%402x.svg){kind=icon}
Commercial and industrial doors need to handle frequent use while providing suitable security and reliable day-to-day operation. While the door itself is important, the hardware fitted to it can have just as much influence on how the complete doorset performs.
From protecting the locking area with a latch guard to controlling the closing action with a door closer, different hardware options are designed to address different requirements.
Our Larnec range includes door hardware and accessories for commercial and industrial applications, including door closers, latch guards, locksets, deadbolt mechanisms, exit devices, kick plates and door seals.
Understanding what each component does can help you choose hardware that is appropriate for your door, frame, and application.
Why Is Commercial Door Hardware Important?
Commercial doors are often opened and closed repeatedly throughout the day. A warehouse access door, workshop entrance or plant room door may experience considerably more use than a typical residential door.
The right hardware can help support:
- Reliable day-to-day operation
- Controlled door closing
- Protection around locking areas
- Appropriate access and security
- Reduced impact from repeated slamming
- Better compatibility between the door and frame
Hardware should therefore be considered part of the complete doorset, rather than selected separately from the door.
The door, frame, hinges, locks and accessories all need to work together for the intended application.
1. Latch Guards: Additional Protection Around the Lock
A latch guard is a metal plate that helps protect the latch and locking area where the door meets the frame.
The gap between a door and its frame can be an area of concern where additional protection against tampering is required. A latch guard covers part of this area, helping protect the latch or lock from interference.
What does a latch guard do?
Depending on the application, a latch guard can:
- Protect the latch and locking area
- Reduce access to the gap between the door and frame
- Provide additional resistance to tampering
- Add protection around the locking hardware
- Complement other commercial door security hardware
Larnec can supply latch guards for commercial and high-traffic applications where additional protection around the locking area is required.
It can be particularly relevant for doors in warehouses, industrial facilities, storage areas, and commercial buildings.
2. Door Closers: Controlled Closing for High-Use Doors
A door closer controls the movement of a door as it closes.
Without a closer, a door may swing freely or close abruptly depending on conditions such as wind, user behaviour, and the door’s position. A properly selected door closer provides greater control over the closing action.
This can be particularly useful in commercial environments where doors are frequently used.
What are the benefits of a door closer?
A suitable door closer can help:
- Control the door’s closing speed
- Reduce slamming
- Help the door close consistently
- Improve everyday operation
- Reduce unnecessary impact on the door and frame
- Provide controlled movement through the closing cycle
Choosing the right door closer
Selecting the correct door closer is important. The door’s weight, size, frequency of use and installation should all be considered when determining whether a particular closer is suitable.
Can a door closer improve door longevity?
A door closer can help reduce the repeated impact caused by uncontrolled slamming. This may help reduce unnecessary stress on components such as the door, frame, hinges, and locking hardware.
However, a door closer is not a guarantee of longer door life.
The longevity of a commercial door also depends on its construction, installation, environment, frequency of use, and maintenance.
3. Deadbolts: A Dedicated Locking Point
A deadbolt uses a solid bolt to secure a door when locked.
Unlike a standard spring-loaded latch, a deadbolt provides a dedicated locking point that extends into the strike or frame.
In simple terms:
Latch: primarily helps keep the door closed.
Deadbolt: provides a dedicated locking mechanism.
Depending on the application, deadbolt hardware may be considered for storage rooms, plant rooms, warehouses, commercial buildings, and other areas where mechanical locking is required.
Larnec deadbolt options
Larnec’s hardware range includes locksets and mortice lock options with keyed deadbolt mechanisms, providing options for different commercial and industrial door applications.
The appropriate locking hardware will depend on the door construction, access requirements, security considerations and intended use.
A deadbolt should also be correctly matched to the door and frame so that the locking mechanism operates properly.
Latch Guard vs Door Closer vs Deadbolt
Although these three hardware options can all be used on commercial doors, they serve different purposes.
| Hardware | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| Latch guard | Protects the latch and locking area |
| Door closer | Controls the door’s closing action |
| Deadbolt | Provides a dedicated locking point |
A door may require one, two or all three depending on its application.
For example, a frequently used external commercial door may benefit from a Larnec door closer to control closing, while a door where additional protection around the lock is required could also use a latch guard.
The hardware should be selected based on what the door needs to achieve rather than simply adding every available option.
