Aluminium Security Door Repair – St Catherine’s College, Oxford
We were asked to attend an emergency same day response call out to look at one of the accommodation security aluminium doors at St Catherine’s College in Oxford, Oxfordshire.
On initial inspection we found that the door would not unlock via the access control system as it had dropped at the leading edge causing it to bind on the threshold. It was also apparent that the latch was fouling inside the electric strike.
The solution was to reposition the glass and door in the correct position within the frame. When looking at a problem with a door it is important to visually inspect it to ensure that there is a parallel gap all the way around the door in its frame. If this is not the case then it will require realigning or replacement of worn or damaged parts.
We refitted the door and realigned it with the seals and locks, adjusting where necessary. The door closer was tested for opening and closing, adjusting the speeds for a smooth closing action. Finally, checked the operation with the access control system ensuring the lock disengaged and reengaged every operation. Lastly, we cleaned the door and frame completing the repair allowing the customer to check.
It is important that your door is aligned correctly for the lock to engage and disengage correctly. Many call outs to access control companies where the customer has found their lock not engaging has been the result of the door system.
Example of security door problems –
- Door not closing fully
- Worn hinges or pivot
- Door binding on the floor / threshold
- Door hardware not secure
- Difficult to lock / unlock with a key
For compliance to BS9999, fire escapes should be serviced and inspected every 6 months.
This may also be a stipulation of your building insurance, your lease agreement or part of your Fire Risk Assessment for your fire exits to be maintained.
For automatic security doors for compliance to EN16005 / BS7036 2014, the minimum service and inspection is 12 months, but dependent upon the usage, manufacturers recommendation and the door type, this may be more frequent to ensure long term reliability and reduce failures in between service visits.
When carrying out a service we have a specific schedule of works which includes adjustments and minor repairs. This may be to adjust the closing speed if a door closer such as a transom, overhead or concealed type is fitted.
It is also important to test and check the operation as there are maximum forces to open these types of doors, so all engineers carry force gauges on their vans for this purpose.
We documented our findings on our Risk Assessment Checklist for each door so you have a record and documented evidence as this may form part of their fire risk assessment.
Any repairs or defects which could not be rectified at the service were provided by means of a separate quotation per door to allow you to put a plan in place for the repairs and spread the cost.
- Planned in advance at your most convenient time
- Specific schedule of works
- Risk assessment and safety checklist
- Test operation for secure locking / safe escape
- Minor repairs included
- Adjust speeds of floor spring / transom closer / overhead closer if required
- Separate quotation for defects or recommendations
- Prioritise quotations on multiple door sites