Securing Your Fort Collins Business Starts with the Right Doors

Do you know what your commercial property’s first line of defense is? It’s not the locks, alarms, or surveillance cameras. These unsung heroes are so reliable and consistent that we forget about them: your doors. Many businesses run into common commercial door installation pitfalls. The result is lackluster security, failed safety regulations, and ongoing maintenance issues. Avoid the ongoing costs and headaches by getting it right from the start. Here’s a rundown of five common mistakes in commercial door installation and tips to steer clear of them in your Fort Collins, CO, business.

SEE MORE: Improve the Look and Feel of Your Business While Keeping Secure

Mistake #1: Bad Measurements Lead to Poor Fits

One of the most fundamental blunders people make is not measuring accurately. Sloppy measurements result in doors that don’t fit right and a cascade of problems. The most obvious one is security. A door that doesn’t fully close is a welcome mat for intruders. However, there are other costly results as well. Gaps let heat and cool air escape and spike energy bills. Poorly fitted doors strain the hinges and frame and require more regular maintenance. 

The solution is the handyman’s favorite mantra: measure twice and cut ones. Professionals like Locksafe Systems know how to get precise measurements for the door dimensions. They’ll account for the thickness of flooring, necessary clearance space and environmental conditions. 

Mistake #2: Picking the Wrong Door for Your Environment

Choosing the right door for the specific setting is often easier said than done. Most clients we work with had no idea there were so many options. First, it’s important to find the right material. A wooden door is great for a cozy office but warps easily in certain climates. Steel doors should always be a priority in high-security situations. Next, you need to think about fire safety compliance and ensure any doors you use are fire-rated. 

The first step in all our commercial door installations is to examine the environment where the door will be installed closely. Then based on that information, we’ll advise you on the doors that will fit the use case best in terms of performance and compliance. A chat with the experts at Lock Safe Systems can make a world of difference in finding the perfect match.

Mistake #3: Dropping the Ball on Hardware Selection or Installation

Door hardware is as important as the door itself. Failing to select or install it properly leads to major headaches later on. Once again, the security pitfalls are the most glaring. Cheap locks can fail at the worst times and leave your business open to break-ins. Misplaced locks could also violate safety and fire regulations. Misaligned hinges could cause the door to sag, leading to frustrating operational issues and reduced efficiency.

We invest in heavy-duty, commercial-grade hardware that can withstand high traffic. We check all locks, closers, and hinges are aligned and securely fastened. Modern solutions, like electronic access control, further boost security and ease of use.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Fire and ADA Compliance Standards

Ignoring important compliance standards can lead to serious headaches and risks. Not following fire safety codes can result in hefty fines or lawsuits for ADA non-compliance. Even a fire-rated door could create dangerous situations and legal issues if improperly installed. 

We use fire-rated doors where necessary and make sure they’re installed correctly. We also confirm that doors meet ADA standards—things like proper width and automatic opening capabilities matter. Working with certified pros who understand compliance is key to avoiding any slip-ups.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Even the best-installed doors need a little TLC to keep functioning well. Neglect can lead to unnoticed wear and tear and result in expensive repairs when easy fixes would have been possible earlier. In addition, wear and tear could cause doors not to close or lock properly. 

Put together a routine schedule for thorough inspections to catch misalignments, rust, and other wear and tear. Regular maintenance is needed for locks, hinges, and auto-closers. Consider partnering with a reliable provider, like Lock Safe Systems, who can support ongoing care.

Want to make sure your commercial door installation hits the mark? With years of expertise, we can help navigate the ins and outs of commercial door selection, installation, and maintenance. Call us or fill out our contact form for a consultation.