There are several key considerations that door hardware must comply with to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, including the approach to the door, the opening clearance, thresholds, surfaces, operating hardware, closing speed, opening force, and exit door signage.
The Contra Costa County Emergency Operations Center in Martinez, California, utilized a custom-made hydraulic glass door that helps with disaster management and public safety.
Tenants prefer new buildings because they are supposed to be fitted with the latest technology. However, new tech solutions are not exclusive to just-constructed facilities. It is also possible for existing buildings to implement access control solutions to meet the evolving needs of their residents.
Door hardware specifications can be confusing and tedious. Just the thought of having to recall door hardware terminology, code requirements, and best practices is overwhelming. Then, transferring that knowledge to work when designing commercial or institutional facilities with hundreds to thousands of openings, each including five to 10 pieces of hardware, seems like a monumental task. This reference guide explaining common terminology and hardware will help make the process a little less daunting.
