Commercial Locksmith

What to do if a Door is Sagging?

Oct 15, 2018 | Commercial Locksmith

What to do if a Door is Sagging?

What to do if a Door is Sagging

Sagging Doors

Doors are supposed to sit about an eighth of an inch above the floor, fitting square within their frames. But over time, the alignment can shift due to gravity, your home’s settling foundation, humidity, or a number of other reasons.

You want the doors in your home to be something you don’t have to think about, something that you can close and lock without effort. But a sagging door can cause frustration as it leads to a variety of problems.

For one, you may start noticing that you’re having trouble with your locks, even to the point where they’ve become impossible to use. There are two basic parts to a lock; the lock itself on the door and the strike in the frame. If your door has shifted from its original position, it means that the two parts don’t line up correctly and so it takes a lot more effort to use the lock.

Having to use force to get your door to lock isn’t always effective, and you may have considered getting help from a nearby professional locksmith in Vancouver, WA to solve the issue. But the problem may not be the lock at all. It could very well be a sagging door instead.

Prevent Floor Damage

A sagging door also leads to several other problems as the bigger gap between the door and the frame can cause drafts. The door might also be hitting the frame or the ground, making it harder to close. Having to force your door closed can damage your floor or the door frame over time.

A solution that often gets offered for this problem is to take the whole door off, sand it down, and then refinish it. This isn’t always the most practical thing to do, however. For one, it takes a lot of time and effort.

You also have to be careful to not sand off too much of the door, which can lead to a gap between the door and the floor. Especially if you’re a DIY novice, a project of this scale can be intimidating.

Fortunately, there are some easier things to try that can help a sagging door and don’t involve taking it off its frame.

Hinge Screws

Perhaps the easiest thing to start with is tightening the hinge screws. Years of using a door can loosen its screws, meaning that the door’s weight is not being supported as efficiently as it once was.

Take out one of the hinge screws to see how long it is. Ideally, your screws should be 2.5 to 3 inches, which allows them to reach the wall stud. But doors are often installed with shorter screws, which don’t support the weight as well.

If your door’s screws are long enough, tighten all of them up. This is especially important in the top hinge, which carries more stress. Make sure to use a screwdriver rather than a drill to avoid stripping the screws. This also prevents over-tightening. While you want the screws to be tight, overly tight screws are also a problem and can cause different alignment issues with your door.

If your screws are too short, replace them all with longer ones. When screwing in the new ones, make sure to do so one screw at a time so your door doesn’t fall off its frame. Again, avoid stripping and over tightening by using a screwdriver. During this process, you can also use a level to make sure your door is going on straight.

Hinges

If your door is still sagging after tightening the screws, check to see if the hinges themselves are damaged. Sometimes, they can get bent out of shape and don’t work the same afterward. If this is the case, you can replace your hinges.

Even if just one is damaged, replace all of them as different manufacturers’ hinges might differ slightly. Getting ones that are the same kind ensures that the weight is being evenly supported.

Door Frame

As a locksmith in Vancouver, WA, we get many inquiries from people who are having trouble shutting and locking their doors. But sagging doors aren’t the only problem; uneven door frames can also cause issues.

Are the frame and door on the same level? Frames can get out of alignment due to a shifting foundation or time. The humidity levels here in the Pacific Northwest can also cause wooden frames to shift and warp. Use a carpenter’s square to see if the corners of the frame are at 90-degree angles.

Frame problems have different solutions than sagging doors. If you suspect your issue lies with your door frame, consider calling a professional contractor.

Plane Your Door

While your issue might be solved with a simple fix, such as tightening hinge screws, in some cases, your best or only solution will be to take the whole door off and plane it. This is a process that involves sanding down the door along the edge that has been rubbing. Wooden doors that have absorbed moisture over time can swell, which leads to sagging problems.

Plane a little bit at a time to ensure that you’re not taking off too much of the door, which would lead to too big of a gap. As well, be careful and make sure you’re keeping the door as square as possible.

After planing, you should also refinish your door. A coat of paint or varnish, especially along the newly sanded edge, will help keep moisture out of the wood.

To further ensure this step is successful, replace the hinges and screws as well. That way, if these were damaged through years of use, they won’t continue causing problems with your newly refurbished door.

