ALL ABOUT THE DOOR
Retrofit : The Key to Retaining Quality
Sue Corrick of Allegion UK discusses the process of retrofitting , and how to correctly approach door hardware projects to ensure a fire door ’ s integrity is retained .
» THE ACT OF RETROFITTING - IN THE context of the built environment - is often defined as the addition of new components or features to older systems to make a building perform better . A retrofit can develop in various forms , ranging from small , single-room improvements to larger , full-scale projects , and while each can present specific benefits , ultimately , most are completed to enhance the fabric of a building ’ s infrastructure .
Retrofitting doesn ’ t come without its downsides , however . When it comes to modernising door hardware , despite the potential ergonomic and environmental benefits , if not approached correctly , retrofitting can quickly become a counterintuitive move , causing headaches , and posing complications later down the line . Sue Corrick of Allegion UK explains the pitfalls and how to avoid them :
“ With the built environment contributing some 40 % of the UK ’ s carbon emissions , retrofitting has emerged as a popular solution for advancing the energy efficiency of buildings . For large or ageing structures , a retrofit provides decision makers the option to fix key problem areas and is a more attractive proposition when you consider the alternative of large-scale reconstruction - both economically and environmentally speaking .
“ Aside from transforming a building ’ s efficiency , retrofits can offer additional enhancements to a building and the quality of life within . Door hardware for example is a component that plays a vital role in the fire safety , security and traversal of a building , and so it ’ s crucial to ensure it remains operative throughout a building ’ s lifecycle . Over time , ageing door hardware can become outdated or damaged and , in the process , will risk the integrity of a building ’ s fire safety . Because of this , it must be repaired or replaced quickly and professionally .
“ However , when it comes to retrofitting door hardware , there ’ s plethora of options available , meaning it ’ s easy to fall into the trap of going backwards in quality . Replacing door hardware with unsuitable , low-cost , low-quality substitutes , can further risk the integrity of a building ’ s fire doors and the safety of occupants within . The truth is , while the process of retrofitting can be highly advantageous , the difficulties of an unreliable or poorly retrofit product can outweigh the benefits .”
Upon completion of a retrofit , a substandard door hardware component may result in :
• A fire door not performing as intended or as it did when it was originally fire tested ;
• A breach of Regulatory Reform ( Fire Safety ) Order ; and / or
• A rise in additional costs - associated with replacing the upgraded component that performs worse than the original hardware .
Retrofit done right
Effective retrofit projects can make a crucial difference to a building , but throughout the venture , emphasis must be put into installation and compliance to ensure selected hardware is fit for purpose . Corrick continues :
“ A certified fire door and its hardware must always be able to fully close and remain closed by itself , and the act of retrofitting can ’ t alter this . Before a retrofit installation begins , decision makers must confirm the selected door
Sources : https :// www . pbctoday . co . uk / news / energy-news / decarbonising-construction-2 / 100961 /, https :// www . gov . uk / guidance / using-the-ukca-marking , https :// www . gov . uk / guidance / ce-marking , https :// ec . europa . eu / growth / sectors / construction / construction-products-regulation-cpr / declaration-performance-and-ce-marking _ en
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MAY / JUN 2022
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