Exit Device Installation in Houston

Signs You Need a New Exit Device or an Upgrade

Not sure if your push bars are doing their job Look for these signs

• Bar is loose wobbly or kinked
• Door sticks or does not fully latch
• Latch retraction is slow or fails to retract
• Broken end caps or missing covers
• Dogging feature will not hold or releases on its own
• Alarm keeps chirping or will not reset
• Outside lever or rim cylinder spins or does not engage
• Hardware height is outside ADA range
• Existing device is not fire rated on a fire door
• Houston Fire Marshal or an insurance inspector flagged the door
• Building use changed and occupant load increased
• Rust or corrosion from Gulf air or warehouse chemicals

If any of this sounds familiar it is time for repair or Exit Device Installation. Want a quick check Push the bar and watch the latch. It should retract fully and snap back briskly. If not give us a call at 832-979-7899.

Common Types of Exit Devices We Install

Different doors need different hardware. We carry and install options for wood hollow metal aluminum storefront and glass with narrow stile frames.

Rim Exit Devices

• Mounts on the surface of the door with a latch that strikes a keeper on the frame
• Good for single doors and active leaves of double doors
• Simple to maintain and cost effective

Mortise Exit Devices

• Uses a mortise lock in the door with the bar to release it
• Smooth operation and high security
• Great for commercial and institutional doors that need strong hardware

Vertical Rod Exit Devices

• Surface or concealed rods that latch at the top and bottom
• Best for double doors with no center mullion
• Good for wider openings where you still want strong latching

Narrow Stile Exit Devices

• Built for aluminum storefront doors and glass doors with narrow rails
• Common in retail and restaurant entrances across Houston

Fire Rated Exit Devices

• For fire doors that must self latch and stay secure during a fire
• Used with door closers and fire rated frames and hinges

Alarmed Exit Devices

• Local alarm sounds when someone pushes the bar
• Helps control unauthorized exits while keeping life safety intact

Electrified and Access Control Integrated Devices

• Electric latch retraction for card readers keypads or schedules
• Works with mag locks or strikes where allowed by code
• Helpful for after hours control in offices schools and churches

Not sure which one fits your door We can measure check the door label and match the right device to your needs.

Our Exit Device Installation Process

We keep things simple and tidy so your team can get back to work quickly.

1. Site Assessment and Code Check

• Measure door width height and stile size
• Confirm door material and fire label if present
• Inspect frame condition strike location and clearances
• Review use of the opening occupant load and hardware function needed
• Look at ADA height and approach clearances
• Identify any access control parts already installed

2. Hardware Selection and Options

• Choose rim mortise or vertical rod device as needed
• Pick finish and trim that match your building
• Decide on outside lever keyed cylinder or thumb piece
• Add alarms electric latch retraction or delayed egress where allowed
• Confirm fire rating if required

3. Professional Installation

• Remove old hardware and patch existing holes as needed
• Prep the door and frame for the new device
• Install the bar latch strike and any rods or top latches
• Mount trims cylinders and any electrified components
• Set dogging mechanism if applicable
• Install signage per code for EXIT or alarm notices if needed

4. Testing and Fine Tuning

• Test easy push from several spots on the bar
• Verify full latch retraction and return
• Adjust closers for proper closing speed and latch speed
• Check outside operation with lever and key
• Test alarms and power connections
• Confirm mounting height and clear floor space meet ADA guidance

5. Staff Walkthrough and Care Tips

• Show your team how to use any dogging features
• Explain alarm arming and disarming
• Review daily checks and simple care steps

We protect floors and clean up work areas. Your entry stays neat and doors operate smoothly.

ADA and Fire Code Basics for Houston Properties

You do not have to be a code expert. We track the common rules and local practices so your exits make sense and pass inspections.

General points we follow

• Panic hardware usually required on certain occupancy types with higher occupant loads
• Bars typically span half the door width mounted between 34 and 48 inches above the floor
• No tight grasping pinching or twisting needed for operation
• Fire doors need labeled fire rated devices and working door closers
• Egress must be free and open during business hours unless approved exceptions apply
• Exterior exits need clear paths without obstructions

We also consider local enforcement by the Houston Fire Marshal and the authority having jurisdiction for your site. If you have a past inspection report we can review it on site and address each point.