What Goes Wrong With Fire Exit Doors?
Exit doors are opened in a hurry, slammed shut and ignored the rest of the time. Exterior exits rust at the bottom rail. Panic bars stick or stop latching. Doors get chained or blocked because they will not stay closed, which is exactly what an inspector is looking for. And when a new panic bar gets bolted onto a worn-out door, it often fails within months because the door itself can no longer latch.
What Is Included in Fire Exit Door Replacement?
The exit door and its exit device replaced together, with the closer, weatherstrip and any rated components, so the opening works as a reliable exit again. As a commercial door contractor in Toronto, we replace the door and device as one package.
The written CAD spec lists:
- Exit door: hollow metal, galvanized for exterior, labelled where rated
- Exit device: panic hardware or fire exit hardware such as Von Duprin 98/99
- Device type: rim, surface vertical rod or mortise
- Closer, hinges and threshold
- Occupant load and egress notes for sign-off
- Phase plan keeping exits open
Technician confirms specs and price at your free on-site measure.
Types of Exit Door Replacement
Single exterior exits
Rear doors on restaurants, plazas and warehouses. Usually galvanized hollow metal with a rim device.
Stairwell exits
Rated doors with fire exit hardware, closers and positive latching.
Exit pairs
Double exits in gyms, auditoriums and schools, often with surface vertical rod devices.
Phased programs
Several exits across a building replaced in sequence so occupancy is never affected.
How Much Does Exit Door Replacement Cost in Toronto?
| Scope | Typical range per exit | Main cost drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Single exterior exit, rim device | $2,800-$4,000 | Door, finish, threshold |
| Rated stair exit with fire exit hardware | $3,800-$5,500 | Label, device, closer |
| Exit pair with vertical rod devices | $5,000-$6,500 | Two leaves, rods |
When Should an Exit Door Be Replaced?
- The panic bar has been replaced and the door still does not latch
- The door is rusted, dented or sagging
- Staff chain or prop the door to keep it shut or open
- An inspection order lists the exit
- Occupancy changes require different exit hardware
Exit Door vs Push Bar Only
If the door and frame are sound, a new device is all you need. If the door is worn, a new device just inherits the problem.
Codes and Standards
Exit hardware is sized and listed per the Ontario Building Code egress requirements and the Ontario Fire Code. Rated exits meet NFPA 80. Our crew is NFPA 80 trained.