Offset Pivots: Maintenance and Replacement Options for Storefront Doors

A neglected offset pivot that has corroded to failure.

Offset pivots are a common hardware choice for aluminum storefront entrance doors, particularly in commercial applications where a sleek aesthetic and smooth operation are desired. These pivots are mounted at the top and bottom of the door and frame, creating a swinging motion that distributes the door's weight efficiently. Unlike center pivots, which balance the door evenly, offset pivots position the pivot point closer to the edge of the door, allowing for a wider opening clearance. However, in colder climates where roads and sidewalks are regularly treated with de-icing salts, these pivots can be particularly vulnerable to corrosion.

Salt corrosion is a significant concern for offset pivots, as they are typically made from steel or aluminum components that can degrade over time when exposed to chloride-laden moisture. The bottom pivot, in particular, is at high risk since it is closer to the ground where salt accumulates and mixes with melting snow. Over time, this exposure can cause pitting, rust, and eventual failure of the pivot mechanism, leading to misalignment and difficulty in door operation. Even stainless steel pivots, which offer better resistance, can still suffer from corrosion when exposed to high concentrations of salt over extended periods.

To mitigate these issues, some manufacturers offer pivots with specialized coatings or anodized aluminum finishes to improve resistance to corrosion. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, can also help extend the life of offset pivots in salty environments. However, once corrosion has taken hold, replacement is often the only viable solution. If left unchecked, a failing pivot can cause excessive wear on the door frame and create security vulnerabilities due to improper sealing. In some cases where the pivot has corroded all the way through, the door may actually fall out of the opening, resulting in damaged property or injuries.

Both door and frame portions of the offset pivot are corroded beyond repair. This customer complained that their door had fallen off several times in the weeks prior before calling MGSI Glass to repair it.

When replacing corroded aluminum storefront door offset pivots, one option is to install new offset pivots that are identical in make up and composition. The pivots are generally made of cast aluminum or machined steel, and are prepared to be installed with no or minimal framing or door alterations. These pivots will have the same service life expectancy of the pivots being replaced as long as the environmental conditions remain the same.

Another option is to replace the failed pivots with ones made from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel with a high-grade protective finish. This allows the door to retain its original design and function while improving durability against future salt exposure. The replacement process typically involves removing the door, replacing both the top and bottom pivots, and ensuring proper alignment to maintain smooth operation.

Alternatively, continuous geared hinges provide a long-term solution that eliminates the need for traditional pivot hardware altogether. These hinges run the full height of the door, distributing weight more evenly and reducing stress on the frame. Since they lack exposed bottom components, they are far less susceptible to salt corrosion. Retrofitting a continuous hinge requires drilling new mounting points along the door and frame, but once installed, they provide improved durability, security, and resistance to environmental damage.

If your commercial entrance door has offset pivots that need repaired or replaced, talk to the entrance door experts at MGSI Glass to review the options available to you. Our staff will visit your business, assess the extent of the corrosion, and present you with the most cost effective ways to restore your entrance's function and ensure smooth operation for as long as possible. Call us today at (319) 351-2261 or email service@mgsiglass.com to get started!