{"id":119844,"date":"2020-09-16T11:09:58","date_gmt":"2020-09-16T15:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=119844"},"modified":"2020-09-17T08:57:24","modified_gmt":"2020-09-17T12:57:24","slug":"small-details-make-a-big-difference-in-door-hardware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/small-details-make-a-big-difference-in-door-hardware\/","title":{"rendered":"Small details make a big difference in door hardware"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Photo<\/a>
Photo \u00a9 BigStockPhoto.com<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

by Jacob Wexler<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sustainability for the author, a door hardware professional, means specifying and correctly installing high-quality products on door openings that will not be damaged during occupancy and do not require extensive maintenance. In short, sustainability in an opening means the specified hardware will last for years.<\/p>\n

Choosing products for sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gasketing manufacturers provide a range of products to enhance an opening\u2019s sustainability. From gasketing to thresholds and everything in between, these companies bring small details together to make effective and code-compliant openings.<\/p>\n

In some cases, gasketing may even be required to meet code. For example, fire door assemblies in corridors and smoke barriers need to be tested in accordance with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1784, Standard for Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives<\/em>.<\/p>\n

As specifiers, it is important to realize that while end-users will replace a broken deadbolt, they are less likely to change out a defective door bottom or replace cracked rubber in gasketing. In most cases, they will ignore or pull it off without replacement. This compromises both the security and sustainability of that opening.<\/p>\n

Thresholds and adhesives<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thresholds are specified to restrict airflow, smoke, light, heat, and cold. They can provide functions such as life safety, security, and energy efficiency.<\/p>\n

Commercial thresholds are manufactured from extruded aluminum, bronze, brass, or stainless steel. Often double-beveled, these are extruded to be a single piece.<\/p>\n

However, thresholds can also be extruded with grooves in them that are filled with a specific type of abrasive adhesive product. Based on the opening and type, this adhesive can help extend the life of the threshold because it eases wear and tear. Owners can have liability issues whenever a product like this becomes worn down. For example, if a threshold holds water or has oil exposure, it can become slippery and cause users to slip and fall.<\/p>\n

To achieve a positive influence on sustainability, it is best to specify an adhesive that makes sense for the opening\u2019s purpose.<\/p>\n

Epoxy abrasive<\/em><\/p>\n

This exceptionally strong surface provides the utmost safety for outdoor applications, and should be used in all exterior openings to assist and maintain the sustainable life of the opening. It is also useful for parks, schools, hospitals, and industrial buildings.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A door is deemed sustainable when the specified hardware lasts for years.<\/span>
Images courtesy Legacy MFG<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rubber grip<\/em><\/p>\n

While a rubber adhesive may be appropriate for a low-traffic doorway, it is generally not recommended for commercial applications. It is made up of a blend of synthetic rubbers and chemical compounds.<\/p>\n

Aluminum composite filler<\/em><\/p>\n

This contains aluminum oxide and silicone carbide and is suitable for applications with heavy commercial traffic in supply rooms, manufacturing buildings, schools, cafeteria, automobile dealers, hospitals, and industrial facilities.<\/p>\n

Photoluminescent epoxy abrasive<\/em><\/p>\n

The most common use of a photoluminescent adhesive is with fire door assemblies as well as common indoor applications on staircases. It includes a photoluminescent tread for visibility.<\/p>\n

Thresholds<\/em><\/p>\n

Thermal break thresholds are used when there is an opposition in temperature from one side of an opening to the other. These are designed to inhibit the transmission of thermal energy through more conductive materials. This type of threshold may be specified when conserving energy in very hot or cold environments is desired.<\/p>\n

Rabbeted thresholds include a built-in stop, designed to allow the door to close against the seal and inhibit airflow.<\/p>\n

In many cases, the end-user does not prefer the \u2018look\u2019 or encumbrance of a threshold. In these cases, a cycle-tested automatic door bottom is recommended. The different variations and options available in thresholds can provide specifiers with flexibility to properly accommodate a variety of sill conditions.<\/p>\n

Automatic door bottoms<\/strong><\/p>\n

Automatic door bottoms provide protection from fire, smoke, noise, and other threats to the life safety and comfort of building occupants. These require some maintenance, but provide a seamless user experience, in which most will never notice its existence. These door bottoms automatically retract into the housing when the door opens, and lower when the door closes, to provide the needed protection.<\/p>\n

Specifying door bottoms with a minimum capacity of 2.5 million cycles is imperative. These are required in specific openings such as stairwells or those with fire or sound ratings. They are available in a variety of thicknesses and finishes. Some automatic door bottoms are even surface mounted, so they can be installed without removing the door.<\/p>\n

An automatic door bottom is activated in one of two ways. One is the standard opening and closing of the door. If the door is closed, the threshold functions as a latch, activating the door bottom and allowing the seal to drop down. When the door is opened, the pin hitting against the stop retracts in the door bottom and the seal is then concealed into the housing.<\/p>\n

The more innovative approach is to have an electronically retracting door bottom that can be activated with a switch\u2014a keypad, key switch, or a standard momentary switch with no credential requirements. This feature is extremely useful in settings where sound control is particularly crucial, such as law firms and doctor\u2019s offices, and room occupants are also made aware of the feature and its importance. It can also be specified whenever a complete seal is required, such as during a fire.<\/p>\n

Gasketing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gasketing is one of most misunderstood and underspecified material. Gasketing should not be categorized as a door accessory, but rather recognized as an integral and significant component to a successfully operating, code-compliant, and sustainable opening. However, its effectiveness is dependent on proper specification and installation.<\/p>\n

\"Figure<\/a>
Figure 1:<\/strong> \u2018Notching out\u2019 gasketing to create space for hardware creates a security issue and poses a fire risk.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A quick note on the difference between weather stripping and gasketing\u2014the former is appropriate when weather protection is the only goal, and the latter should be specified when protection from sound, fire, and\/or smoke is desired.<\/p>\n

When specifying gasketing, it is important to keep in mind the following:<\/p>\n