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problem with regards to security . In addition , for a certificated fire door , it may be illegal to have more than a 3mm gap between seal and frame , and if it doesn ’ t latch , then it ’ s not performing its fire-resistance duties .
To prevent against unwanted access , operation difficulties and legality problems , facility managers should put in place a maintenance schedule to check over these doors regularly , both before winter begins and during the course of the season .
Use of latchbolt monitor switches can also be a smarter way of checking whether doors are latched properly . These products work by sending a signal to a central monitoring station , giving confirmation of when the door is shut and secure .
Heavy duty cast iron door closers are also advised . Their all-weather fluid maintains viscosity and stability to assure maintenance-free performance , while double heat treated oversized pinions withstand wear and tear .
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AIR PRESSURE CHANGES IN WINTER
A common misconception is that , in summer , doors slam due to the oil in the closers becoming more viscous . However , it is actually sometimes due to air pressure changes with windows being opened within the building . Whilst this is true when a vacuum is created in residential homes where no door closers are used , it is not correct for buildings where closers are in effect .
What actually happens is that when winter arrives , doors and windows are closed up to retain heat , meaning no air gets into the building . This change in air pressure causes closers to shut doors incorrectly – either not latch or shut too quickly . This is particularly prevalent for care homes and student accommodations . Air pressure can make doors harder to open as well .
For care homes , employing door closers that have a free-swing or swing-free feature , which can turn a door into a free swinging operation , can be especially useful in these situations . The door becomes easier to open for these users who may have lessened upper body strength .
Use of door closers with adjustable closing force and backcheck functionality is advised in student accommodations .
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The former allows students to overcome air pressure forces , while the latter prevents the door from being ‘ thrown ’ open and thus protects the door , door hardware and the wall behind the door from damage . |
MAINTENANCE MISCONCEPTIONS
Winter inherently brings cold weather , and maintenance staff or cleaners may unwittingly assume that spraying door closers and locks with antifreeze solutions to prevent any sticking or freezing is the correct thing to do .
That ’ s a common misconception , and one that should be avoided . While moisture in the air can get into locks and joints and subsequently freeze and misalign your door hardware , preventative measures can be taken to prevent this .
Using a water repellent spray to stop any moisture from sticking to hardware is the best way to stop water ingress . Using antifreeze solutions is highly hazardous as the chemicals are not tested against door hardware and they will corrode the hardware materials .
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RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY RISING
Extended dark nights mean more opportunities for burglars to be on the prowl , particularly in residential areas . The obvious reason is that lower lighting means less visibility and better chances to attack without getting caught . Older properties are more vulnerable as attackers know these buildings may have older residents and the door components are likely to be of a less secure nature .
To stop attackers getting through your doors , look at your current locks and faceplates . If they don ’ t have the BSI Kitemark standard , then it may be worth changing to ones that have . Locks baring this symbol means they have passed the British Standards Institution test and will have completed intrusion attacks .
Door viewers , visible alarm systems and lighting are also advisable to ward off any opportunists .
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