Closing the Door

Although most people going in and out of commercial buildings won't pay much attention to the door closer installed above their heads, the device ensures that the door closes securely behind each person. Door closers are most commonly found on entrance/exit doors, fire doors, kitchen and service doors, and restroom doors. In addition to providing security for your facility, door closers also keep out vermin and help maintain interior climate control. Several factors need to be considered when choosing door closers: size of the door, function of the door, level of usage, and whether it's an internal or external door.

Doors that don't get much traffic can use lightweight door closers. LCN manufactures the 4030 Series Door Closer for moderate traffic applications. These types of door closers can be used in both interior and exterior applications. These overhead door closers normally are adjustable for interior doors to 5 feet and exterior doors to 4 feet. These openers are ideal for restrooms.

Doors at busy entrances or restaurant kitchens should be fitted with heavy-duty door closers. When shopping for a heavy-duty closer, pay close attention to the size door the closer works with. Moderately heavy-duty devices usually accommodate doors from 36 inches to 48 inches. Many heavy-duty closers work on interior doors to 4 feet 6 inches and exterior doors to 3 feet 6 inches. Look for heavy-duty door closers that have been tested and certified under ANSI Standard A156.4, grade one. The LCN 4010 Door Closer is a heavy duty closer designed for rugged applications.

Heavy-duty closers are also necessary for fire doors. You want a door closer that closes securely and can withstand sudden, constant use in case of fire. The best closers for fire doors are UL and cUL listed. You may also want to consider special, electric sensor fire door closers that hold the door open until current interruption releases the holding mechanism and the door closes. These types of fire door closers should always conform to life safety code, NFPA 101.

In order to comply with ADA requirements, businesses should look for door closers that meet ADA guidelines. Auto-equalizer door closers are specifically designed for this purpose. These doors use low-energy power to assist the disabled, frail or elderly in opening the door. Some designs even allow for automatic opening when necessary. Look for low-energy door closers that are UL 325 compliant and meet the provisions of ANSI A156.19.

In addition to function, door closers can be selected based on aesthetics. Closers often come in a variety of finishes including aluminum, brass and bronze. Concealed door closers are also available for use in both low traffic and high traffic situations. Expect to pay from $140 for a basic door opener to well over $2,000 for powered openers.

Cylindrical Lock Selection

Cylindrical locks are a cost-effective lock solution for many commercial applications. Installation is less labor-intensive than installing a mortise lock. In addition, the locks are easily re-keyed or replaced when necessary, usually without needing to call a locksmith. Commercial cylindrical locks are available in a variety of finishes and in standard duty, medium duty and heavy duty construction.

Construction and reliability are the main considerations when choosing cylindrical locks. Schlage is one of the best known lock manufacturers. In fact, it was Walter Schlage who invented the cylindrical lock in 1909.

Look for the following specifications when shopping for cylindrical locks:

ANSI and/or BHMA certifications
UL listed
5-pin or 6-pin tumblers
Concealed mounting screws
Options for electrical locking and unlocking

Quality locks have been tested to last a long time. For example, the Schlage D-series meets or exceeds the 800,000 cycle ANSI Grade 1 requirements. These locks are also constructed of either brass or cold formed steel and treated to withstand corrosion. Heavy duty steel springs in the mechanism add to the durability of the locks.

The different construction specifications meet varying commercial building needs. Standard duty commercial locks are suitable for heavy duty residential use or light to medium duty commercial use, such as interior office doors. Medium duty locks are designed for use in commercial exterior applications that don't require rigorous security and for interior doors of medical offices, hotels, retail stores, public facilities, churches and apartment buildings. Heavy duty cylindrical locks provide security in exterior and interior applications for industrial facilities, schools, hospitals, offices, retail stores, government/public office buildings and factories.

Cylindrical locks are usually available in both lever or knob designs. Lever locks should meet ADA requirements. Additional options include special finishes to help users identify by touch that the lock leads to a space containing hazardous materials. The best locks include a feature that allows the exterior knob or lever to move freely even when locked; this helps prevent intruders from breaking the lock. When purchasing locks for fire doors, make sure the lock is rated for use on a fire door.