Commercial Door Problems Guide: Closers, Slamming Doors, Propped Doors, and Latching Issues
Commercial customers often call and say:
“The lock is broken.”
“The door won’t lock.”
“The key is sticking.”
“The door won’t close properly.”
In many cases, the lock itself is not the root problem.
The real issue is the door system.
At Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd., we provide commercial locksmithing and door hardware services across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and we work with many property management companies dealing with repeat door issues.
This guide explains:
- why commercial doors slam
- why doors stop latching
- why doors get propped open
- why keys become hard to turn
- and what to fix before it becomes an emergency
A Lock Can Be Perfect and Still Not Work
A commercial lock needs correct door alignment.
If the door shifts slightly, the latch and strike don’t line up properly.
That creates problems like:
- the key is hard to turn
- the latch won’t catch
- the door won’t secure consistently
- the door needs to be pulled or pushed to lock
This is why “lock problems” are often actually door problems.
The Most Common Commercial Door Failures
1) Door Closers Slamming
Slamming doors are one of the most common complaints in managed properties.
Slamming can lead to:
- tenant complaints
- hardware wear
- frame damage
- hinge loosening
Slamming is also a warning sign that the closer may be failing or needs adjustment.
2) Door Closers Not Closing Fully
A door closer that doesn’t shut the door completely is a security risk.
If the door stops short, it may not latch.
That means:
- the building may not be secure
- tenants may assume it’s locked when it isn’t
- the door becomes a weak point
This is especially important on back doors and side doors.
3) Door Sag and Hinge Wear
Commercial doors take constant use.
Over time, hinges wear, screws loosen, and the door begins to sag.
Door sag causes:
- misalignment
- dragging and binding
- latch failure
- keys sticking and forcing
This is one of the biggest reasons doors “suddenly” stop working properly.
4) Panic Bar and Exit Hardware Issues
Exit devices see heavy daily traffic.
When panic hardware is worn or loose, it can cause:
- door latching issues
- sticking operation
- unreliable security
- repeat maintenance calls
A door may appear secure, but the exit device may not be engaging properly.
5) Doors Being Propped Open
Propped open doors create a major security risk.
But most doors are propped open for a reason.
Common reasons include:
- the door slams
- the door is too hard to open
- the closer is too strong
- the door doesn’t latch properly
- staff are constantly using the door for deliveries
Instead of blaming staff, it’s often better to fix the hardware and remove the reason the door gets propped open.
Why Door Issues Become Lockouts
Many lockouts start as small door issues:
- door is binding slightly
- staff force the key
- cylinder wears out
- key snaps
- access is blocked
Fixing door alignment early prevents emergency calls later.
Why You Should Fix Door Issues Early
Commercial door problems don’t stay small.
A minor issue becomes:
- a security issue
- a tenant complaint issue
- a repeated service call issue
- a future lockout issue
Fixing it early saves time and reduces long-term cost.
What We Look At During Door Service Calls
When we service commercial doors, we inspect:
- latch and strike alignment
- hinge wear and door sag
- closer performance
- panic bar operation
- secure closing and latching
- key function and cylinder performance
The goal is to fix the root cause, not patch the symptom.
Serving Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Supreme Lock Solutions provides commercial door hardware and locksmith services 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 Commercial Door Service?
If your door is slamming, sticking, failing to latch, or becoming a constant complaint, Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd. can fix the problem properly.
Visit: www.supremelocksolutions.com
FAQ: Commercial Door Problems
Why does my door slam shut?
Usually the closer needs adjustment or replacement, or the door is binding and forcing the closer to behave inconsistently.
Why does my door not latch unless I push it?
This is often door sag, misalignment, or strike positioning issues.
Can a door problem make my key hard to turn?
Yes. Misalignment puts pressure on the latch and makes the cylinder harder to operate.
Should I fix the door or replace the lock?
In many cases, fixing the door alignment solves the “lock problem” without needing replacement.
