Monday, May 11, 2009

Builders Prefer Schlage

Schlage locks offer many advantages and innovations that discount brands don't. Because of this, Schlage is preferred by many builders, locksmiths and security specialists. The security features alone make these locks a top seller. However, innovation with electronic locks, including remote access and control via the Web make Schlage the industry leader in door security.

Schlage offers superior security
The tubular design of Schlage locks makes them almost impossible to pick. The forged brass construction also makes them resistant to kick-ins and other types of tampering. The solid, one piece design of the deadbolts makes them resistant to attacks with hammers or crow bars. The Grade 1 security also prevents the key cylinder from being knocked out with a screwdriver or chisel.

Schlage offers electronic locks for all applications
These allow for keyless entry, multiple user codes, and auto-locking after the door recloses. Schlage pre-programs the electronic locks with random codes so no two locks are the same from the factory, thus adding another layer of security.

Schlage locks last
All Schlage products are rigorously tested to meet ANSI standards. The locks are long-lasting and easily re-keyed or repaired by a locksmith. While discount brands may malfunction after heavy use, Schlage offers a 3-year warranty on commercial locks and a limited lifetime warranty on residential locks.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

ADA Compliance

Every facility open to the public needs to meet accessibility requirements set out in the Americans with Disability Act. One way to make your facility ADA compliant is to use low-energy power operators on exterior and interior doors. For example, the LCN 4640 is both energy efficient and provides easy access for people with disabilities. These openers can be operated manually or, when needed, automatically. LCN now includes a digital control suite with this product. In addition, this is a 10 million cycle heavy duty door closer.

One benefit of this particular model is than no door mats or safety rails are required for operation. The device is ADA compliant in its power mode.

The LCN 4640 can be installed either with a flush ceiling mount or a standard mount. The cylinder is non-handed, non-sized (interior doors to 4’6” and exterior doors to 3’6”) and includes a hold open feature. It meets ANSI Standards A117.1 and A156.19.

Other LCN power door openers include the 9130 and 9140 Series.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Finish the Job

Doors in commercial facilities require a minimum of finish hardware, including hinges, flush bolts and pivots. Doors can also be outfitted with a variety of decorative hardware, including kick plates and door pulls. Which hardware is installed is determined by door use, architectural style and safety concerns.

A hinge may just seem like a hinge, but each hinge is designed for use in a particular situation. For example, a basic five-knuckle plain bearing full mortise hinge is designed for use on a standard weight door that gets little use. It also cannot be used with a door closer. On the other hand, a three-knuckle spring hinge can be used with a door closer. When choosing hinges, tell your supplier the weight of the door, the expected traffic level and the details of any other devices that will be installed on the door. This way you can get the correct hinge for the job and not find the door literally coming unhinged in the future.

Doors can also be fitted with pivot sets. These are typically floor-mounted, although some are jam-mounted. Pocket pivots are also available. These allow the door to open flush to the corridor and are commonly found in hospitals or other settings where the door needs to be completely out of the way when open. Just like hinges, pivot sets need to be selected based on the weight and expected usage of the door. Pivots are available for doors from 200 to 500 pounds. Some pocket pivots are also rated for use on fire doors.

Flush bolts and strikes are designed to work either on metal or wood doors. Options for this hardware include manual flush bolts, automatic flush bolts, constant latching flush bolts, auxiliary fire latches and dust proof strikes. The finest flush bolts, such as the ones from Ives, share some common features: meet ANSI A156.3 Type 25 or Type 27, are non-handed, offer optional dust proof strikes, and have low actuation forces. You'll need to know how the door frame is prepared when ordering flush bolts.

Put the finishing touches on a door with decorative, yet functional hardware. Kick plates and push plates protect the door from damage. Pulls can be coordinated with the decor of the building. These items are available in a variety of finishes. Floor stops, wall stops and door silencers all improve the function of the door. Even these hardworking items are available in design styles to complement the building design or to blend unobtrusively into the background.

Finish hardware should be chosen carefully to ensure a door works properly and safely for many years. Although home supply stores may carry some basic hardware, it's best to rely on an experienced commercial hardware supplier to get the proper hardware for each installation.