Unlocking Best Practices: Specifying door hardware

by Katie Daniel | October 7, 2015 11:15 am

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by Scott J. Tobias, CSI, CDT, AHC
Far too many design/construction professionals fail to pay enough attention to door hardware—it does not matter how it is operated, whether a push, pull, knob rotation, or depression of a push bar, it is too often given short shrift as just a means to get to the other side.

Virtually every building project will contain doors and hardware, starting with the entrance or possibly perimeter security. Despite the mundanity of these components, there are many considerations to specifying and using doors and door hardware such as life and fire safety, accessibility, security, and convenience of use—some of which can conflict and jeopardize lives. Fortunately, there is an industry standard to provide guidance to design and construction professionals.

The Door and Hardware Institute’s (DHI’s) Sequence and Format for the Hardware Schedule is specifically named for hardware schedules, but the same sequence and format is typically used for specifying door hardware sets in Division 08 architectural specification documents. The specification documents are typically the responsibility of the architect, coordinated with a DHI-certified architectural hardware consultant (AHC), and used to estimate and understand what doors and hardware are required on a project.

Once it is determined what is required, the entity furnishing the doors and hardware (e.g. a door and hardware distributor supplying through a general contractor) is responsible for the hardware schedule. This schedule is typically created from the specification and in conjunction with the drawings and is submitted back to the architect for approval prior to anything being ordered, furnished, or installed on the project.

The DHI Sequence is helpful with assisting anyone in the construction industry working with architectural door hardware. It brings a basic understanding of all the components and how they are applied to work with the total door opening. There are many products, functions, applications, and component combinations available to be specified, furnished, and installed. DHI’s resource helps put order to the scheduling process to ensure all applications, codes, and components are reviewed for proper operation, compliance, and function.

Categorizing the various types of door hardware
DHI divides door hardware into 10 sequenced sections in its standard.

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1. Hanging devices
The first item addressed in the sequence is the hanging device. Although not typically a highlight of the door opening, the hanging device is one of the most important components. Supporting the entire weight of the door from the top, bottom, side, or a combination thereof, they are relied on for precise and consistent pivot-point swing or slide—hanging devices are probably the most actively used door opening components.

Depending on the type of door, function, and application, it can be hung onto a frame (of a door or an opening) or directly on a wall. A swinging door can be hung on hinges, continuous hinges, pivots, or floor closers, while a sliding door can be hung on tracks and hangers suspended from the top, underneath the head of a framed opening, on the face of the wall, or supported by the floor from underneath the door.

The most efficient and effective way to hang a door would be any means supported by the floor, rather than the frame or wall. In the latter cases, the door pulls away from the frame or wall, causing tension, whereas a door supported by the floor is resting on top and has no tension at all. Although a swinging door is the most common type, sliding door options and use have increased over recent years for their function, space-saving ability, and aesthetics.

2. Securing devices
Now that the door is hanging, the next part of the sequence is to secure it with devices such as bolts, bored or mortise locksets, fire-exit hardware, or deadlocks. When specifying or scheduling a pair of doors, the inactive leaf is always secured first—otherwise, the active leaf has nothing to secure itself into, leaving both vulnerable. In other words, the inactive leaf must act as the fixed material that the frame or wall would be for a single door opening.

Once the inactive leaf of a pair has been secured (or, only a single door opening is being specified), the proper securing device is then specified. There are many factors, options, and preferences to take into account when securing the opening, including function, building codes, life safety and fire cords, design, and personal preference. Sustainability can also be a factor when choosing the materials used to manufacture a product. When the lifecycle is twice as long as another product of the same function, not only are healthier materials used, but they are also replaced less often, reducing labor and material needs, along with products being sent to the landfill.

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When specifying any type of electrified hardware, operations descriptions (also known as operations narratives) should always be used. These are short paragraphs describing the operation of every part of the opening from either side, so the designer, installer, and user can all have the same understanding of what is supposed to happen at the opening at any given time.

It is very important to have the owner or user’s input when specifying door hardware for proper functionality of use. When one decides how someone else will use a room or a door, it might not be exactly what that person has in mind. By coordinating the original specification with all parties involved (including the user, security consultant, installer, contractor, architect, distributor, and any other party affected), the results can be less mistakes and misunderstandings.

