Choosing safe, functional and easy-to-use latches for your exterior doors, Dutch doors, stall doors, or barn doors should be your priority. If you are an apprehensive, first-time buyer, you probably need some assistance in understanding what to look for in a latch. Here are 7 important points to consider when selecting reasonably priced products in the latch series.
1. Building Regulations
This aspect is especially important for property developers, builders or renovators on public buildings. You need to be aware of various regulations concerning the types of latches that you can use. For instance, the Guidelines on the Application of the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations, 1992 expressly prohibits several types of latches, including cabin hooks and barrel bolts.
2. Spring Strength
Determining the spring strength is an important consideration. Majority of handles incorporate springs, but some of them are un-sprung. If you are dealing with un-sprung handles, you ought to choose heavy duty sprung locks/latches. The reason you will need heavy duty latches is because all the return force will have to come from the latch itself; therefore, they must have enough spring strength.
3. Size
The "backset' measurement is an important consideration as far as size is concerned. It is the distance between the face plate and midpoint of the square spindle hole. This measurement establishes how far in the handles will be positioned from the edge of the door. Moreover, the depth of the rebate in the door frame and overall width of your door are two factors of considerations in this.
4. Finish
Obviously, the visible finish of the receiver plate and face plate should also be considered. You may not necessarily obtain an exact match; however, you can still work with an option closely matching the handle finish.
5. Accessibility
Latches are not just there for aesthetic value. It's important that you select products that provide high utility depending on where you place each one. An example is the recommendation by the Guidelines on the Application of the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations, 1992 that strap bolts would be well suited for public buildings occupying over 400 people. This allows easy operation of exit doors by someone, who may possibly be under duress.
6. Bolt Through Fixings
Another important consideration to make is whether your latches require bolt through fixing holes. If you are dealing with knob handles, you can achieve a stronger installation by using those fixings that pass through the door. In some cases, this may necessitate holes in the latch where the fixings should pass through.
7. Fixing Requirements
In case you are replacing old latches, you should check on the receiver plate and face plate dimensions. This is because they may both have been let into the frame and the face of the door as part of the fitting process. Ideally, you will need a similar size, but a bigger size will be much better since it will cover up the old fixing area without requiring extra effort to make it fit.
Finally, it is vital for you to ensure that the latch body fits unreservedly in the door without the body being pounded on. Also confirm that external moving parts are clear of the timber. By considering all these aspects, you're sure to make a wise decision when purchasing suitable latches.
Babak Tavakoli is an established interior designer, offering useful ideas for home renovations. He highly recommends ACS as a reliable supplier for high-end renovations. The high quality range of products is guaranteed to produce great results for your bathroom renovation. Visit http://www.acsbathrooms.com.au/door-hardware/latch-series.html for more details.
