DIY? Or Call TDC? ... How To Unstick a Heavy Wooden Interior Door

[This week in our series "DIY? Or Call TDC?" we're discussing how to deal with a sticking interior wood door. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business.]

If you have a wooden interior door that is sticking you might be able to fix it quickly and with a minimum of tools and skill. This is a common problem with heavy wooden doors.

Step 1: Tighten The Hinge

If your door is dragging at the top or bottom of the frame or on the floor, chances are a loose hinge may be the problem. Over time hinges will work themselves a bit loose. Only a slight loosening can cause a door to stick or drag. Use the screwdriver to tighten down all screws. Don't use a drill or electric screwdriver for this job as they tend to over tighten and you may strip the threads on the screw.

Step 2: Lubricate Door
Open and close the door to see where it is sticking. You may find that all you need to do is rub the edge of the door with an old candle or wax bar to lubricate it a bit.

Step 3: Sand the Door
If these fixes don't work then you might need to sand the area that is dragging until the door opens and closes smoothly. You can also use a wood plane for this job, however, if you have any reservations about sanding or using a plane, call the experts at The Door Company of Ohio at (614) 338-1414. Too much sanding or using a plane can cause visible damage to an otherwise beautiful wood door.

Thank you for reading!

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... How To Replace Your Door Threshold

[This week in our series "DIY? Or call TDC?" we're covering the replacement of a door threshold. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business. Don't have time? Need parts or assistance? You can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

Here are 4 simple steps that will help you quickly and easily replace a door threshold.

Step 1 – Prepare before Buying Your New Threshold Strip

In purchasing a new door threshold you'll need to know which sizes will best fit the door. Measure each door separately. All doors do not necessarily have the same dimensions. You'll need two measurements for each door: the width of the doorway—not the door, itself, and the gap between the floor and the bottom edge of the door. Examine the space between your door and the floor below it to determine what has created this space. Was the threshold not high enough? Is the threshold the right size, but is now worn down or broken off?  Has the concrete or other flooring been damaged under the threshold? Has the threshold been damaged by snow melt compounds?

Step 2 – Choose from Available Types

You'll find a large variety of thresholds on the market.  Most are made of aluminum and may or may not have lips with some type of gasketing material that helps provide a seal for the door against weather.

Be sure to check the measurement of the threshold you purchase, to ensure that it matches the type you'll need to fill the gap between the door bottom edge and the floor beneath it. If you are unable to find a threshold long enough to match your opening, buy one that is longer, one you will be able to cut and fit to the opening.

Step 3 – Remove the Old Threshold

Locate the screws that attach the strip to the floor. If no screws are visible, and if you see a rubber or plastic strip in the center of the old thresold, use a flathead screwdriver to remove this strip. It's very likely that you'll find your screws in the channel the rubber strip occupied. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the old threshold to the floor.

Step 4 – Attach Your New Threshold  

If you need to shorten your new threshold, carefully measure and mark it. Then, cut it to length. Check to see if holes in the new threshold are aligned with screw holes in the floor. If they're not, use your drill and bit to drill new holes that will line up with the new holes. Then, attach the threshold with new screws.

We can solve any door problem you have. If you need parts for this project, give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... What To Do If A Door Doesn't Latch Properly

[This week in our series "DIY? Or call TDC?" we're discussing making sure your doors latch properly. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business. However, if you don't have time, need parts or run into problems, you can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

Every door will have a time when it will not latch correctly. There may be different reasons why a door will not latch. Damp weather or heat may be warping the door. Ground that has frozen under the door may also cause the door not to close properly. Also, usual wear and tear can contribute to the door not latching properly. There are several ways to fix a door that will not latch.

Step 1- Check Hinges

If the door is not latching properly, the easiest place to start with is with the door hinges. When the hinges are loose the door will travel up and down while it is being opened and closed. If the door is sagging and will not line up with the latch, check the door hinges. Lift the door up to relieve the pressure on the hinges and tighten the screws. If the screws have been stripped, the screws will not tighten in the holes. In that case, take the hinges from the frame. Drill new holes that are slightly smaller than a wood dowel. Hammer in the dowel and cut off excess. Reinstall the hinges and attach the screws into the dowel.  For an emergency repair, a simple wood pencil can be used in place of a wood dowel.

Step 2- Check the Latch and Strike Plate

When you open the door you will see the latch on the door and the strike plate which is on the door jamb. Check both for loose screws. Tighten any screws that are lose and check the door again. If it latches securely then problem is solved. If not, then there is another problem.

Slide the latch in and out to see if it moves smoothly. If it doesn't, the door knob may be too tight. Loosen the knobs a little to relieve some of the pressure on the door and to free up the latch a little. If the latch is still catching in the door, apply WD-40 or silicone lubricant.