If you’re not experienced with this type of project, using a plane on your wooden front door might not be the best option for you.

Consider putting a new front door in instead and getting a new lock installed by a locksmith. Vancouver, WA is generally a safe place, but if you’re worried about leaving your home exposed while you sand and refinish your door, consider getting professionals to help.

For more information on ways a door can be improved to increase the level of security, click here.

Top 5 Upgrades To Safely Reopen

by | February 16, 2021 | Access Control, ADA Compliance, Commercial Locksmith, Electronic locks, Locksmith Services, Small Business | 0 Comments

1) Increase Touchless Entries A worthwhile investment into the future is preventing the spread of diseases,...
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Are Keypad Front Door Locks Safe?

by | November 5, 2020 | Electronic locks, Featured | 0 Comments

  Are Keypad Front Door Locks Safe?   Many homes and businesses are switching over to keyless locks, with some people opting for keypad entry...
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Five Types of Commercial Door Locks

by | October 5, 2020 | Commercial Locksmith, Featured, Locks | 0 Comments

You’ve put your all into building your business, so it only makes sense you’d want to keep everything as safe as possible. That’s why many businesses use commercial door locks to safely secure their offices, warehouses, storefronts, etc.

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Harry’s is Your Go-To for Commercial Door Repair Services Near Me

by | June 5, 2020 | Commercial Locksmith | 0 Comments

Commercial Doors   Behind, or more often in front, of every safe and secure business is a strong commercial door. Commercial doors are...
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6 Products That Are Helping Businesses Fight COVID-19: Germ Shields and More

by | May 20, 2020 | Featured Product, Commercial Locksmith, Electronic locks | 0 Comments

Harry’s Locksmith has teamed up with the industry’s leading manufacturers to provide products that can help prevent the spread of viruses like...
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How Does a Commercial Door & Hardware Compare to Residential?

by | November 19, 2019 | Commercial Locksmith, Home Security | 0 Comments

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to owning or running a business or other commercial venture is security. If your building isn’t properly...
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Why You Need a Panic Lock for Emergency Exits

by | April 2, 2019 | Locks, exit locks | 0 Comments

Entering and exiting is something we do dozens of times each day. We don’t think about it. We do it. Yet for many of us, there comes a time when getting out of a building as quickly as possible becomes necessary. And the normal front door operation might not do.

That’s what emergency exits are designed for.

Read More

5 Keyless Entry Options for Businesses

by | February 18, 2019 | Commercial Locksmith, Featured Product | 0 Comments

With smart keyless entry, access to your building is literally at your fingertips. By using your smartphone, you can lock or unlock your building remotely.

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Alternate Entry Solutions for Businesses

by | February 11, 2019 | Commercial Locksmith, Access Control | 0 Comments

Doors open. Doors close. But there’s a lot more to it than that when it comes to designing entrances for different kinds of businesses. Depending on what products or services you offer, alternate entry solutions can strengthen the process.

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Harry’s is Your Go-To Company for Building Lock Replacement Services

by | January 18, 2019 | Locksmith Services, Building Security, Commercial Locksmith | 0 Comments

Why roll the dice and take your chances each time you need to hire a locksmith? Instead, look for one that is skilled in multiple lock replacement services. Harry’s Locksmith offers commercial, residential, and automobile services. We’re a one-stop shop for your service needs.

Read More

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Call Us

360-696-4901

Email Us

shop@harryslocksmith.com

The Exit Locks You Need in Your Commercial Building: Panic vs. Fire

Sep 29, 2018 | Commercial Locksmith, exit locks

The Exit Locks You Need in Your Commercial Building: Panic vs. Fire

The Exit Locks You Need in Your Commercial Building Panic vs. Fire

Emergency Exit Locks

The first rule of any emergency situation is to be prepared. Be prepared with a game plan, an organized response, and an exit strategy. Harry’s Locksmith, your Vancouver locksmith, is here to help you with the latter. We want you to have the correct exit locks in place in case of an emergency.

While we certainly want your commercial building to be secure from unauthorized personnel, we also want you to be able to get out of the building quickly and efficiently when necessary. That’s why we’re going to tell you exactly what exit locks you’ll need in case of a panic or fire emergency.

