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