Elevation and point-to-point diagrams should also be required as part of the submittal process. Elevations provide an overview of what the opening looks like with all the components of the system connected. The point-to-point shows the system connections as well, but is geared more toward the actual wiring, including the colors and connections of each. A logic diagram might be used by the person who designed the system in order to lay out the system flow and process.

3. Operating trim
Once the door has been hung and secured, the third part of the sequence is to specify operating trim. Whether or not there is a locking device (e.g. mortise lockset or panic hardware), one must specify or schedule a door pull, push plate, or a push-pull bar. There are many different manufacturers and variations of operating trim to ensure something for all aesthetic tastes. Further, some manufacturers have the ability to fabricate custom design or patterns into existing operating trim.

4. Accessories for pairs of doors only
When working with a pair of doors, the next step in the sequence is to include the related accessories, including coordinators and carry bars. These devices help coordinate the closing and opening of certain pair of door applications.

5. Closing and control devices
Closing and controlling a door is important for many reasons, including the protection of lives and materials, traffic control, security, and energy efficiency. Closing devices, also known as door closers, can be manufactured for different types of applications depending on the function, aesthetic, and frequency of use of the opening.

Surface-mounted, concealed overhead in the door or frame, and concealed in the floor are available for different applications with various options for each. A control device, also known as a door stop, can also be manufactured as different types (e.g. floor, wall, and overhead) in order to protect the door, frame, hardware, and the surrounding conditions. Sometimes, a closing device is erroneously used as a controlling device to stop the door from going past a certain point in the open position, which is not its intended application. (In all cases, a door stop of some sort, as described earlier in this article, should be used.) By misusing the closing device, the life of the opening will certainly be shortened, having to maintain and adjust the door, frame, and hardware time and again.

6. Protective plates and trim
Next in the sequence are protective plates, which defend the door as a layer installed on the surface of the door. Some doors can be very expensive to replace, so rather than damaging, dinging, denting, scratching, or ruining their surfaces, the plate can take the abuse. A protection plate is also typically less expensive to replace than an entire door.

7. Stops and holders
If floor or door closers with overhead stops are not applied, the next step in the sequence involves stops and holders. Plates and trim are not enough—the surrounding conditions must also be taken into account. The door and frame can be protected with floor or wall stops, floor or wall holders, and electromagnetic door holders.

8. Accessories
The next item in the sequence comprises accessories that include astragals, thresholds, weatherstripping, and gasketing. These hardware types are employed to seal the clearances around the perimeter of an opening. This can help with many issues, including:

• keeping sound, light, and smoke either in or out;
• maintaining energy efficiency; and
• helping contain indoor conditions inside the structure and the exterior conditions outside.

Although most weatherstripping and gaskets are surface-mounted or recessed installed, some manufacturers offer their door frames with gaskets already installed in kerfs where the rabbet meets the stop of the frame.

9. Miscellaneous items
From bumper guards, card holders, and coat hooks, to signs, silencers, and viewers, this is the part of the sequence that miscellaneous items are listed.

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10. Miscellaneous items
Yes, there are two categories for miscellaneous items. To this author, the main difference between the two seems to be the previous category contains hardware applied to the door (e.g. hooks and viewers), while this one contains items not installed directly on the door, such as computers, wiring diagrams, key switches, software, and wire.

Six important things to remember
With many other aspects of door hardware with which a specifier should be concerned, this article now explores six pertinent items that can help limit the amount of door hardware punch list items on a project.

1. Most door hardware components have to meet various codes and standards for minimum functionality and durability, depending on the device type.
Door hardware is affected by many building, fire, safety, accessibility, and other standards and codes. Some local jurisdictions have specific codes and standards for their own use.

2. ANSI and BHMA’s standard refers to three finish designation systems.
In the co-published ANSI/BHMA A156.18, American National Standard for Metals and Finishes, the American National Standards Institute and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association refer to a trio of finish designation systems:

• National Bureau of Standards of the U.S. Department of Commerce;
• Canadian Builders Hardware Manufacturers Inc.; and
• BHMA.

The BHMA finish designations provide more information in their number by stating not only the item’s finish, but also its base metal. This is important when specifying fire-rated openings, as an example, to ensure there is a steel-based metal as required by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 80, Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Otherwise, any other base metal, such as brass or bronze, would melt long before the time required by code, leaving the door vulnerable to fire hazard.