One of the top concerns we hear from our clients involves the degree of security in their building. We know you work hard and want to protect your business and investments. It makes sense that you would want to ensure your building is impenetrable.

But while your building’s security is of the utmost importance, so too is your safety. That’s why Harry’s Locksmith stocks a variety of exit locks that will allow you to move through and out of the building as needed.

Panic Lock

The first type of safety lock you’ll want to secure on your commercial building is a panic lock. This type of lock can be disabled quickly in the event of an emergency. History has shown us that panic bars are essential in a variety of life and death situations. In fact, panic locks, or bars, came about as a result of the 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire in Chicago, which claimed the lives of 600 people who were unable to exit through the theater’s locked doors.

Panic hardware typically consists of a metal bar placed horizontally across the door. While the door is securely locked from the outside, the metal bar (also known as a push bar or crash bar) can be pushed, thus disabling the latch and allowing for a quick exit from a commercial building. This can help in a variety of emergencies from an active shooter situation to a bomb threat and everything in between.

Panic locks are essential because in heightened situations in which you may panic, you don’t want to be fumbling with locks or otherwise losing precious time. Panic locks ensure that you’re able to exit the building both quickly and efficiently. Not only are they required by certain commercial building codes, they are essential in keeping your tenants, employees, and other building occupants safe.

Fire Exit Locks

Likewise, fire exit locks also allow you to vacate the building quickly in emergency situations. As with panic hardware, fire hardware became standard for commercial buildings following tragic historical events, such as a 1908 fire at the Lake View School in Collinwood, Ohio. As the blog entry notes, “Large numbers of panicking children could not open the latches and ended up crushing each other in an effort to escape.” Following those events, fire safety regulations were altered across the country and the first model of a panic bar was introduced.

Now, many commercial building codes require the use of such locks. So what’s the difference between a fire exit lock and a panic lock? Firstly, fire exit locks are used on fire rated doors. A fire rated door prevents the spread of fire and is typically composed of heavier parts than a panic door.

Another key difference between fire hardware and panic hardware is that a fire exit lock must re-latch upon closing. This requirement helps the door withstand the pressures of the fire and limit its spread to other areas of the building.

How do you know which lock you’ll need for your commercial building? As mentioned, some of that will be determined by international building code. But part of it will also be determined by the purpose of your particular building and its use.

For instance, there are many variations on panic hardware and fire exit hardware that can be installed based on your individual building needs. An infant-care unit at a hospital, for instance, may opt to have a delayed egress locking system installed on its doors. Delayed egress locking systems allow security personnel more time to thoroughly vet those attempting to enter and leave the area.

Such systems also disable the delayed egress locking mechanism once the automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system is activated, thereby allowing occupants to quickly vacate the building in fire emergencies.

On the other hand, you may want to have sensor releases on your doors that will detect when someone is approaching. For example, a building serving the physically disabled may want to ensure occupants are able to quickly exit the building when necessary. Sensors remove the need to physically push the panic bar by detecting when individuals are approaching the door from within the building, allowing for an easy means of egress.

There are many factors to consider when selecting panic and fire exit hardware for your building. One item of importance is that while panic locks and fire exit locks can be life-saving measures, they will only work if properly installed. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your safety and security. That’s why it’s important to contact your trusted Vancouver locksmith to ensure proper installation of such locks.

Harry’s Locksmith serves the Greater Vancouver, Portland Metro area and businesses along the Pacific Northwest I-5 corridor. We’re an established regional and community partner since 1949. Our locksmiths are experts in their field and can also answer any questions you have about which lock to place where. After all, locks aren’t one size fits all.

We want to make sure that you are choosing the ones most appropriate for the safety and security of your occupants. That’s why we’ll customize your exit locks to best suit you and your commercial building. And remember, enhanced safety doesn’t have to mean compromised security. We’ll make sure you have the best of both worlds, so that you and your occupants feel safe, as well as secure.

 

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Why is the Electric Strike Lock Door Handle Hot?

Sep 8, 2018 | Commercial Locksmith, electrified door lock

Why is the Electric Strike Lock Door Handle Hot?

Why is the Electric Strike Lock Door Handle Hot

Have you ever gone to grab the handle of a door and it felt strangely warm? While your instincts might have been screaming fire, there may have been another explanation for this sensation. And every builder of residential homes and commercial buildings should be aware of it.

