ALL ABOUT THE DOOR
reliable replacements - signified by thirdparty accreditations - should be identified and installed by a professional as soon as possible .
Cold weather maintenance
A drop in temperature can also have an adverse effect on the operation of a door and put stress on its ironmongery components . The wooden frames located around doors and windows for example , are especially susceptible to cold weather conditions and can occasionally expand and contract - leading to complications with insulation and more crucially , risking the integrity of access points .
Swelling and shrinking may alter door components and can leave gaps in mechanisms , generally disrupting its operation . When swollen , a door may damage its closing mechanism , leaving the latch to jam and making it more difficult to open and close - therefore presenting itself as a target for break-ins . Conversely , a shrunken door may leave unwanted gaps between itself and its hinges , potentially becoming a critical fire safety risk as a result of its inability to compartmentalise smoke and flames effectively . Generally , gaps around a door frame should read between 3 to 4mm , but should they show larger through winter , it ’ s important to seek advice from the manufacturer or a professional .
In more severe cases , door hardware can become frozen and may prompt users to force its operation . Over time , this type of damage can accumulate and leave ironmongery in a state of disrepair , disrupting business and leaving buildings susceptible to security breaches in the process . Loose screws located on locks or latches for example , can complicate the operation of doors and windows by causing them to rub or stick to the frame , and subsequently , should be tightened or replaced at first indication .
While it ’ s true that facility managers can ’ t control the external factors that arise with winter , it ’ s vital to act and undertake appropriate measures internally , and ahead of any Christmas closures . By conducting comprehensive risk assessments and mapping out maintenance periods for key access points , decision makers will form an adequate foundation of security for their building - all while gifting themselves peace of mind in the process .
www . consort-hw . com
https :// www . ons . gov . uk | https :// www . theecoexperts . co . uk / home-security / burglary-statistics https :// www . global-guardians . co . uk / news-article / risk-fires-empty-buildings / | https :// www . gov . uk / workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities / fire-risk-assessments
JAN / FEB 2023
49
Magazine Sponsor Issue Takeover locksmithjournal . co . uk