When Commercial Lock Change Is Necessary

Commercial lock change is vital for the security of your building, employees, and customers. Your business’s inventory, equipment, documents, and other assets are all at risk from criminals if you don’t have robust locks in place. However, if you are changing locks on a commercial storefront or office, you need to be careful not to violate points of egress (exit points) and put your employees and patrons at risk.

Points of egress are required to meet city or town ordinances and are typically marked with an “E” for emergency exit on the door frame. These doors require certain types of hardware, such as a thumbturn, in order to allow occupants to leave the premises in case of an emergency. In most cases, you will not be able to replace your commercial locks without removing the thumbturn or modifying other necessary hardware. Be sure to check with your local police department before making any changes to the points of egress in your business.

If you need to make any changes to the points of egress on your commercial storefront or office, it’s important that you consult with a licensed and insured locksmith to ensure you are meeting all local requirements. Often, this means ensuring that you are not adding a keyed cylinder where a thumbturn should be or removing a panic bar.

The most common reason for a commercial lock change is the turnover of employees at your company. When people go, it’s impossible to know who may have picked up their keys or who may have access to the building or equipment they left behind. As a result, it is best practice to change locks after everyone leaves to prevent any unwelcome individuals from entering your property or business.

Another time when a commercial lock change is necessary is when you move into a new location. You never know who used the space before you or whether their employees had the opportunity to steal anything. In order to be on the safe side, it’s best to replace all of your commercial locks as soon as you relocate.

It’s also a good idea to schedule commercial lock change on your office or commercial building at least once every few years. This will keep your doors and other hardware in tip-top shape, and it can help you avoid any costly repair or replacement costs down the road.

Getting your commercial locks changed is easy with the right team on your side. To learn more about the process and to discuss the needs of your business, contact a professional locksmith like Locks and Unlocks today! We serve a wide range of businesses and property owners throughout the greater Madison area. We can’t wait to help you with all of your commercial lock needs.