New construction buildings that have electrified door locks have all sorts of unique quirks that one new to construction might not be familiar with. But even the experienced builder should learn a thing or two about the new technology available for locks and door handles. Electric strike locks enables the electric release of a locked mechanical latch or bolt. But if you’ve ever passed by an electric strike lock door and felt heat coming off the handle, your gut reaction might be to concern.

Nothing is scarier than feeling heat coming off that metal, especially if you’re mind goes to images of metal working and shaping. But a hot strike lock is a different sort of problem all together. Though it might seem like a sure sign that something is malfunctioning in your electrified door lock, there are reasonable explanations why an electric strike lock might get hot.

We here are Harry’s Locksmith have found the three reasons why your electrified door lock might be hot. While it might seem dangerous, we assure you there is a simple fix if a hot strike lock is your problem.

 

Why Use An Electrified Door Lock

Many commercial buildings choose electric strike locks because it gives them greater control over the timing of when a door may or may not be accessed. A master control panel will regulate the hours during the day or night when a door is open, or even who has access to that door with the appropriate credentials.

An electrified door lock can make commercial or community spaces more safe and protected. However, just like any door, there are several ways that these types of locks can malfunction and get too hot for comfort.

 

It’s in Constant Use

Construction professionals hear questions all the time about electric strikes that are hot to the touch. But the number one reason why that might be the case is that the door is in constant use and therefore is being powered continuously.

Often this is a problem if the lock is being used for several hours a day without rest and most electrified door locks run continuously because they use electricity to remain locked for part of the day.

If a door is unlocked through the use of an electrical timer, the lock or the strike that is controlled by the timer is run continuously for part of the timing cycle. Which means that the electric power that flows through the latch and bolt has ‘burned out’ solenoid. Which brings us to the second reason for a hot-to-the-touch electrified door lock.

 

The Coil Pack is Old

A ‘burnt out’ or ‘burnt in’ solenoid is the result of an old strike. Over time the coil pack inside the solenoid becomes less efficient and eventually the potting inside the solenoids melt or ‘burn in.’

A solenoid can reach up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but once it exceeds this temperature is when things start to get risky.

When the potting ‘burns in’ it takes more amperage to power the lock because there is more resistance in the electrical circuit as it passes through the coil.

And though the phrase ‘burned out’ might seem scary, when this happens there is no reason to believe that the solenoid will catch on fire. It simply means that the solenoid has been worn so much so that it no longer functions properly. If this is the case, your coil pack may be running toward the end of its life cycle and it will be time to replace the unit with a new electrified door lock.

 

There are Problems With Your Power Supply

The source of power for your electrified door lock can also be the root of your hot door handle issues. The resistance in your coil will only be exacerbated if there are problems with the your power supply.

A power supply with less than sufficient amperage to consistently power your strike lock will cause your solenoid to “run” hotter. Additionally, a drop in the current of energy, say through a long wire run with inadequate wire gauge, will cause the solenoid to not receive sufficient current, also causing the lock to run hot.

On the hand, a voltage supply that is too high, higher than the solenoid is rated to accept, will also result in a hot strike lock.

But it’s important to remember that sometimes solenoids just run hot. However, if the lock or handle seems like it could cause injury or is unusable, disconnect the device and call a professional locksmith to inspect what the problem might be.

Another great tip, according to Door Hardware Genius, to prevent overheating (after first making sure that your power supply issues have been resolved, if that is the root of the problem) is to use an electrified door strike with full inrush voltage and current upon activation and then reduce the voltage and/or current to a holding level, which will allow the solenoid to run cooler.

If fixing your electric strike lock door temperature seems like a task too dangerous for you to fix on your own, why not let our team at Harry’s Locksmith send over one of our talented technicians to walk you through the process. We offer a full range of commercial and residential locksmith services and have been a part of the Vancouver, Washington community for over 60 years.

Allow us to treat you like family, as we have with all of our customers since we first opened our doors in 1949. Our services include facilities upgrades; lock installation, repair, and replacement; electrified locks, strikes panic hardware, security doors, ada compliance, and mag locks installation and repair; and even door installation, repair, or replacement.

No matter what needs you have for your home or business, we’ll be happy to help.

