Safe and seamless movement in our built environment hinges on accurately specified and installed door hardware, explains Russell Marks, managing director of Boss Door Controls.
With millions of doors used each and every day, it’s important to recognise the details behind effective access and egress. Whether it’s the regular composite doors found in our homes, the electromechanical access points located in public settings, or the emergency exit fire doors that keep us safe in our work and leisure spaces; door hardware plays an integral role in the safety, security and accessibility of our buildings.
Doorsets are assembled in a variety of configurations, sizes and styles, yet, their operation is always reliant on door control components such as hinges, locks, latches and door closers. Take fire doors for example, which are designed to stop the spread of smoke and fire when closed and provide an effective means of escape when open. When operating as intended, a fire door will work in tandem with each of its hardware components, but should one area fail, its fire resistant capabilities become compromised, leaving a building and its occupants at risk. With that in mind, just how significant is accurate specification and installation?
Suitable specification
Incorrect hardware specification is a common problem associated with building safety. Door controls will directly influence the functionality, accessibility and durability of doors, and as such, it’s essential to understand a building and its user’s needs when choosing between hardware options.
Considering factors such as fire safety and inclusive design, specifiers and decision makers are urged to review the door application itself, confirming the chosen hardware meets the required performance ratings, fire ratings and the latest building standards. Where many buildings require escape routes for example, it is necessary for all doors located on those routes to have suitable exit hardware installed – which is determined by a number of factors including the building’s size and whether it is public facing or not. Equally, it is also a legal requirement for all exit devices to comply with the latest revisions of EN 1125 or EN 179 and to possess UKCA and CE markings.
With occupant safety and legal compliance on the line, it’s clear that specification should never be undervalued. In fact, by focusing on a project’s requirements as opposed to quick, cost-saving wins, decision makers can preserve the functionality and safety of buildings whilst adding real value for occupants.
Fixing improper installation
In many cases, an appropriately specified and perfectly operational door control device can be found ineffective solely as a result of poor installation. Door hardware installation remains a pain point for the fire safety industry specifically, with evidence suggesting that incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of fire door failure.
Hardware products are often unique to the manufacturer, with distinctive components, fittings and fixing points, and as a result, they should never be approached as like for like installation projects. Instead, during installation, installers must look to follow manufacturer guidelines and fitting instructions. With door closers for example, a fire door’s integrity can quickly become compromised as a result of alignment issues and improper installation methods. Consequently, a fire door may not be able to latch or close fully from its standing position, leaving gaps large enough for smoke and fire to pass through in an emergency situation.
Where there is currently no legal framework to assess the competency of installers, it’s important for teams to plan ahead, appreciating that door hardware installation is a specialised task. To further raise safety standards and improve installation accuracy, conscious manufacturers share a wealth of information and detailed walkthroughs in the form of installation templates, product datasheets and video guides. Additional guidance can usually be found online, with the product packaging, or can be requested directly from the manufacturer. These materials can also be useful post-installation, where teams are required to perform regular maintenance periods as part of their obligations.
How Allegion UK can help
Boss Door Controls is part of the Allegion UK group, known for its wealth of resources designed to help responsible persons, duty holders and professionals undertake product specification, installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For accessible fire door hardware support, Allegion’s new ‘Fire Door Hardware Fundamentals’ guide is available for download and combines expert guidance with helpful terminology and useful fire door safety checklists.
For more information please visit: https://www.allegion.com
Sources
https://www.dhfonline.org.uk/media/documents/documents34a.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukca-marking-conformity-assessment-and-documentation
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ce-marking
https://briton.co.uk/en/news/2024_news/briton_marks_25_years_of_accurate_installation.html#:~:text=For%2025%20years%2C%20Briton’s%20unique,standards%20across%20the%20built%20environment.
About the Author
Allegion UK group
At Allegion, we help keep people safe and secure where they live, learn, work and connect. With more than 30 brands sold in 120 countries across the globe, we specialize in security around the doorway and beyond: everything from residential and commercial locks, door closer and exit devices, steel doors and frames to access control and workforce productivity systems.
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