Since pedestrian doors act as key access points, they need to be both secure and safe to use. That’s why choosing the right finishing hardware is so important. Depending on the needs of your facility, you can choose from three different grades of hardware to meet building codes and fire rating requirements. Here’s an overview of some of the options available.

Locksets

Locksets act as a barrier to keep your facility protected. Here are the two most popular types:

• Cylindrical locks are the most affordable type of lockset and are frequently used to safeguard pedestrian doors because they’re easy to install, replace, and rekey. In addition, they come in multiple grades and serve a variety of functions so you can customize your doors according to your needs. You can select the finish, keying option, and style of handle you prefer. Furthermore, since they aren’t as secure as other types of locks, it’s possible to add a deadbolt for added protection.
  
  
• Mortise locks have similar functions as cylindrical locks but are much sturdier and heavier, making them ideal for use in high-traffic areas. They require a pocket or mortise to be cut into the door where the lock is fitted. This makes them more difficult to install, but a lot more secure. In addition, mortise locks come in a variety of trims, finishes, and door thickness options.

When choosing a lockset, you should take into consideration your facility’s security needs. Speak with one of the experts at Creative Door Services™ to determine which is the right option for your property.

Electrified Hardware

Electrified entry systems are often used in combination with other commercial access devices such as key cards, keypads, and sensors. Consequently, they require a power supply to operate. Here are the two most common types:

• Electric strikes are located at the latching point of the door hardware. They require a power supply to hold the door latch in place until the release system is activated. As soon as the door closes, it automatically returns to a locked position. Since electric strikes are installed on the door frame they can be used with several door and lock types. However, cylindrical and mortise locksets, rim and vertical rod exit devices, as well as cabinet locks all require a different style of electric strike. In addition, some electric strikes are more vandal and tamper-resistant than others.
  

• Maglocks contain an electromagnet and an armature plate. They’re extremely strong and are typically installed in the top corner of the doorframe and use electromagnetic force to remain locked. When someone requests access, the power going to the door is temporarily cut, allowing it to open. However, because of this, they require additional hardware such as a touch sensor or built-in request to exit (REX) switch to pass fire code requirements.

The primary difference between electric strikes and maglocks is their power requirements. Maglocks are fail-safe, while electric strikes are generally fail-secure. In other words, maglocks require power to lock the door, whereas electric locks require power to unlock the door. It’s important to decide which style is best for your facility in the event of a power outage as this will impact the amount of security provided.

Furthermore, we also carry battery-powered locks and keypads for single use applications or if your pedestrian door isn’t connected to a power source. Battery backup devices are likewise available.

Exit Devices

Exit devices, sometimes referred to as crash bars or panic bars, provide added security and allow for safe and easy evacuation in the event of an emergency. These devices may be required by code depending on the occupancy of the building and where the door is located. Here’s an overview of two of the most common types:

• Rim devices latch to the strike side of the door frame and are mainly used on single doors.
  
  
• Vertical rod devices generally have latches at both the top and bottom of the door. These latches can be surface mounted or concealed inside the door so that only the crash bar is visible. This type is most commonly used on double doors that have high-security needs or don’t have a mullion.

Lastly, exit devices can be paired with different trim options, finishes, styles and door hardware to meet your needs.

Door Closers

Door closers help control the closing force and speed of your pedestrian doors. A high-quality closer can also help ensure the door closes quietly and doesn’t cause any injuries. Here’s an overview of five basic types:

• Surface-mounted closers are the most durable and common type of closer. They’re mounted to the surface of the door or frame and use a lever, top jamb, or parallel arm to open and close. In addition, surface-mounted closers may have a hold-open function or built-in stopper to prevent the door from opening 180 degrees.
  
  
• In-floor closers usually need to be incorporated into the building design as they’re concealed within the floor below the door. Since they aren’t exposed, they’re often preferred for both esthetic and security reasons. They also provide excellent support for heavy, oversized glass doors.
  
  
• Concealed closers can be hidden within the head frame of the door or mortised into the top of the door. Consequently, they’re most commonly used with glass, aluminum, and wood doors.
  
  
• High-security closers feature special components, such as metal security covers, to withstand tampering and vandalism.
  
  
• Electronic closers are often used on fire doors. They usually have a solenoid or special holder built into a slide track on the arm of the closer to hold the door open or automatically close it if a fire alarm or smoke detector goes off. Electronic closers are installed on the doorframe and can be painted to match the colour of the door. In addition, they come in 12v, 24v, and 120vac options.

If you need help choosing a door closer, the experts at Creative Door Services™ can help.

Door Protection

Accessories such as kick plates, stretcher plates, and armour plates can help extend the lifespan of your pedestrian door by protecting it from wear and tear. These accessories are inexpensive and easy to install. In addition, they come in a variety of styles and colours.

Installing Hardware

Once you’ve decided on the right finishing hardware and accessories for your pedestrian door, you should have it installed by a professional. You can trust our team of technicians to provide expert installation services. We’ll ensure your finishing hardware meets your building’s requirements and provides the right level of protection. In addition, we offer a planned maintenance program to extend the life and maximize the performance of your pedestrian door.

Western Canada’s Pedestrian Door Experts

Creative Door Services™ carries an extensive selection of finishing hardware and accessories for your pedestrian door. Whether you need a manual keyed entry system, automatic access control, or extra security, we have you covered. We can also service and install any brand of handicap operator. Our expert technicians can help you choose the products required to ensure your business isn’t vulnerable to break-ins and weather damage.

Contact us today at one of our eight locations. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.