Commercial door hardware work examines the whole opening so the lock, latch, hinges, and closer can be considered as one operating sequence.
What this covers
- Locks, cylinders, handles, and latching hardware.
- Door closers and the movement of the door through its swing.
- Hinges, frame contact, and alignment at the latch.
- Entry and exit operation for staff, tenants, and visitors.
- Hardware changes connected to keys or electronic entry.
How the work goes
Start by describing what the door does. Does it rub the frame, fail to latch, close differently at certain times, or require someone to lift the handle? Those observations are more useful than naming a replacement part before the opening has been examined.
The review follows the door through its full movement. The frame and hinges affect where the leaf sits. The closer affects how it moves. The latch and strike meet at the end of that movement. A problem at one point can appear to be a problem somewhere else.
Next, discuss how people use the opening. A door used by visitors has a different operating routine from an interior staff door. Any building requirements for the opening need to be identified before changing the hardware or its function.
The work plan distinguishes adjustment from component replacement. It also separates a keying issue from a movement issue. Changing a cylinder does not change the position of a sagging door, and changing a closer does not alter which key turns the lock.
A final check covers entry, closing, latching, and exit. Include the person who handles day-to-day building issues so they can describe any remaining difference from normal use.
What to have ready
- Photos of both sides of the door and the full frame.
- A description of when the problem occurs.
- Details of recent changes to the door or hardware.
- The building contact responsible for the opening.
- Any known requirements governing its operation.
Common questions
Does a door that will not latch need a new lock?
Not necessarily. The door position, strike alignment, closer action, and latch condition all need checking. A new lock is only one possible part of the work.
Can we change the handle style?
Discuss the intended function as well as the appearance. The opening's use, existing preparation, and building requirements matter when selecting replacement hardware.
Should door work come before access control?
Review the mechanical operation first. Electronic entry still depends on the door moving into its intended position and the selected hardware operating through its sequence.