Assisted Living Door Requirement: Fire Rating, ADA, and Self-Closing Hinges Explained
"We manage a 40-unit assisted living community. The fire marshal wants every unit entry door to close and latch on its own, but several of [...]
How Fire Rating Classifications Work: From Flame Spread to Resistance Time
Quick Answer Fire rating classifications measure two different things: fire resistance rating (ASTM E119), which shows how long an assembly like a door can withstand [...]
ADA Compliant Door Hinges: What the 5 lb Rule Actually Means for Your Door
Quick Answer The ADA 5 lb rule means a door must open with 5 lbs of force or less, while still closing in at least [...]
Solving Outdoor Hydraulic Door Closer Problems: From Leaking Oil to Rust and Wear
Quick Answer Outdoor hydraulic door closers commonly fail due to oil leakage, rust, and internal wear caused by prolonged exposure to humidity, temperature swings, and [...]
What Makes Specifying Self Closing Door Hinges Challenging for Architects
Quick Answer Specifying self-closing door hinges forces architects to juggle five competing demands at once: ADA opening-force limits, fire-rated latching requirements, the torque load of [...]
Making Every Door Safer with ADA Compliant Door Closers
Quick Answer An ADA compliant door closer must provide at least 32 inches of clear opening width, require under 5 lbs of force to open, [...]
Solving The ADA Door Handle Height Conundrum
Quick Answer ADA requires door handles to be centered between 30 and 44 inches above the floor, operable with one hand, and without tight grasping [...]
ADA Shower Room Requirements Explained
Quick Answer ADA shower room requirements call for doors that open at least 90 degrees with a 32 inch clear width, need no more than [...]
How Many Spring Hinges for a Fire Door Per NFPA 80 Requirements
"We have a large project and need 52 hinges total. Should I go with 3 or 4 hinges per door?" Well, the answer depends on [...]
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC): Gate & Fence Requirements Explained
The 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) states that “Outdoor pools and spas and indoor swimming pools shall be surrounded by a barrier.” [...]