Top 5 Upgrades To Safely Reopen

by | February 16, 2021 | Access Control, ADA Compliance, Commercial Locksmith, Electronic locks, Locksmith Services, Small Business | 0 Comments

1) Increase Touchless Entries A worthwhile investment into the future is preventing the spread of diseases,...
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Are Keypad Front Door Locks Safe?

by | November 5, 2020 | Electronic locks, Featured | 0 Comments

  Are Keypad Front Door Locks Safe?   Many homes and businesses are switching over to keyless locks, with some people opting for keypad entry...
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Five Types of Commercial Door Locks

by | October 5, 2020 | Commercial Locksmith, Featured, Locks | 0 Comments

You’ve put your all into building your business, so it only makes sense you’d want to keep everything as safe as possible. That’s why many businesses use commercial door locks to safely secure their offices, warehouses, storefronts, etc.

Read More

Harry’s is Your Go-To for Commercial Door Repair Services Near Me

by | June 5, 2020 | Commercial Locksmith | 0 Comments

Commercial Doors   Behind, or more often in front, of every safe and secure business is a strong commercial door. Commercial doors are...
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6 Products That Are Helping Businesses Fight COVID-19: Germ Shields and More

by | May 20, 2020 | Featured Product, Commercial Locksmith, Electronic locks | 0 Comments

Harry’s Locksmith has teamed up with the industry’s leading manufacturers to provide products that can help prevent the spread of viruses like...
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How Does a Commercial Door & Hardware Compare to Residential?

by | November 19, 2019 | Commercial Locksmith, Home Security | 0 Comments

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to owning or running a business or other commercial venture is security. If your building isn’t properly...
Read More

Why You Need a Panic Lock for Emergency Exits

by | April 2, 2019 | Locks, exit locks | 0 Comments

Entering and exiting is something we do dozens of times each day. We don’t think about it. We do it. Yet for many of us, there comes a time when getting out of a building as quickly as possible becomes necessary. And the normal front door operation might not do.

That’s what emergency exits are designed for.

Read More

5 Keyless Entry Options for Businesses

by | February 18, 2019 | Commercial Locksmith, Featured Product | 0 Comments

With smart keyless entry, access to your building is literally at your fingertips. By using your smartphone, you can lock or unlock your building remotely.

Read More

Alternate Entry Solutions for Businesses

by | February 11, 2019 | Commercial Locksmith, Access Control | 0 Comments

Doors open. Doors close. But there’s a lot more to it than that when it comes to designing entrances for different kinds of businesses. Depending on what products or services you offer, alternate entry solutions can strengthen the process.

Read More

Harry’s is Your Go-To Company for Building Lock Replacement Services

by | January 18, 2019 | Locksmith Services, Building Security, Commercial Locksmith | 0 Comments

Why roll the dice and take your chances each time you need to hire a locksmith? Instead, look for one that is skilled in multiple lock replacement services. Harry’s Locksmith offers commercial, residential, and automobile services. We’re a one-stop shop for your service needs.

Read More

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Call Us

360-696-4901

Email Us

shop@harryslocksmith.com

What to Consider Before Changing Commercial Locks

Jul 21, 2018 | Commercial Locksmith

What to Consider Before Changing Commercial Locks

As a business owner, you wear a lot of hats during the day. You can start out the day as a human resource director, move into salesforce mode before lunch, and end the day as a janitor taking out the trash.

There’s a lot to think about. There’s a lot to worry about.

And while some things can be solved with simple courses of action, studies show that we don’t always take the most straightforward routes. A recent survey from Insureon reported that almost 9 percent of business owners had a burglary or theft large enough to file an insurance claim.

What to Consider Before Changing Commercial LocksOf course, burglary and theft can include a wide variety of malicious behavior. Some thieves are savvy enough to hack their way in through technology, even if they’re a half a world away.

But in many cases, thieves break in for one reason: opportunity. They find an easy way in, take it, and help themselves to things that are easily converted to cash.

The best way to stop that behavior is easier than you think. It involves paying a little more attention to your locks.

As a commercial locksmith, we’re called onto job sites all the time where break-ins could have been prevented with just a little foresight. Do you see yourself in any of these situations?

Lost Keys

It happens to all of us; when we lose a key and no matter how hard we search, we can’t come across it. It seems to disappear.

