Top Atlanta Locksmith LLC offers expert emergency locksmith, Lockout, Lock change, Repair and Replacment in Atlanta and all surrounding areas.
Business owners have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their staff, customers and anyone who may be on the property. During an emergency, people often panic, and rush toward the first exit they can find. In times like this, particularly in buildings with large populations, people have been seriously injured or even died because they can’t unlock the doors in time. Push bars allow people to get out fast, and safely when needed. In most offices, restaurants, hospitals, schools and retail spaces, panic bars are required in specific locations by local codes and regulations. Does your business need new push bars? If so, it can be difficult to make a choice with so many options available in the marketplace. At Top Atlanta Locksmith, we help businesses in Atlanta, Acworth, Suwanee, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and other Metro Atlanta area communities secure their properties with the highest quality locks. Our experienced commercial locksmiths have installed many varieties of panic bars and are ready to help you make the best choice for your businesses’ needs and budget. Locksmith Atlanta
Bar Style
Which bar style you choose will depend on the material the door is made from, whether the door is interior or exterior, and how the door functions during daily use.
Touchpad – This is the most commonly used style. The touchpad has a large bar that is pushed in for the door to open.
Crossbar – The crossbar is often used with glass doors or when a vintage style is preferred. These were once the only option available for panic bars. Crossbars function as levers, and are pushed down to exit.
Recessed – A recessed style bar works similarly to a touchpad, but is more aesthetically pleasing. This style is more expensive and is normally used in larger commercial buildings or in businesses that place a lot of emphases on their décor.
Hardware Type
After choosing the bar style, you’ll need to decide what kind of hardware or locking mechanism you want to use for your exit door.
Rim – Rim hardware is the most commonly used, and is also the most affordable option. They are designed to be used with a simple latching system and are more easily installed than other hardware choices.
Rods – Rod hardware is normally used for double doors when more security is required. The rods are designed to retract when the bar is pushed, allowing for easy exit during an emergency. You can purchase in both concealed and surface mounted varieties.
Mortise – Mortise hardware requires the locking mechanism to be embedded inside the door panel. This method provides a more stable and secure latch, however the complexity of installation and the more expensive costs make this an option that is used much less frequently.
Fire or Panic Hardware
Panic hardware is normally used for interior exit doors that aren’t required to be fire tested. Panic bar doors can also often be left in an unlocked position using a hex key or dogging key, which is better for doorways that are left open during business hours. Fire hardware is used when fire tested doors are required by local codes and cannot be left open.
Push Bars with Alarms
Another consideration for businesses to make is whether they want an alarm installed on their panic devices. For interior panic doors that receive frequent traffic, this may not be a desirable choice. However, using an alarm on an exterior fire exit door will alert people in the building that a problem is occurring. This will help everyone avoid injury and allow them to take immediate action and protect themselves.
When making your final decision about which exit bar to use in your building, it’s important to be aware of all local, state and federal ordinances. Hiring a professional lock specialist like the experts at Top Atlanta Locksmith will ensure that your bars meet or exceed all legal requirements and are properly installed and maintained. Contact the team at Top Atlanta Locksmith today to discover more information or to schedule an installation appointment with an experienced locksmith near you.