When people talk about security standards for commercial doors, they usually mean two different things. The first is hardware performance standards, mainly the ANSI/BHMA A156 series, which rate how durable and secure locks, exit devices, closers and hinges are. The second is life-safety rules in the building and fire codes, which govern how doors on exit routes must work. A secure commercial door has to satisfy both, and it depends on the whole assembly, not just the lock.

Have a door that sticks, doesn't latch or feels flimsy? Call (613) 707-4884.

Hardware Standards: ANSI/BHMA Grades

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) publishes ANSI-approved standards for most door hardware, each with its own number:

  • A156.2 — bored (cylindrical) locks, the common lever lock on office doors.
  • A156.13 — mortise locks, the heavier lock body set into the edge of the door.
  • A156.3 — exit devices such as panic bars.
  • A156.4 — door controls (closers).
  • A156.1 — butt hinges.
  • A156.30 — high security cylinders, including key control and attack resistance.

Most of these standards rate products as Grade 1, 2 or 3, and Grade 1 products must pass the most demanding cycle and strength tests. For busy or exposed commercial doors, Grade 1 hardware is the usual specification; Grade 2 can suit lighter-use interior doors. When you get a quote, ask which grade each component carries.

Life Safety: Exit Doors Come First

Many commercial doors are also exits. The building and fire codes set rules for how those doors must open and what kind of locking and release hardware is acceptable, and the details depend on the building, its use and when it was permitted. Adding a deadbolt, chain or padlock to an exit door can create a serious hazard even if it improves security. Before changing hardware on any exit door, confirm the arrangement with the City of Ottawa building official, fire prevention staff or a design professional.

The Whole Door Assembly

Door

Hollow metal and solid-core wood doors resist forced entry far better than hollow-core doors. Aluminum and glass storefronts need hardware designed for narrow stiles.

Frame and strike

Most forced entries defeat the frame, not the lock. A properly anchored frame, a reinforced strike with long screws, and a latch guard over the gap on out-swinging doors make prying much harder. Our article on door frame reinforcement goes into detail.

Hinges

On doors that swing outward, the hinge pins are exposed. Non-removable pins or security studs stop someone from simply removing the pins and lifting the door off.

Closer

A closer that is out of adjustment can leave a door resting just short of latching. A door that does not latch is an unlocked door, so closers deserve as much attention as locks.

Lock and cylinder

Choose a commercial-grade lock body suited to the door, and consider high-security cylinders for exterior and sensitive doors. Our guide to high-security locks for businesses covers the options.

Maintenance Checklist

  • Check monthly that every exterior door closes and latches on its own.
  • Look for sagging doors, worn hinges and strikes that no longer line up, especially after Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles shift frames.
  • Lubricate cylinders and latches with a product the manufacturer recommends, not heavy oil that collects grit.
  • Test exit devices so they release smoothly with normal pressure.
  • Watch for salt and ice build-up on thresholds and bottom rods of exit devices in winter.
  • Keep a record of who holds keys and rekey when keys go missing.

What Affects the Cost of Upgrades

Costs depend on the door and frame type, whether existing preparations fit new hardware, the grade and function of the lock or exit device, the number of cylinders and keys, and whether frames or hinges need repair before new hardware can work properly.

Next Step

Walk your building and note any door that does not latch, shows pry marks or uses light-duty hardware. Our commercial locksmith services page lists the work we do on business doors, or call (613) 707-4884 to have a door assessed.