The Right Time to Upgrade Your Door Hardware
Do you know when it’s time to update your commercial door hardware? It’s not always as obvious as broken parts or vandalism. There may be subtle signs that hardware is at the end of its life. Code requirements, including ADA and universal design, might also prompt an upgrade. Changes in occupancy, building use, and programming can trigger changes to door hardware as well.
Replacing door hardware is a valuable opportunity to add functionality. Upgrading a model can offer critical improvements for safety, performance, accessibility, and compliance. Many are retrofit friendly and swap out with no modifications.
Explore how upgrading exit devices, status indicator locks, and door closers will improve your building’s security and egress.
1. How do you know when to upgrade your exit device?
Panic hardware (also known as a crash bar, push bar, or exit device) provides simple and easy egress during emergencies. It’s common to specify this hardware as a standard exit device, especially on high-traffic doors. With one-hand operation, push bars are ideal for satisfying ADA accessibility and meeting the criteria under ICC A117.1.
As with all hardware, push bars should be upgraded before they experience a failure. Signs your exit device is ready for replacement:
| Broken | Often the result of vandalism or lack of maintenance. |
| Sticky | Doesn’t latch correctly, becomes stuck in the engaged position, or fails to release. |
| Outdated actuator dimensions | Cannot exceed half the width of the door leaf. |
| Not ADA compliant | Must open with no more than 15 pounds of force. |
But, more often than experiencing a decline in function, panic hardware is upgraded to ensure that it meets new building codes, fire regulations, evolving aesthetics, and most often, to upgrade the function. Upgraded exit devices can offer alarms, cylinder dogging, status indicators, and electrification to integrate with other electrified access control openings in your facility.
Replacement and upgraded exit device models should adhere to the latest hardware and life safety codes. These include BHMA/ANSI A156.3 for Exit Devices and NFPA 101. Always check local municipal codes to see if there are additional requirements to meet.
2. When should you upgrade your status indicator locks?
Privacy considerations often grow in priority as occupancy or space programming evolves. Certain rooms can benefit from hardware that shows occupied vs. vacant status where conventional mortise, cylindrical, or deadbolt locks are currently outfitted. Status indicators combine all the benefits of a secure lock with the advantage of a visual reference for availability.
Status indicators add peace of mind for users within and are a helpful visual tool for those seeking an empty room. This hardware is a perfect upgrade to consider when you’re looking to not only keep your occupants safe but offer value to their everyday experience. Ideal applications include:
- Bathrooms
- Quiet rooms
- Nursing mothers' rooms
- Dressing rooms
- Locker rooms
When considering new models, look for locks that comply with ADA and single-handed egress. Many of the latest offerings have a prominent display panel that can be read in low light and have bright colors that can be seen from a distance or different angles. Whether the status indicator is available on one or both sides of the door, it should always be configured to prevent unoccupied lockouts.
3. Door Closers
Door closers have a simple but important function – ensure proper latching. This type of assisted closing ensures a door operation is smooth and controlled. It prevents the door from slamming open or shut while protecting users from injury. Closers are also an important safety feature required on fire-rated doors.
Like all high-traffic door hardware, door closers can take a beating and lose efficiency over time or lose the ability to overcome stack effect. Look for these indications that your closers are aging or are no longer meeting the needs of your facility:
| Too light | It’s time to upgrade to a heavy-duty model. |
| Leaking hydraulic fluid | Closer fluid is a necessary counter force against the check value. Without the correct fluid pressure, the door will slam. |
| Vandalism and abuse | The arm can get damaged or bent, which is common when individuals repeatedly hang on it. |
| Poor closing performance | The door isn’t latching, not swinging at the correct speed, or the closer arm is stuck. |
| Stack effect | The closer can no longer overcome the stack effect or environmental conditions like strong winds, leaving the door ajar. |
When upgrading your door closer, look for models that are engineered for rugged environments. Features like cast iron or aluminum housing, steel springs, and Certified Grade 1 rating are signs it will withstand robust use and abuse.
How Arrow Can Help
Exit Devices – The PEC910 Series is a touchpad center post and is available as a permanent end cap model to extend the lifespan of your hardware in high-impact environments. It is BHMA Grade 1 Certified.
Indicator Status Lock – The APL Cylindrical Series has green and red indicators that are easy to read at a glance. Arrow’s retrofit indicator kit upgrades existing Best or Schlage mortise locks and features a curved design for readability at multiple angles. It can be mounted on the inside, outside, or both sides of the door.
Door Closers – The DCN500 Series is designed for institutional and high-traffic applications, with options for regular or parallel arm as well as top jamb installation.
Is the hardware in your facility in need of a functional, aesthetic, or regulatory upgrade? Get the help you need to navigate the upgrade process by filling out the form below.