Maintaining commercial door hardware is crucial for preserving the longevity, operation, and security of commercial buildings. Regular maintenance ensures that doors operate smoothly and helps to protect your business premises.
Neglecting maintenance can cause wear and tear, compromising your building’s safety and productivity. By following recommended practices for maintaining door hardware, you may avoid costly repairs and keep your doors in good condition for years to come.
Regular Inspections
Regular inspections are necessary for maintaining commercial door hardware. Frequent checks can help you spot signs of use and potential problems, as well as guarantee that all components are functioning properly. Inspections allow you to detect minor flaws before they become major issues that require costly repairs or replacements. Begin by assessing the door hardware, which includes the hinges, locks, handles, and closers. Check for indications of wear, rust, and damage. Pay specific attention to moving parts, which are more likely to become worn out. Additionally, make sure that all screws and bolts are snug and secure. Loose hardware can cause misalignment and compromise the door’s operation.
Set up periodic inspections, such as monthly or quarterly checks, depending on how often the doors are used. Doors in high-traffic areas may require more frequent inspections. In Chicago, the weather can harm the door hardware. Changes in humidity and temperature can cause rust or corrosion, so look over your hardware more frequently under harsh weather conditions. Keeping a record of your inspections allows you to quickly track the state of your door hardware and discover any patterns of use that may suggest the need for preventative maintenance.
Cleaning and Lubrication
Proper cleaning and lubrication are also essential to keep commercial door hardware in good working order and extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning eliminates dirt, filth, and debris that can cause wear and damage. Lubrication lowers friction, inhibits rusting, and promotes smooth operation.
Cleaning Door Hardware
Cleaning door hardware means utilizing appropriate cleaning products that do not damage the hardware’s finish or material. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or tools that can scratch the surface. Instead, clean the hardware with a light detergent and a soft cloth. To remove stubborn dirt or grime, use a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with clean water and completely dry to avoid rusting.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Lubricating moving parts like hinges, locks, and closers is vital for reducing abrasion and friction. Use a high-quality lubricant that is specifically formulated for door hardware. Apply the lubricant sparingly to the moving parts and wipe off any residue to prevent buildup. When lubricating lock mechanisms, the use of sprays, like WD-40, can be very effective. These sprays not only clean the moving parts, but lubricate them as well.
Take some time each year to wipe out the keyholes on any hardware with keyways. Spray some dry lubricant into the keyhole, then insert and remove your key multiple times to eliminate any leftover debris. Regular lubrication ensures that the hardware runs easily and lasts longer. However, once a spray lubricant is used, do not return to using a graphite powder.
Tightening and Adjusting
Door hardware components might become loose over time as a result of constant usage and movement. Regular tightening and adjustment of these components must take place to prevent misalignment and sustain functionality.
Start by checking all screws, bolts, and fasteners. Using a screwdriver or wrench, tighten any loose hardware. Pay close attention to hinges, since loose ones can cause the door to sag or become misaligned. Adjust the hinges as needed to ensure that the door hangs evenly and shuts securely. Next, check the handles and locks to see if they are secure and working properly. Adjust the bolts or screws securing the handles if they are loose. Ensure that the latch or deadbolt engages easily and securely within the lock.
Replacing Worn or Damaged Parts
It’s important to replace worn or broken hardware parts to keep your commercial doors secure and operable. Visible wear, rust, cracks, or trouble operating a component are all indications that it should be replaced. For example, if a hinge is bent or rusty, repair it right away to prevent additional damage to the door. Similarly, replace a lock that is difficult to turn or does not engage correctly.
Select high-quality hardware designed for business use when choosing replacement parts. Anderson Lock, provides a comprehensive choice of robust and dependable door hardware options. Our team can assist you in selecting and installing the appropriate replacements to guarantee your doors stay intact and functional.
Upgrading Hardware
Upgrading your door hardware can dramatically improve security, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
Here are some advantages of upgrading your hardware:
Enhanced security: Modern door hardware includes enhanced security measures that can help protect your commercial property. Upgrades that can improve the security of your doors include high-security locks, electronic access control systems, and reinforced hinges.
Improved energy efficiency: Upgrading to energy-efficient door hardware can save energy costs while increasing building comfort. Weatherstripping, automatic door closers, and insulated door frames are some examples of such hardware.
Ease of maintenance: New door hardware is intended to be more robust and easy to repair. Upgrading to hardware with corrosion-resistant finishes, self-lubricating components, and modular designs can reduce the number and complexity of maintenance jobs. This saves time and work while increasing the life of your door hardware.
Ensuring the Longevity and Security of Your Commercial Doors
Implementing these best practices for maintaining commercial door hardware is imperative to ensure the longevity, operation, and security of your commercial facility. Maintaining your doors requires regular inspections, appropriate cleaning and lubrication, tightening and adjusting components, replacing damaged parts on time, and updating to new hardware.
Anderson Lock in Des Plaines is ready to assist you with all of your door hardware repair needs. We provide a variety of high-quality hardware alternatives as well as skilled service technicians to keep your doors in top condition. Contact us immediately for expert information on how to maintain your commercial door hardware.