Whether you merely misplaced it or someone picked it up with less than good intentions in mind, a lost key puts you at risk. If you can’t pinpoint who has a set of keys and who doesn’t, it’s best to take the safest way out and replace the locks on your doors.

If you find losing keys becomes a habit, especially if you have several employees who lose them on a regular basis, it might be time to find an alternative. A keyless entry system may be the solution. It can give you the opportunity to change out security numbers as frequently as you desire.

Situation Changes

Life happens. And that means we have things that can change and impact our safety every single day.

  • Have you had an employee quit?
  • Do you have employees working after hours?
  • Have you sold off a portion of your business to someone new?
  • Have you had a divorce, separation, or dispute?
  • Have you given keys to a maintenance worker?
  • Have you provided keys to housekeeping?
  • Have you renovated your space and had contractors enter your space?

Every time you entrust a key to someone new, it puts the potential for risk at a higher level.

As a commercial locksmith, we hear the tales all the time. “But we trusted him.” “I forgot all about giving her a key.”

We lock doors to create a barrier of entry. But in many cases, it’s people we’ve trusted in the past who have the most opportunity to do us harm.

Move

Moving is one of the most stressful times in our lives. And while statistics show that we tend to move into a new home on average every seven years, we move offices just as frequently.

  • We move when we outgrow a space.
  • We move to a newer building with better amenities.
  • We move to enhance our brand.

And while logic tells us that with every move, updating the locks on the doors is a wise move to make, busyness often gets in the way and we simply forget.

Sure, you may have installed a new lock on the front door, but what about the interior doors?

  • How about the locks on top management offices?
  • How about the locks on the computer room?
  • How about the locks on the side that open up to the hallway?
  • How about the locks to the supply closet?

What would a would-be thief have access to if they made it past your front door? Especially if they had the keys in hand?

Break In or Attempted Break In

Want to know who is at greatest risk for a break in? If you said a building that was recently broken into, you’re correct.

While it goes against what most people think, there is a reason. Burglars know your defenses are down. We tend to think that if it happened once, we’re at a lower risk for it happening again.

Burglars also know we’re more likely to spend time recovering from loss rather than beefing up security. We’re more worried about replacing items like computers and supplies than worrying about replacing the locks.

That gives thieves a chance to come back in and take more. In many cases, they’ll have an even easier time—you’ll have boxes of new computers stacked up and ready for the taking.

If you’ve been broken into, before you replace anything, invest in a new lock system first.

Wear and Tear

Even the most secure locks will start to wear out over time. The keys lose their sharpness. It takes a little more wiggle to make the connection.

We often look at that little extra time needed to find the connection as a minor annoyance. But for a thief, they look at it as an opportunity. If it takes a little extra wiggle to find the connection with a key, chances are it only takes a little wiggle to pop the lock and be inside in seconds.

You can start to see wear and tear on the outside. The shininess fades. The area around the key entry is scratched and worn. Even your key starts looking a little more faded with time.

Don’t wait for the worst to happen. There’s six signs that your commercial lock may be wearing out. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for a replacement. 

Age

Even if your locks stay shiny and new-looking, age makes every lock degrade over time. Even with a simple lock-and-key system, technology has changed. And with new technology means an improved way to lock and secure your premises from potential risks.

Even if you don’t want to move into a more sophisticated, smart technology system, today’s key entries are more secure than ever.

If it’s been more than a few years since you’ve upgraded your entry system, now is the time.

And we can help you. From simple rekeying to adding high security to your space, our team of highly qualified and trained technicians provide a variety of commercial locksmith services to help you keep your assets safe.

Contact to Schedule a Survey

What Makes an Entrance ADA Complaint?

Jul 16, 2018 | Commercial Locksmith, Locksmith Services

What Makes an Entrance ADA Complaint?

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act took effect in the early 1990s, it has helped improve the quality of life for many disabled individuals that are out living and working in various parts of the country.

Businesses have many different requirements to follow and having ADA compliant entrances are one of the most important details that must be adhered to. The ADA states that people living with disabilities should not be restricted in arriving on site to a building or facility. They should be able to enter as easily as others do. For this reason, it is important to be sure that your facility has met ADA compliance rules.Woman in Wheelchair Opening Non-ADA Complaint Door - Harry's Locksmith

ADA standards apply to all places of public accommodation, including businesses, commercial facilities, and state and local government buildings and sites.

