COMMERCIAL LOCK CHANGE
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHANGING COMMERCIAL LOCKS
There are many factors to consider when changing the locks on a commercial property. Some of the most common mistakes people make when replacing or installing new locks is choosing the wrong lock type for the door and not considering the basic requirements for the entry point being secured. The door design, material, shape, dimensions and purpose are important aspects to consider when choosing the lock. Exterior door locks have different requirements than interior doors. You would expect to find a different style of lock on a wooden door versus a metal one. The hardware on an emergency door will serve a different purpose than the mechanism you find on a glass storefront door. All these comparisons illustrate the stark differences between the types of doors and their purpose. The most important step in changing your commercial locks is analyzing your property's entry points along with the security requirements.
TYPES OF COMMERCIAL LOCKS
The types of commercial locks are essentially based on the door and property type. Some of the most common ones include:
- Lever handle locks - Commonly used lock with lever handle for interior doors. Its simple to use and can withstand repeated use.
- Mortise locks - Very durable and secure lock typically used for main entry points with high traffic volume. This is the workhorse for storefront doors and is admired for its design flexibility.
- Panic bar - Keyless lock that is designed to facilitate the exit of a building by simply depressing or pushing a bar that is horizontally attached to a door. This is frequently used for emergency exits to allow quick and easy access to many people in a short period of time.
PROPERTY TYPE AND SUITABLE HARDWARE
It is just as important to consider the type of commercial property as it is to take into account the door type. An office building door lock will have a different set of requirements than a front door to a hotel. Considering the commercial property type and class will ensure that the security requirements are met and the overall design is uniform. Different property types include:
- Office buildings - Urban and suburban properties housing one or many companies in an office setting.
- Retail properties - Spaces in malls, shopping centers or mixed use buildings with high traffic.
- Industrial buildings - Buildings used for manufacturing or other indutrial purposes that typically have restricted access.
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
The security requirements for your property will need to be decided based on the type of building, door and the property that needs to be secured. For instance, a jewelry store or bank will likely have a much higher security requirement than a travel agency.