For instance, US26D is the U.S. designation for ‘satin chromium plated,’ while 626 is the BHMA designation for ‘satin chromium plated on brass or bronze base metal,’ and 652 is ‘satin chromium plated on steel base metal.’ This is important when specifying, ordering, and installing hinges on fire-rated doors, as they require steel-based hinges per NFPA 80.

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3. Most hardware devices are tested to meet multiple minimum criteria, and depending on the levels met, grades are applied.
Grade 1 is the best-performing device passing the highest minimum standards, Grade 2 would be the next, and Grade 3 would be the lesser quality of the three. Procedures include cycle testing, which is the performance of how many times a device can be ‘used.’ For example, one cycle of a test would include such a lever handle of a lockset being rotated to retract and extend a latchbolt that would be one cycle. Another example would be a door closer cycle—each time the door closer opens and closes would be one cycle.

Other examples include:

• impact testing where the devices are struck;
• weather or salt tests where the devices are exposed to outdoor weather to see how long they will last; and
• finish tests to see how long the architectural finish on the device will resist wear and the test of time.

4. Although many door hardware devices are not ‘handed,’ there are many devices that are.
‘Handing’ a device is determined by which way a door swings. A door hanging on the left and pushing away from the user is a left-hand door and a door hanging on the right and pushing away is a right-hand door.

Reverse-handed doors are the opposite, as their name suggests. In other words, when a door is hanging on the left and pulls towards you, it is a left-hand reverse, and a door hanging on the right and pulling toward you is a right-hand reverse door.

5. Hardware schedules, also known as submittals, are typically created from architectural project specifications and drawings, which are created by an architect, typically coordinated with a DHI-certified AHC.

Hardware schedules are created from the specifications typically by a door and hardware distributor employee. The schedule is typically submitted to the project general contractor or construction manager, who typically submits it to the project architect for approval prior to ordering and delivering to the jobsite.

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While a vertical schedule is typically specified and preferred by an architect, this standard describes both horizontal and vertical formats. Project specifications typically specify that hardware schedules are required to be created by an AHC.

6. If product substitutions requests are allowed from what was originally specified, the request process is typically specified in Division 01 of the Project Manual, otherwise known as the specifications.

The substitution request requirements are typically asking for product data and proof the requested substitution will meet the same grade, function, application, aesthetic, and quality of the originally specified product. It is recommended all substitution requests be submitted within the procedures as outlined in Division 01, Section 01 25 13 Product Substitution, and on CSI Substitution Request Forms.

One should be cautious of what is considered an ‘equal,’ as standards refer to the minimum standard, but there are some manufacturers, products, and solutions that go above and beyond these minimums. It is recommended substitution requests and approvals not be taken lightly as sometimes the substitution is proposed or taking place to strictly save money or to become more competitive on a bid to win the project contract to supply the door hardware without considering the item’s quality or durability. Typically, with door hardware, you get what you pay for. This means if you are saving money on an item, it is likely it is not of the same standards and quality as the originally specified device.

Conclusion
Following the DHI Sequence can help ensure all components of an opening have been addressed and no items were missed. By going through each step in sequence, it is easier to focus on what is required—the opening comes together like a puzzle. It is also very important and necessary to coordinate with other relevant specification sections, such as hollow metal or wood doors. By cross-referencing sections, one can see where one product can affect another, such as with coordinating door and frame preparations for hardware or the coordination of who furnishes materials such as a power supply. These are both typical items that can be assumed by others, and can be missed or left out of a bid, submittal, or, worse, installation when the building
is ready to open.

With all the items to take into consideration, one can see why a door opening is not something to just walk through. Among other things, with the proper components or assemblies, applications, functionality, code and standard compliance, and installation, lives can be saved and things will operate the way they are intended for the user without the massive punch list issues for which door hardware can be known.

Scott J. Tobias, CSI, CDT, AHC/CDC, CFDI, LEED AP, is associate principal of Door+Hardware Consultants Inc., and the author of Illustrated Guide to Door Hardware: Design, Specification, Selection. He currently serves on the Door & Hardware Institute’s (DHI) board of governors and has been servicing the architectural, design, and construction communities for more than 25 years. With multi-disciplinary door opening industry experience, Tobias provides independent door and hardware consulting services, including Division 08 specification writing, educational training, and public speaking. He can be reached at scott@scottjtobias.com[8].

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/specifying-door-hardware/

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