Panic Bar Installation

Not all panic bars are the same. Different types serve different door configurations and security requirements.

Rim exit devices are the most common. The bar mounts on the face of the door, and pushing it retracts a latch at the lock side. These work on single doors and are relatively simple to install. You see them on retail backdoors, office emergency exits, and warehouse entrances across Austin.

Vertical rod devices use rods that extend into the head and threshold of the door frame. Pushing the bar retracts latches at both top and bottom simultaneously. These provide better security than rim devices and are often required on paired doors (double doors without a center mullion) or when codes require latching at multiple points.

Mortise exit devices combine a mortise lock body with panic bar actuation. These allow key locking from outside while maintaining panic functionality inside. Common on storefront doors and main entrances where you want both egress compliance and keyed security.

Delayed egress devices intentionally delay door opening for 15-30 seconds while sounding an alarm. These are used in healthcare, retail, and other settings where preventing unauthorized exit matters (psychiatric units, high-theft retail) while still allowing emergency egress. Strict code requirements govern their use - not appropriate for primary exits.

Alarm-equipped panic bars sound a local alarm when pushed. These deter unauthorized use of emergency exits while maintaining egress function. Common on retail fire exits and office doors that shouldn't be propped open.

Proper panic bar installation is more than mounting the hardware. Incorrect installation can fail inspection or - worse - fail during an actual emergency.

Door preparation matters. Panic bars require specific hole patterns and reinforcement. Installing on hollow metal doors is straightforward. Installing on wood doors may require backing plates. Installing on glass doors (storefront applications) requires narrow-profile panic hardware designed for aluminum frames.

Latch engagement must be verified. The latch needs to fully engage the strike when the door is closed and fully retract when the bar is pressed. Improper installation causes doors that don't stay closed or don't open smoothly. We test repeatedly during installation and adjust as needed.

Fire-rated assemblies require documentation. When we install panic hardware on a fire door, we ensure the hardware is listed for that door's rating and label the door accordingly. This documentation matters for inspections and insurance claims.

Accessibility requirements under ADA affect mounting height and operating force. Panic bars must be mounted 34-48 inches from the floor and require no more than 15 pounds of force to operate. We verify compliance during installation.

After installation, we provide operation instructions and maintenance recommendations. Panic hardware needs periodic maintenance - lubrication, adjustment, cleaning - to maintain smooth operation over years of use.

Panic bars wear out. The mechanisms see heavy use - every exit is a cycle, and busy Austin businesses can put thousands of cycles on their hardware annually. Springs weaken, latches wear, and eventually the bar that should release with 15 pounds of force requires 50.

Common repair issues include: stiff or non-functioning bars (usually internal mechanism wear), latches that don't fully retract (worn or dirty components), doors that don't stay latched (strike alignment or latch wear), and broken push bars (fatigue failure in high-use applications). Many issues can be repaired without full replacement - we assess before recommending.

When repair isn't practical, replacement provides an opportunity to upgrade. Modern panic hardware includes features like quieter operation, better finishes that resist Austin's humidity, and integration with access control systems. If your building has outgrown its hardware or requirements have changed, we specify appropriate replacements.

For multi-door buildings, we can establish maintenance contracts. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance catches problems before they become code violations or safety issues. More cost-effective than emergency repairs when the fire marshal arrives.

Emergency repairs are available. When your main entrance panic bar fails during business hours, you can't secure the building or you can't let people out safely. We respond same-day for urgent panic hardware issues across Austin's commercial districts.