Research reveals pitting epidemic

The industry faces a significant pitting hardware issue, according to new market research conducted by Brisant Secure.

In a question to installers, of which 270 replied, 88% reported that they have had pitting problems on their hardware in the past 12 months.

In a second question, Brisant asked installers if they were happy in how their suppliers were handling the pitting problems, with only 22.5% replying positively.

With the composite door market showing continued strong sales performance, the issue of hardware longevity has never been so important, the company said, nor has the warranties on such handles and letterplates.

Brisant said many consumers will be faced with pitting and rotting hardware within a matter of months; installation companies are still having to replace hardware, and with it the potential loss of referral sales.

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure, said: “The evidence is more than compelling that the industry is facing a backlash due to hardware pitting and the way in which warranties are managed. I would suggest that the current 240/480 hour standard is completely inadequate and that we need a standard that reflects the fact that the furthest point from the sea in the UK is Coton in the Elms in Derbyshire, which is just 70 miles from the coast.

“Our Lock Lock product has now achieved an unprecedented 7,500 hours in a salt spray chamber, so I would propose adding a further digit to the current requirements, so we can re-assure installers, consumers and the industry as a whole that door hardware is fully fit for purpose.”