Commercial Door Service
- The Lock Shop
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
The Lock Shop is a one-stop shop for commercial door service. As a full-service locksmith, we handle maintenance for the whole opening. In this article, we will take a look at the different hardware and services available to you for your commercial door service.
Closers
Commercial doors experience a lot of traffic, and while that means more revenue for your business, it also means more wear and tear on your hardware. Door closers provide critical services to your business beyond ensuring a door securely closes each time it is opened.They are critical for fire safety by preventing the spread of smoke and flame and significantly contribute to energy efficiency with your facility's environmental controls. A well-maintained and functional closer will ensure your doors safely close and latch at the correct speed after use.
Openers
Automatic doors are something we often take for granted when they're working well. When they're not, the Lock Shop team can help. Officially termed "operators," there are different options available to suit your specific needs.
Hands-Free:We are more aware than ever of the importance of controlling the spread of germs. Hospitals have utilized hands-free operators to reduce the transmission of illness, and more and more facilities have adopted hands-free options in the intervening years. Hands-free operators use motion sensors to activate and are fully automatic. These days, you will see fully automated hands-free operators everywhere, from assisted living facilities, hospitals, and major retail establishments to municipal buildings, malls, and large offices. They are quick, quiet, and offer model-based options for adjustments to customize your experience.
Low Energy: This type of operator uses motors that consume less energy and move a little slower than the full-power version. Their activation options include sensors, motion activation, and pressure switches, giving you the option of hands-free operation if desired. Some have the flexibility to adjust speed and other variables. They are designed to be energy-saving and are effective and reliable with a wide range of appropriate applications. Some common applications include ADA-compliant doors, offices, retail establishments, restaurants, etc. They are also a great choice when the door is typically opened manually but also needs to have the automatic option available.
Full Power: Full Power operators are designed for heavy-use spaces where automatic operation is the default and the door is opening hundreds of times per day. These operators serve a variety of door types, whether they slide, revolve, swing, or fold. Full power operators have adjustments for speed, open/close delay, and force as well as sensors for safety. They also have more options for access control, allowing for the same types of activator options as the low power models, with the addition of RFID card access. Airports, supermarkets, and large retail establishments are some of the more common applications for this hardware. The installation of the more complex Full Power operator is a bit more involved, so they are most commonly initially installed during major renovations and on new builds. They are built for both high use and heavy doors.
Power Assist: This option is great for use on doors that are manually opened. They are activated either by the user beginning to operate the door, or with sensors/buttons/pedals and reduce the manpower needed for operation. They are useful for several applications including heavy doors, some fire doors, residential buildings, and handicapped doors.
Hinges
Anyone who has maintained a facility of any size for a time has likely run into a problem hinge. The Lock Shop Inc. is here to help. Signs you have a hinge-related problem include sagging doors, difficulty opening or closing, grinding, squeaks, visible corrosion, and bends. The type of hinge best suited relies on several factors, including the door's weight, fire codes, safety (e.g., ligature resistance or ballistics), traffic, climate, and security. If you have experienced a repeat problem with your hinge(s), you may want to schedule a look-see to be sure the hinges you're using are the best option for the factors impacting that door. Whether you're dealing with high winds, crime, or salt exposure, we can help determine a long-term solution to your hinge-related troubles.
Exit Hardware
As with hinges, choosing the right exit device also depends on several factors. Whether you have a single or double door, ADA compliance, type of door, fire codes, building codes, and security all factor into selecting the right exit hardware. Exit devices come in several different types we will break down here.
Mortise - Mortise exit devices have a mortise lock body that sits in the side of the door.
Rim - These have a latch that engages a surface mount strike in the frame and the application is typically for a single door.
Vertical Rod - These have latches either just at the top, or at the top and bottom of the door. They are typically used in double door applications when you want one of the double doors to open while the other remains closed. These rods retract when the exit device is engaged, allowing for egress.
Each type of exit device can be found in an electrified version to work in concert with access control systems. This means you can retain fire safety and ease of egress without sacrificing security.
Ensuring you have the right hardware and proper professional installation is critical to achieve the goals of security, safety, energy efficiency and making the most of your dollar. The Lock Shop team is here to help you meet these goals with decades of experience and service you can trust.
