Panic bars – also known as crash bars or exit devices – are a top safety priority in commercial buildings, and for good reason. They’re designed to give you quick and easy egress in an emergency, which is why you usually find them on storefronts, office buildings, schools, restaurants, hospitals, and all those other high-traffic spots. While panic bars are built to last, they can still develop problems over time – especially if they get used a lot, aren’t maintained properly, or get damaged by accident.
As a business owner, you can’t afford to ignore panic bar issues – not only can it put safety at risk, but you’ll also be running the risk of a security breach, failing an inspection, or facing a major repair bill. So what are the common warning signs to look out for, and when do you need to call in the experts?
What’s a Panic Bar, Anyway?
A panic bar is that horizontal push bar you see on emergency exit doors. When you apply some pressure, it releases the latch instantly so that people can get out quickly in an emergency – whether that’s a fire, a security threat, or an evacuation.
The thing is, modern commercial buildings rely pretty heavily on panic bars because they not only keep people safe but also meet all those pesky building and fire codes. But if a panic bar goes on the fritz, it can undermine the whole emergency exit system, up your liability risks, and even get you failed on an inspection.
And guess what? Business owners often don’t think about panic bar maintenance until the door just stops working. But regular checks and timely repairs are vital to keeping those commercial doors secure and code-compliant.
What Kinds of Panic Bar Problems Should You Be Worried About?
1. Panic Bar Sticking or Jamming
One of the most common issues is when the panic bar just won’t budge or gets stuck solid. It could be because of dirt and grime building up, internal parts wearing out, rust, or just being out of whack. Whatever the reason, if your panic bar gets jammed, it can leave employees and customers struggling to get out in an emergency – which is a serious safety risk.
2. Door Not Latching Properly
If the panic bar doesn’t quite latch properly, the door might not close securely. Which means you’re leaving your business open to break-ins, unauthorized access, and wasted energy from doors that aren’t sealing properly.
And if the door doesn’t latch properly, that can put extra stress on the hinges, closers, and locking systems – which can eventually lead to more serious problems that’ll require even more expensive fixes.
3. Loose or Damaged Components
Heavy traffic can loosen screws, mounting brackets, and other internal parts. And if the panic bar gets partially detached from the door, you’re in trouble – it won’t be working properly, and it’s just waiting for something major to go wrong.
4. Misaligned Doors
Commercial doors can shift over time because of all the use they get, or because of structural damage or bad hinges. When the door gets out of line, the panic bar might not be able to connect properly with the strike plate – which can cause the door to drag, stick, or just not lock right.
But don’t worry – with some expert adjustments and commercial door hardware repairs, your door will be back to normal in no time.
Why You Need to Fix That Panic Bar Right Away
You might think that a small problem with your panic bar is no big deal – but the thing is, even a tiny issue can quickly turn into a major safety and security problem.
Not only could a malfunctioning panic bar put lives at risk in an emergency, it could also get you into trouble with the law – failing an inspection or violating some local regulation can be a real headache, let alone a potential fine.
And then there’s the cost – if you delay fixing that panic bar, you’ll end up with a much bigger repair bill down the line.
Panic Bars and Glass Doors
A lot of storefronts and office entrances come with aluminum-framed glass doors that have panic bars on them. And the thing is, hardware problems on glass doors can often affect the glass itself too.
For example, slamming doors or damaged closers can put stress on the glass panels, which can lead to cracks, chips, or instability. So it’s a good idea to get your glass and panic bars serviced at the same time, so you can be sure your entrance is safe, secure, and looking its best.
Know When to Call in the Experts
So how do you know if your panic bar needs some professional attention? Here are some signs to look out for:
- The panic bar feels loose or unstable
- The door sticks or drags when you’re trying to open it
- The latch fails to engage properly
- You hear some weird grinding or squeaking noises
- Employees are struggling to get out of the door
- There’s rust or damage on the hardware
- The glass door is wobbling a bit when you use it
If you notice any of these issues, you need to call in a technician ASAP. They can help restore safety, security, and get your entrance system back in working order.
Preventative Maintenance: Your Best Friend
One of the best ways to avoid having to deal with an emergency panic bar failure is to have a regular maintenance routine in place. That way, you can catch worn parts before they break completely, and reduce the risk of unexpected downtime.
A good maintenance program might include:
- Giving the moving parts a bit of lubrication
- Tightening any loose hardware
- Adjusting the door alignment
All these little tasks can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.* Giving the locks and latches a good once-over to make sure they’re not on the way out
- Making sure the emergency exits are working properly so people don’t get stuck in a tight spot
- Checking the windows for any chips or cracks
Regular maintenance is also just a good all round business practice as it keeps everyone on the right side of the local safety rules and makes sure that in a real emergency, you know your staff and customers can get out safe and sound.
Finding a Good Team to Call On
You’d be surprised how many door repair companies out there only deal in domestic jobs and have no idea about panic bars. As a business owner, you need to find a company with people who know their stuff – commercial doors, exit devices, storefront systems and what the safety people will be looking for.
A good, reliable repair service can give you a proper diagnosis of whats gone wrong, recommend the right solution and get the job done quickly and quietly with minimal fuss for you, your staff and your customers. Some of them even do 24/7 emergency callouts if things go pear-shaped.
And it’s not just panic bar servicing – if you want to keep your storefront looking ship-shape, you might want to think about getting the glass work done by a pro too.
Final Thoughts
Panic bars are pretty much the backbone of any commercial property’s security system. They’re built to last, but the day to day wear and tear and the odd bit of bad weather can take its toll. Before you know it they’re on the blink
But the good news is that if you keep an eye out for the warning signs and call in the pros when you need to, you can avoid all the hassle and expense of a major emergency. Plus you’ll know your building is secure and safe. Whether it’s a panic bar tweak, a full commercial glass door repair or some glass work, don’t leave it too long – get it sorted and you can carry on running your business with confidence.