Commercial Building Security Upgrades: What to Fix First
When businesses want to upgrade security, most people assume the first step is buying a new lock.
But in real commercial buildings, the biggest security risks are often something else:
- doors that do not latch properly
- back doors and side doors being ignored
- failing door closers and exit hardware
- keys that are uncontrolled and copied
At Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd., we help businesses and property management companies across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick improve security using practical upgrades that actually work.
This guide breaks down what to fix first so you can improve security without wasting money.
Step 1: Fix Doors That Don’t Latch Properly
This is the #1 commercial security issue.
If the door doesn’t latch, the building may not be secure, even if the lock is “good.”
Common warning signs:
- you have to pull the door to lock it
- you have to push hard for it to catch
- the latch doesn’t engage consistently
- the door bounces off the frame
- the door can be pulled open after it “closed”
This is one of the easiest ways burglars enter buildings without clear forced entry.
Step 2: Secure Back Doors and Side Doors
Most commercial break-ins do not happen through the front door.
They happen through:
- rear staff doors
- side entrances
- receiving doors
- doors that are out of view
These doors often become weak points because they are used daily and not serviced until failure occurs.
Back doors should always be inspected for:
- consistent latching
- closer performance
- hardware wear
- key control issues
Step 3: Fix Door Closers That Slam or Don’t Close Fully
A closer is not just a convenience part.
It is a security part.
A door closer ensures the door shuts and secures automatically.
If the closer fails:
- the door may stay open slightly
- the latch may not engage
- staff may prop the door open
- security becomes unreliable
Closers that slam are also a major tenant complaint issue and can cause frame damage over time.
Step 4: Service Panic Bars and Exit Hardware
Exit devices take heavy use.
If panic hardware is loose or failing, you may see:
- doors not securing properly
- inconsistent latching
- increased risk on back doors
- safety concerns in daily use
Panic hardware is one of the most important systems in commercial door security.
Step 5: Regain Key Control
Even if your doors are perfect, key control can still ruin security.
If keys are copied and distributed freely, access becomes impossible to control.
Key control upgrades often include:
- rekeying after turnover
- structured master key systems
- restricted keys for better duplication control
- limiting who holds master keys
If you do not know who has keys to your building, rekeying is often the fastest way to reset control.
Step 6: Secure Safes and Valuable Storage Properly
For businesses using safes, security is not just about having a safe.
It is also about installation and anchoring.
Many thefts involve safe removal rather than safe opening.
Bolt-down service helps prevent removal and improves long-term protection for:
- deposits
- keys
- controlled items
- valuables and inventory
Start With the Weakest Point, Not the Most Expensive Upgrade
Many businesses overspend on high-security locks without fixing:
- doors that don’t latch
- closers that fail
- back doors that are weak points
- key control problems
The best security upgrades are the ones that fix the real weaknesses first.
Serving Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Supreme Lock Solutions provides commercial security upgrades across:
Nova Scotia: Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, Truro, New Glasgow, Kentville, Bridgewater and surrounding areas
New Brunswick: Saint John and surrounding areas, plus additional service coverage across the province
Need Help Upgrading Building Security?
If you want to secure your building properly and fix the right weak points first, Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd. can help.
Visit: www.supremelocksolutions.com
FAQ: Commercial Security Upgrades
What is the first thing I should upgrade for building security?
Start with doors that do not latch properly and any weak back doors or side doors.
Do I need to replace all locks to upgrade security?
Not always. Many upgrades start with alignment repair, rekeying, and key control improvements.
Why is my back door a bigger risk than the front door?
Back doors are often out of view, used daily, and maintained less often, making them common entry targets.
Can key control be a security upgrade?
Yes. Regaining control of who has keys is one of the most important commercial security upgrades.
