What is the hangar door made of and how frequently does it require maintenance. Like an aircraft hangar, a hangar door too, plays by its own set of rules. It requires highly skilled and specialised training to install a hangar door. Swati Ketkar finds more about hangar door technology in an exclusive interview with Jonathan Jewers, Director at Jewers Doors Ltd.
Q – Can you explain the maintenance required for hangar doors? How often does a hangar door need servicing?
A – We recommend that our hangar doors are maintained at least once a year, but depending on frequency of use and the value of what the hangar holds, this could be reduced to twice a year or even every quarter. All our maintenance procedures are based on a preventative regime to ensure that the hangars doors continue to operate at their optimum performance, as opposed to reactive maintenance.
Q – What is a normal shelf life of a hangar door? When is the hangar door completely replaced?
A – Jewers Doors still has hangar doors in daily operation that were installed pre-WWII. With the correct service and maintenance system in place, there is every reason our hangar doors will last the life of the hangar. However, we normally stipulate 20 years until major overhaul of a door is required, subject to it being maintained in accordance with our recommendations.
Q – What are the different types of materials used in the making of hangar doors? What is the latest material used in hangar door technology and what are its advantages?
A – Our larger hangar doors are made predominantly of structural steel; however other materials used for particular aspects of the doors include stainless steel, aluminium, EPDM rubber and nylon brush seals. The doors can be clad in any material, including but not limited to sandwich panels, polycarbonate, GRP, glass, aluminium etc. All of our hangar door control panels are purposed designed to suit each project. In the near future we will have remote access to our doors which will have the benefit of remote diagnostics and reduce the need for engineers to visit the site to undertake fault rectification.
Q – What is the standard time taken for the installation of a hangar door?
A -The installation of a door could range from one week to two years! Size is everything with regards to a hangar door and heavily influences the time taken to install it. Each installation is different and each has its own challenges to overcome. Jewers Doors is a company that specializes in the large hangar projects and provides turnkey hangar door installations to every corner of the world; with each country having its own way of working. We have the staff and capabilities to deliver successful projects on every occasion.
Q – What are the types of hangar doors provided by Jewers Doors? How are Jewers Doors different from other doors on the market?
A – Jewers Doors’ range of hangar doors is predominantly made up of sliding and sliding/folding hangar door systems. However, if required we design, manufacture and install custom-made and unique products to suit the client’s requirements and operational needs. The difference between Jewers Doors and other hangar door companies is that we work closely with clients and architects to provide a unique door to suit their operational requirements and company requirements.
Q – What is the future of hangar door technology?
A – Increased thermal and acoustic performance using efficient design and construction methods whilst still maintaining safety and reliability.
Q – Can you tell us briefly about the training needed to install and maintain hangar doors?
A – A degree in ‘astrophysics’ will not teach you how to install and maintain our doors, nor will you require one; however being taught by our highly experienced engineers is highly recommended. You will gain the most experience and knowledge by working with our teams on real life projects and learning the skills needed to carry out the job to the standards required.
There are no academic or technical courses specifically for the installation and maintenance of hangar doors – although an interest in mechanical engineering is useful. Our highly experienced engineers train new employees and they gain the most experience and knowledge by working with our teams on actual projects and learning the skills needed to carry out the job to the standards required.