Whether you’re planning on constructing a new building or you are working on upgrading your business or facility to become ADA compliant, it is important to make sure you understand the various requirements that are outlined by the law. Learn more from our specialty locksmith team at Harry’s Locksmith by gaining many the important details you need below.

Parking and Drop-off Areas

The curbs must have curb cuts at parking and drop-off areas and there should be parking spaces designated for lift vans and other vehicles that require disability accessibility.

Disabled parking spaces should be close to the exit and entrances and should be marked clearly. The minimum number of accessible spaces will vary for each facility, depending on the total amount of parking spaces offered. At least one of every six accessible spaces, needs to be large enough to accommodate vans.

Approaching the Facility

One of the first requirements is that stairs should not be a necessity to enter the building. If there are stairs, there should also be a walkway that is stable and slip resistant and at least 36 inches wide so people with wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and walkers can access it.

If there are objects around the path, they need to be easily detectable for a person with visual disabilities using a cane. Hardened materials such as asphalt, concrete, tile, and wood are firm and stable enough for accessibility. Loose materials like gravel are not firm enough and will not meet ADA guidelines.

Ramps

The ADA requires that ramps cannot have a greater ratio of one inch in height to 12 inches along the ramp base. If the ramp is longer than six feet, railings on both sides are mandatory. Railings need to be slip resistant and steady and need to be 34 to 38 inches high. In some instances, elevators or platform lifts may be used as an alternative option.

Entering the Facility

If stairs are the main way to enter the building, there should also be a lift or ramp option for the disabled. If there are inaccessible entrances, they should be marked clearly and there should be directions to another alternate accessible entrance in the area that can be used independently.

At the entrance door, there should be a 32-inch clear opening and there should be at least 18 inches of clear space on the pulling side of the door, near the handle. The threshold should not be more than a quarter inch, as this could be a severe tripping hazard. If the edge is beveled, it can be no more than 3/4 inches high.

Door hardware is also important here, as the handle on the door cannot be more than 48 inches
and it should be able to open without tight grasping or twisting. People that have mobility issues or arthritis need to have the option for an easy-to-operate handle, such as a lever or loop handle.

Traditional round door knobs are not accessible because they require twisting and grasping. If your door has an automatic closer on it, it should open at a 90-degree angle and should take three to five seconds to close to allow for a person to get in and out without feeling rushed in fear of the door closing on them.

If there are multiple entrances in the facility, the accessible entrances need to be left open or unlocked during business hours. If there are safety and security precautions in place and the building needs to remain locked, there should be an intercom or doorbell that is mounted no more than four feet above the ground, so the person can alert the staff that they need to enter the building.

Does Your Existing Facility Need Upgrades?

Now that the requirements are outlined above, it is important to survey your facility to see what needs to be done to make it fully ADA compliant.

Start outside and look closely at site arrival points including the parking lot and sidewalk areas. Move next to the entrances and make a checklist of what is already there and what needs to be changed. Be sure to bring along a measuring tape and take accurate measurements so you can be certain that what is there is already compliant.

When in doubt, take pictures, measure a few times, and write things down. This allows you to stay organized and work through the checklist with ease.

If your survey results show that you need to make some changes to your facility, you have likely started searching for an experienced specialty locksmith in the Portland metro area to help get your entrance ADA compliant. Look no further than Harry’s Locksmith.

Our team of knowledgeable locksmiths have worked with businesses and residents for over six decades and we provide a variety of services in addition to helping people with lockouts. We can work quickly to install automatic door operators and have the right kind of hardware for your business to upgrade and meet current ADA standards.

Our specialty locksmith services also include rekeying and master keying services, commercial electronic access control, security solutions, and more. Contact Harry’s Locksmith today for information on the commercial services we provide that will help ensure your facility is ADA compliant.

Electronic Security is Trending in the Locksmith Industry

Jun 21, 2018 | Building Security, Commercial Locksmith

Electronic Security is Trending in the Locksmith Industry

Electronic Security

 

When you’re starting a business there are so many things that you’ll need to plan out, but one important factor that shouldn’t be forgotten is the safety and security of your work space. More and more commercial businesses are choosing an electronic security system for their security needs. And there are goods reason why. Electronic security is the best way to manage access to your office space, apartment complex, hospital, school, or place of worship with detailed control over who has access to the premises.

