This is Week 3 of the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association’s 100th Anniversary Challenge (click here for my Week 1 and Week 2 submissions).  The topic this week is durability – the performance of our industry’s products, even in the toughest real-world conditions.

I could post some photos of Allegion products that have survived extreme situations (this lock comes to mind), but since I typically post educational information, the prompt made me think about HOW we demonstrate durability.

I confess, I am a recovering over-analyzer, often to the point of Analysis Paralysis.  In the past I would spend hours looking at 100 different toaster ovens online, comparing the features and prices, reading reviews, and going in circles trying to choose the perfect one.

Considering all of the options for hardware, how does an architect or end user distinguish between the available products?  There could be aesthetic differences, facility standards, or brand recognition, but there are some important resources that can help with product selection:

BHMA Standards – Many ANSI/BHMA standards define different product grades for a particular hardware item. These product grades (grade 1, 2, or 3 — with grade 1 being the highest) are defined by progressive levels of performance benchmarks in each applicable ANSI/BHMA standard and may also ascertained by looking at the BHMA product number.  Check out BHMA’s Hardware Highlights for more information about the ANSI/BHMA A156 series standards.

BHMA Certified Product Directory – This online directory provides an up-to-date listing of all products that have been certified to ANSI/BHMA Standards.  Compliance with the standards is based upon a series of tests verified by independent, third-party laboratories. These tests determine whether the products meet the cycle, operational, strength, security and finish performance requirements. Periodic recertification is required in order to maintain the BHMA Certified status.  Click here to access the BHMA CPD.

To learn more about architectural hardware standards and product certification, BHMA has created an online course that offers continuing education credits.  You can find the course here.

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