5 Signs Your Commercial Door Hardware Is Failing

By Gina Stuelke, CEO of Kenton Brothers

Another story in our tips and tricks series from the original Kenton Brothers

For many facilities, door hardware is one of the most overlooked components of building security — until something stops working. A sticking door, unreliable lock, or failing closer may seem minor at first, but these issues can quickly lead to security vulnerabilities, safety concerns, ADA compliance problems, and costly emergency service calls.

At Kenton Brothers Systems for Security⁠, we often find that small hardware issues become major operational problems when preventative maintenance is ignored.

Here are five signs your commercial door hardware may be failing — and what building owners and facility managers should do about it.

1. Doors No Longer Latch Consistently

One of the most common warning signs is a door that does not fully latch every time it closes.

This can happen because of:

• Misaligned strikes
• Worn hinges
• Improper door closer adjustments
• Building settlement
• Warped doors or frames

When doors fail to latch properly:

• Access control systems become unreliable
• Fire-rated openings may become non-compliant
• Security vulnerabilities increase
• HVAC efficiency may suffer

A door that must be pulled, pushed, or slammed to latch should be inspected immediately.

2. Door Closers Leak Oil or Slam Shut

Door closers are designed to control opening and closing speeds while protecting the door system from excessive wear.

Common signs of failure include:

• Oil leaking from the closer body
• Doors slamming shut
• Doors drifting open
• Inconsistent closing speeds
• Difficulty opening the door

Failing closers not only create safety concerns but can also violate ADA accessibility standards.

Ignoring closer issues often accelerates wear on:

• Hinges
• Locks
• Exit devices
• Frames
• Electronic locking hardware

Routine closer adjustments and inspections can significantly extend hardware lifespan.

3. Electrified Hardware Works Intermittently

Electrified hardware failures are often mistaken for software or access control issues when the root cause is mechanical wear.

Warning signs include:

• Delayed unlocking
• Intermittent credential reads
• Buzzing or clicking noises
• Doors remaining unlocked unexpectedly
• Random access denials
• Excessive force required to open doors

In many cases, the issue stems from:

• Failing power transfers
• Loose wiring
• Door alignment problems
• Worn latch mechanisms
• Inadequate power supplies

Because access control systems depend heavily on mechanical precision, even minor hardware degradation can create major reliability problems.

4. Exit Devices Require Excessive Force

Panic hardware should operate smoothly and consistently.

If occupants must push hard to exit, the opening may present:

• Life safety concerns
• ADA compliance issues
• Increased liability exposure
• Elevated emergency egress risk

Common causes include:

• Improper installation
• Worn internal mechanisms
• Misalignment
• Rust or contamination
• Lack of preventative maintenance

This issue is especially critical in:

• Schools
• Healthcare facilities
• Public buildings
• High-occupancy environments

A properly functioning exit device should feel effortless and predictable.

5. Service Calls Keep Repeating

One of the clearest signs of failing hardware infrastructure is recurring service requests for the same opening.

Repeated repairs often indicate:

• The opening was never fully corrected
• Hardware components are mismatched
• Poor-quality products were installed
• The door system was improperly commissioned
• The opening has exceeded its service life

Many organizations unknowingly spend thousands annually on reactive repairs that could be eliminated through modernization or preventative maintenance. Tracking recurring door issues by opening can help facility teams identify systemic failures before they escalate.

Why Commercial Door Hardware Fails

Commercial door openings experience tremendous daily wear.

Contributors include:

• High traffic volume
• Weather exposure
• Improper installation
• Deferred maintenance
• Building movement
• Poor-quality hardware
• Lack of commissioning

Unfortunately, many openings are never fully inspected after installation, leaving small issues unresolved from day one.

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Door Hardware Problems

Failing hardware impacts more than security.

It can also affect:

• Employee safety
• Fire code compliance
• ADA compliance
• Energy efficiency
• Occupant experience
• Access control reliability
• Emergency preparedness

In many facilities, poorly functioning openings become a constant source of frustration for staff and visitors alike.

Preventative Maintenance Matters

A proactive door hardware maintenance program can:

• Reduce emergency service calls
• Extend hardware lifespan
• Improve access control reliability
• Enhance life safety compliance
• Lower long-term replacement costs

Routine inspections should include:

• Door alignment
• Latch functionality
• Closer operation
• Electrified hardware performance
• Exit device testing
• Hinge condition
• Credential response times

Final Thoughts

Commercial door hardware is one of the hardest-working systems in any building — yet it is often one of the least maintained.

Small issues rarely stay small for long.

By identifying early warning signs and addressing them proactively, facility managers can improve security, reduce downtime, and avoid costly operational disruptions.

At Kenton Brothers Systems for Security⁠, we help organizations evaluate, maintain, and modernize commercial door openings to improve security, safety, and long-term reliability.

KB SecureCare is an easy solution to maintain your building’s security door hardware…. It’s Locksmith as a Service. Call us to learn more!

Kenton Brothers Systems for Security is a WBE-certified commercial security integrator headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Our services include commercial security solutions for video surveillance, access control, locking hardware, intrusion detection, mass notification, remote services, and specialty products including robotics, video analytics, and metal detection systems.