HARDWAREEXTRA
Maximising the value of your door hardware
By Simon Osborne , Commercial Leader UK & Ireland of Allegion UK
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WHEN LOOKING AT DOOR hardware , it may at first appear to be a simple choice that can be broken down into three broad factors : appearance , functionality , and cost , i . e . what type of hardware looks best , does what I need it to do right now and is the cheapest method of fulfilling the requirement .
However , there should be a much deeper thought process than that of the face value considerations listed above , particularly if you are specifying for multiple buildings , high footfall areas or if you are building in the public sector .
‘ choosing the right product the first time can yield real cost savings ’
For example , the Autumn 2015 Spending Review highlighted that 8,000 specialist homes should be built for older people and people with disabilities . On the face of it , that might signal a cost-cutting exercise , but for the finely attuned door hardware expert , it means complex analysis into which door hardware products will best meet the needs of the elderly and disabled within the budget allowed , but also provide the best value and lifespan . Decision factors will include looking at what access systems are needed for carers , what emergency exit systems need to be in place for the occupants and staff , how best to accommodate the users ’ needs , amongst a whole host of other considerations .
And whilst the British Property Federation argued that the NHS should “ move beyond thinking about the relatively small savings that can be made through improved facilities management ” ( BPF Analysis : Spending Review and Autumn Statement 2015 ), we in the industry know that choosing the right product the first time can yield real cost savings . Whether it is through installation , maintenance , replacement , preventing yourself from fines or other hidden costs , that is applicable to any industry you may be in .
Here is our quick guide to what you should be considering in order to maximise the value of your door hardware .
LOWERING INSTALLATION , MAINTENANCE AND RUNNING COSTS
From call outs to wiring , fitting to testing and more , labour costs are one of the highest components of the built environment spend . However , it is one that can be reduced with correct specification .
If you are upgrading your door hardware , try considering electromechanical wireless options . Most modern closers and door furniture now run off batteries and communicate wirelessly through routers , so there is less dependence on hard-wiring to building power sources and hubs . Battery life is also no longer a hindering factor as we can now see standard AAA battery-run hardware lasting upwards of 20,000 cycles .
Choosing door furniture and systems that are designed specifically for retrofitting will also cut costs from installation and maintenance through less upheaval and less disruption . In most cases , all that is required is a simple remove and replace .
QUALITY OVER COST
It may be tempting to use products that hold a cheaper ticket price , but , logically , picking products that are more durable and are also proven to last longer will eventually save money in the long run .
Cheap products are cheap for a reason , and they often have poorer performance over quality engineered hardware . Whether that means they have poorer grading standards or are manufactured from less robust materials , it all results in shorter lifecycles .
Door closers and exit devices in education and healthcare facilities are a prime example
60 » JAN 2017 » CLEARVIEW-UK . COM