Choosing Hardware for Commercial & Industrial Doors
Before specifying hardware, consider how the door will actually be used.
1. Frequency of use
A door used occasionally will have different requirements from an entrance that is opened and closed continuously throughout the day.
For high-traffic applications, consider hardware designed for repeated operation.
2. Door weight and construction
Hardware needs to be compatible with the door.
Consider:
- Door weight
- Door size
- Door thickness
- Door material
- Frame construction
- Opening direction
- Internal or external location
For example, a door closer needs to be suitable for the weight and characteristics of the door.
3. Security requirements
Different areas of a building can require different locking arrangements.
A plant room may need different hardware from an office entrance or external access door.
Depending on the application, you may need to consider:
- Locksets
- Deadbolts
- Latch guards
- Additional locking points
- Electronic access control
- Security hardware
The goal is to select hardware that is appropriate for the actual requirements of the building.
4. Door closing requirements
If a door is frequently left open or allowed to slam, a door closer may be appropriate.
Door closers can provide controlled closing for suitable commercial doors, with adjustable sweep and latch speed.
For fire doors, however, hardware selection requires additional consideration. Hardware needs to be appropriate for the specific fire doorset and applicable requirements.
5. Emergency access and egress
Security should always be considered alongside safe access and exit requirements.
Depending on the building and application, commercial doors may require exit devices such as panic bars.
Larnec’s hardware range includes exit devices for applications where this type of hardware is required.
Other Commercial Door Hardware
Latch guards, closers, and deadbolts are only part of the hardware that may be required for a commercial doorset.
Locksets
Locksets provide the locking and latching functions required for everyday access. Different configurations are available depending on the door and application.
Exit Devices
Panic bars can provide a practical exit solution for certain commercial applications where appropriate.
Kick Plates
Kick plates help protect the lower section of a door from repeated contact, making them useful in areas with frequent foot traffic or equipment movement.
Door Seals
Door seals can help reduce gaps around a door and assist with limiting the movement of air, dust, light and weather.
Hinges
Hinges support the door and allow it to move through its opening cycle. They should be appropriate for the door’s weight and expected frequency of use.
Commercial Door Hardware Checklist
Before choosing your hardware, consider:
Door
- What type of door is required?
- How heavy is the door?
- Is it internal or external?
- Does it open inward or outward?
Security
- What locking mechanism is required?
- Is a deadbolt appropriate?
- Does the locking area need additional protection?
- Is electronic access control required?
Operation
- How frequently will the door be used?
- Does it require controlled closing?
- Is a door closer suitable?
Safety
- Are exit devices required?
- Is the door part of a fire or smoke separation?
- Does the hardware need to be compatible with a specific doorset?
Environment
- Will the door be exposed to weather?
- Will it experience heavy traffic?
- Is it exposed to dust, equipmentc or impact?
Considering these factors before ordering can help you select hardware that is appropriate for the door and its intended application.
Choosing the Right Hardware for Your Commercial Door
The right commercial door hardware depends on how the door is used, where it is installed, and what it needs to achieve.
A latch guard can provide additional protection around the locking area. A door closer can provide controlled closing and help reduce unnecessary impact from slamming. A deadbolt can provide a dedicated mechanical locking point.
At Larnec, we can help you consider the door and hardware as a complete system, rather than treating each component separately.
Our range of Australian-made steel doors, steel door frames and commercial door hardware provides options for a variety of commercial and industrial applications.
Need help choosing the right door or hardware for your project? Contact our Larnec team to discuss your requirements.
Frequently asked questions
A latch guard helps protect the latch and locking area between a door and its frame. It can provide additional resistance to tampering where extra protection is required.
A door closer controls the movement of a door as it closes. It can help reduce slamming and provide more consistent closing.
A properly selected door closer can reduce uncontrolled slamming and associated impact on the door, frame and hardware. However, overall door longevity also depends on construction, installation, environment and maintenance.
A latch primarily helps keep a door closed, while a deadbolt provides a dedicated locking point using a solid bolt.
Latch guards can be suitable for commercial doors where additional protection around the locking area is required.
Not every commercial door requires a closer. The decision depends on the door’s application, frequency of use, safety requirements, and intended operation.
It depends on the application. A commercial door may require locksets, deadbolts, door closers, latch guards, exit devices, hinges, seals, or other accessories.