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Month: September 2016
Building Protection 101: Understanding Masterkeying
Customers often request a key that opens one door, but not another. “Can we make it so that Door A opens with Key A and Key B, but not Key C?”
The short answer is most likely: “Yes!”
With masterkeying, LaForce can design and implement a key system that allows specific and select brass keys to pass different key cylinders. And that is the crucial concept: most of masterkeying’s magic actually happens within the lock cylinder, not the key.
Why is this significant?
Simpler is often better, more reliable, and less expensive. As we ask our key cylinder to pass more keys in more situations, the chances that a false key will also pass increases. As a rule of thumb in masterkeying, the more restrictive and secure the system (such as patented keyways, signature-authorized technologies, etc.), the more expensive and more difficult it will be to get new keys made, or make quick changes down-the-road.
The opposite is also true: a system that has patent-expired or “open” technology (uses inexpensive replacement keys that are available at any local hardware store) can be serviced by any local locksmith, and is inherently less secure.
Security is a balance of trade-offs. Often, conversations that begin with keying questions are resolved by educating the customer about how masterkeyed systems work, where specific trade-offs lie, and how they would like to balance cost and ease-of-service against absolute security. There is no one right answer or universal solution to fit all buildings, but LaForce staff can help customers find the correct balance between ease-of-use and security. More information about our keying services can be found here and here.
We want to answer your door industry-related questions! Our wide range of expertise include Doors, Frames, Hardware, Keying, Security Integration, Building Specialties, Architectural Services, Fire Door Inspections, Pre-Installation, Installation, and Custom Pre-Finishing. Submit a question by commenting on this blog or on our social media posts, or email.
Special thanks to Mike Morse, a LaForce Building Products Consultant in Madison, WI. He also contributed practical tips in these previous blogs:
What is a “Door Closer” and Why Should I Care?
What’s that thing on top of your door that closes it behind you?
It’s a closer.
We often hear these referred to as “closures,” “closer-arms,” and “arms.” A closer is an adjustable, spring-loaded mechanism filled with hydraulic fluid that dampens the door swing. Closer hydraulic fluid is very similar to what is found in the shocks on the suspension of your car. And just like the shocks on your car, when the seals fail and the hydraulic fluid leaks out, it’s time to replace them! A building owner or facility manager should be aware of the basic maintenance and upkeep on door closers.
Indications that a closer may be failing include:
- Leaked oil stains on the door
- A door that slams or proceeds faster through the swing-cycle than it used to
- A closer that will no longer take adjustments.
Failed closers can be dangerous. Without a controlled swing, doors can slam and pinch fingers, or fly open into people or other parts of the building. This can cause additional damage and maintenance issues. In fact, there are building codes and standards focused on providing handicap accessibility that set specific restrictions on how fast a closer can close a door. If the closer slams the door, or makes the door too hard to open, the door may be in violation of these codes.
Also, to maintain its fire-rating, a fire-rated door must be installed with a working closer. If the closer is not closing the door completely, the fire protection of the building can be compromised.
So, if a door isn’t closing, does that mean a failed closer is to blame? Not necessarily. Issues like frost heave, door sag, and frame condition can all play a part in proper door operation.
Rely on your LaForce representative to guide you in troubleshooting your door maintenance questions!
Special thanks to Mike Morse, a LaForce Building Products Consultant in Madison, WI. He also contributed practical tips in these previous blogs:
Is Your Healthcare Facility Safe and Secure?
CASE STUDY: LaForce helped a Wisconsin hospital take control of its security needs.
Security is integral to the safe, successful operation of any healthcare facility. With access to a wide range of products and our own in-house staff of expert technicians, LaForce is a superior resource for all facility security needs. Here is an example of how we helped one local hospital improve their security system.
Initially, the hospital asked LaForce’s security integration team to replace a small, out-of-date access control system, consisting of only a few doors. But as we collaborated with facility staff on the extent of their actual security needs, the project grew to encompass quite a bit more.
We added approximately 70 openings, including interior and exterior doors, on three different buildings. The new access system also includes stairwells and elevator access, which limits users to only the floors they are authorized to visit. We also installed a network of IP cameras monitoring the interior and exterior of the buildings.
In addition, we installed an emergency lockdown of all exterior doors. With the press of a button, all “scheduled open doors” will lock on command and suspend card access use, except for a few top level cards held by security staff.
We greatly simplified training and support for the hospital, with the addition of LaForce’s online support program. With this set-up, our LaForce Security Technician can remotely log onto the healthcare facility’s PC and walk staff through the creation of schedules, card user access, group access, and more. This program also allows our staff to update, program, and troubleshoot equipment, which greatly reduces customer costs that would have been required with on-site visits.
The operation and continued growth of this system has been seamless and successful. We look forward to helping more healthcare facilities with their security needs!
For more information, please contact the LaForce Security Team at 1.855.231.5511 or securityintegration@laforceinc.com.
Download this case study as a PDF:
Fire Rated vs. Fire Exit Door: What’s the Difference?
Here at LaForce, we often hear: “I need a price on a fire door.”
Our first question is always: “Do you mean a door that is fire-rated, or a fire exit door that exits to the exterior of the building for use in an emergency?”
To continue reading this article, please visit our new website: https://laforceinc.com/blog/fire-rated-vs-fire-exit-door/
12V or 24V Power Source in Electrified Hardware – Which One do I Pick?
Electric strikes are access control devices used on doors. Instead of a mechanical locking mechanism, electrified strikes operate by a powered command that causes the door to lock or unlock….
Visit our new website to continue reading this article: https://laforceinc.com/blog/12v-or-24v-power-source-in-electrified-hardware/
LaForce Frame of Mind 