an insulated one to reduce thermal transfer, and replace perimeter seals, gaskets, and weatherstripping to block air gaps.
- Alignment Check:
- Even small adjustments matter. Have your local dealer check if your door’s alignment is correct.
- Meet Code Compliance and Enhance Security
- Safety Devices:
- Install entrapment protection devices and sensing edges to meet accessibility standards.
- Fire Door Compliance:
- Retrofit fire-rated operators and schedule required NFPA 80 fire door testing with your local dealer.
- Security Upgrades:
- Install new locks and other security upgrades.
Older commercial doors can lack proper sealing, but you can dramatically improve your energy efficiency with focused retrofits.
Ensure your facility meets current accessibility standards, NFPA 80 standards, and local building codes.
- Maximize Your Operational Efficiency
- ControlGard™ Braking Chain Hoist Operator:
- Provides secure, controlled manual operation for roll-up doors.
- Magic Switch Touchless Control:
- Enables touchless activation, opening, and closing at the wave of your hand.
- Battery Backup Devices:
Ensures continued function for commercial fire doors during power outages.
- Reduce Maintenance and Repair Costs
- Increase Damage Resistance
- Retrofit the RapidResponse® System, a Heavy-Duty Bottom Bar, or a Rolling Door Protector.
- Prevent Corrosion
- Add corrosion-resistant fasteners and components or coat your curtain with our durable, wear-resistant powder-coat finishes.
- 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
- Protect Your Business from Liability
Schedule annual fire door testing and inspections, and monthly Preventive Maintenance (PM) plans with your local door dealer.
Install Stronger Door Components
Add automatic operators, electronic locks, sensing edges, and guide-mounted interlocks for reliable protection.
Popular Cookson Rolling Door Modernization Options
| 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 commercial door retrofit is budget-friendly, but an assessment is key.
| Replace (Full Commercial Door Replacement) | Retrofit (Industrial Door Upgrade) |
| Structural integrity is compromised. | Structure is sound, needs functional upgrades. |
| Extensive or structural damage (severe rust, warping, major dents). | Damage is limited (issues confined to a single slat, components, or opener system). |
| Frequent and costly repairs (exceeding 50% of new door value). | Budget constraints (a less expensive, immediate solution is needed). |
| Poor energy efficiency (requires a full thermal performance upgrade). | Operational Issues are minor (unusual noises, slow response times). |
Commercial Door Retrofitting FAQs
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 (e.g., replacing the operator, springs, sensors, and seals).
Which types of doors are the best candidates for a retrofit?
Most rolling steel doors/coiling doors and overhead doors are excellent candidates, provided the guides and door curtain are not severely damaged.
What is the biggest benefit of retrofitting for our bottom line?
For many facility managers, the biggest benefit is improved energy efficiency and the resulting lower utility costs from installing insulated curtains and high-quality perimeter seals.
Take the Next Step
Contact your local Authorized Cookson Dealer for an on-site door assessment and no-obligation quote.