In 2016, the Security Hardware Distributors Association (SHDA) held its yearly convention in Texas. Out of the 40 vendors on display, 25 of them prominently featured electronic locking systems. And the numbers have only gone up since then.

Electronic Security is Trending in the Locksmith Industry

An electronic security system has become the industry leader for its precision and accuracy. In a world where everything is becoming digitized, your business should not be the exception. The best locksmith will be able to point you in the direction of the right electronic security system for you, but don’t just take our word for it.

Here are some important reasons why electronic security is trending in the locksmith industry today.

Why Electronic Security?

Traditional mechanical security (or a system that uses keys) has historically been the gold-standard and will continue to be a necessary option in residential spaces where there are fewer users who need credentials. In the commercial realm, however, electronic security is more effective in providing and controlling access for a high volume of users, not to mention that unlike a key, an electronic key card or fob cannot be easily duplicated without the owner’s knowledge.

Additionally, keys don’t give owners the same control when it comes to timely access to buildings. An electronic security system will allow the owner to control what times their users may enter the premises and will digitally record who entered and left the building.

If you’re operating in a large building, you might want stringent controls over which entryways are accessible to the public and what times these doors will close for the night. Instead of spending your evening going from door to door to close up shop, an electronic security system will allow you to remotely set timers for all entryways. Meaning, less work for you and more security for your building.

Key Failure

Heavy, noisy, and easily vulnerable to theft, keys are no longer the industry standard for commercial buildings. Aside from the aforementioned fact that keys can easily be duplicated without their owner’s knowledge, keys also offer no control over when or who can access a door.

Think about it; as long as a key is being used, anyone has access to that doorway. Even if they aren’t an authorized user. A mechanical lock also cannot provide the owner with a list of the credential’s use (who used it and when), which is imperative for maximum security.

If a key is lost or stolen, the owner of the building must incur the cost of replacing locks for the entire building. Whereas in an electronic security system, you can easily shut off access for that specific electronic credential and reissue a new one to your authorized user, saving you time and hundreds of dollars.

Finally, mechanical locks can be defeated, which can ruin businesses who sell or use pricey materials. While mechanical locks will always have their place in security, the best locksmith will instruct you to use an electronic security system.

How do Electronic Locking Systems Work

There are many different options for how your electronic locking system can work. Whether that be keypads in the entrance ways of your buildings, magnetic strip cards that can be swiped for entry, or even proxy readers (like your key fobs or key cards) that can be waved in front of a reader for access.

What remains the same is this; a system of readers (keypads or lock-mounted readers) will be placed in any of the entryways of your choosing. The same credentials can be used for all entryways or additional credentials can be added to doors that are for users with higher security clearances. Your reader will carefully audit every electronic credential that is used to access the premises, ensuring premium security.

Electronic Security’s Staying Power

As we’ve seen with our cell phones, electronic security is the wave of the future. The latest in mobile security has even advanced so far as to include thumbprint and iris-recognition, but your business won’t need to go that far.

The development of new and innovative tools for electronic security has only just begun. More and more locksmiths are realizing that businesses need higher levels of control over their work space. And the best locksmiths know that the future capabilities of electronic security are endless.

Take for instance, the improvement in access to handicapped or injured users. Electronic doors, that open and close with the swipe of a credential, have made it so much easier for those who are less mobile to enter and leave a premise. If you are running a commercial operation, there will be no bigger point of pride then knowing your building is inclusive.

The perks to an electronic space are overwhelming, but we here at Harry’s Locksmith are here to help. Since 1949 we’ve helped our local businesses, schools, and places of worship protect their spaces and keep our community safe.

Our mission is to make sure every customer of Harry’s Locksmith feels like one of “Harry’s family” by providing personalized attention and the best in customer service. We offer an array of commercial services, including access control to your electronic security system, creating a security system that will pass inspection with the American with Disabilities Act, safe servicing and combination changes, and much more.

Whether you’re just starting on your dream project or you want to update your current security system, give us a call and allow us to show you what it means to get the best locksmith in town. We guarantee that you’ll be happy with our service.

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