Exit doors can take a beating. We receive over 31,000 service calls a year – so when I say we’ve seen it all, I’m not exaggerating. Take a look this back door. Before you ask – yes, this is a real door we saw in the field. While many of the service calls we receive are for issues like sagging doors and broken closers (not quite as exciting as this one) we’ve also seen our fair share of “what were they thinking” issues.
We recently received a call from a store with a malfunctioning panic alarm –after our standard diagnosis questions it was revealed that they had poured hot water on an interior panic alarm because they thought the lock was frozen. While that may unfreeze the lock, it most certainly will fry the electronics.
Top 10 Ways to Increase Exit Door Durability
1. If you have to prop the door open, use a proper doorstop.
The number of hinge issues we’ve seen as the result of objects (like brooms) being wedged into the hinge and frame are insurmountable.
2. Don’t abuse the door – use exit hardware properly.
We have been called out for malfunctioning panic hardware only to quickly find a foot imprint on the hardware. Hmmmm-I wonder if the malfunction started immediately following the arrival of said footprint?
3. When it’s time to hose out the back of the restaurant, prop the door open and/or avoid getting water on the door.
Getting the door and hardware wet can cause a number of issues including interior door rust and hardware damage. There is hardware designed for this type of usage, but if your hardware isn’t weather resistant follow this rule of thumb.
4. Call a technician at the first sign of problems.
If you notice the door dragging, slamming, sticking, etc. – call. Early repairs are the easiest way to prevent further damage to the other hardware on the door.
5. Ensure there is a solid coat of paint on the door at all times.
This sounds like a cosmetic issues but touching up any chipped paint will prevent rust from forming which compromises the integrity and security of the door. If you see rust forming, thoroughly wire brush the area and paint it with primer and a good exterior paint.
6. Avoid installing anything on the exterior of the door that holds moisture, such as large adhesive signs and kick plates.
Anything that holds moisture between itself and the door will cause rust.
7. Avoid installing auxiliary locking hardware such as deadbolts and police bars on any exterior doors labeled as exits as it is likely against fire code.
Consult your local AHJ or a building code professional before installing any auxiliary locking hardware.
8. Avoid propping doors open in the rain whenever possible.
The rain can damage hardware mounted on the interior of the door, especially if it is electrified.
9. Change the batteries on panic alarms on a regular basis.
Not only will this help avoid the annoying low battery chirp, but it will also ensure that you will always be notified of unauthorized exit from your building.
10. Always prop the door open using a proper doorstop before moving merchandise in and out.
We have seen numerous doors damaged by hand- and push-carts being slammed into the door or crash bar.