Step 3- Align Strike Plate

If the door still does not latch properly, then it could be that the strike plate is not aligning properly with the latch. Close the door and check to see if  the strike plate is too high or too low. Also check to see that it is aligning left and right. You can fix this problem in three different ways. For small adjustments, use a metal file on the strike plate to open it up a little more for the latch to set properly. You can also place a piece of wood in the strike plate and hammer the wood up or down to move the plate until it aligns.

The last plate repair suggestion is one that you can do easily. Simply unscrew the strike plate and reattach it at a different height--either lower or higher--depending upon how unaligned the plate was.

Need parts for this project? Give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... Installing a Door Sweep for your Business

[We're beginning a new series called "DIY? Or call TDC?" this week. These posts will consist of repair and/or maintenance procedures for your business. Many of these tasks, you can do yourself. However, if you don't have time, need parts or run into problems, you can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

A door sweep is an excellent way to prevent drafts and cold air from seeping in from underneath a door. Door sweeps can be as simple as a piece of rubber that is attached to the bottom of a door or as elaborate as an actual brush that not only prevents air from coming in from under the door, but also sweeps the area in front of the door as the door opens and closes.

Installing the Sweep:

Step 1

Purchase a door sweep that is the appropriate width for your door. Generally, door sweeps are the same width as the door. If you do not know the width of your door, then measure the door across.

Step 2

Using a power drill, attach the sweep to the bottom of the door. If you have a steel door, you will need to use a pre-drill holes with a bit designed for cutting into metal, or self-tapping screws.

Most door sweeps come with screws and holes already drilled into the sweep.

Step 3

Close the door and check to see that the sweep is preventing drafts and air from coming in under the door and that the door easily opens and closes.

If you need parts for this door sweep project, or any of the other projects we discuss in this series, give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

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Should You Invest in Automatic Doors for Your Business?

If your business is considering a new build or perhaps even an extensive building renovation, this may be the perfect time to consider investing in installing automatic doors. Another consideration is the ability to improve the management of energy efficiency in your organization. There are many substantial benefits that lessen heating and cooling costs from both a pedestrian and industrial standpoint.

Advantages with Pedestrian Applications

Automatic doors provide numerous aesthetic and cost-effective benefits when used in pedestrian applications. The advantages start with the following:

• A measurable increase in convenience, consumer safety, and the prevention of injuries through the reduction of traffic congestion. To cite just two examples, traffic issues are common in situations involving grocery carts, and when people are dealing with young children and baby strollers.

  

  Photo courtesy: Horton Automatics

• “Hands-free” automatic doors are a tremendous help to the elderly, aging Baby Boomers, and the disabled.
• Industry research shows that automatic doors contribute to increased sales in retail environments through the creation of an enhanced and sophisticated upscale image. The doors also provide advantages when space is limited, especially in compact areas.
• During new construction or remodeling, there's a major advantage to providing barrier-free access through the use of automatic doors. It's easier and more cost-effective to install the doors at this point rather than attempting to comply with the government-mandated architectural requirements specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Advantages with Industrial Applications

• Enhanced corporate brand image. You've heard the saying “Perception is Reality,” which is very true with consumers. It's interesting to note that studies show consumers perceive companies with automatic doors as organizations with a commitment to a higher level of customer service than firms without automatic doors.

  

  Photo courtesy: Horton Automatics

• A reduction of traffic and congestion along with increased safety for both employees and/or visitors, by eliminating the need to lift heavy overhead doors.
• “Time and motion” studies demonstrate cost and time savings along with an increase in worker productivity due to eliminating the need for employees to manually open and close overhead doors.
• Increased safety and comfort by minimizing wide-open doors for trucks and other vehicles to enter and exit the premises. With an automatic door the doors remain closed except when someone needs to enter or exit the building.

For more information on Automatic Doors, installation, repair or even inspection of your existing doors, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.

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Automatic Doors Provide Convenience and Access for Medical Centers

Medical treatment begins and ends with entrance-exit design. From patient and guest entrances to surgical suites that require hermetic integrity, automatic doors provide many benefits for health care facilities and their clients. The most common benefits include convenience, safety, lower energy and operating costs, and efficiency.

Efficiency

Photo Courtesy: Horton Automatics

Delivering emergent care relies on shaving seconds off transport times. Struggling to open and close doors while navigating narrow hallways and openings with oversized gurneys and wheelchairs is inefficient and creates potential for patient discomfort, or worse. Touch-free access to treatment areas is instrumental for all medical care providers working with non-ambulatory individuals.

Architectural Elements

Sliders and telescopic automatic doors maximize available space and control traffic in compact passageways.

In addition to space-saving features, automatic doors work with every architectural genre. Curved glass styles accommodate extra wide, extra tall openings; tinted and frosted glass provide privacy while reducing energy costs and framed models are suited to high-traffic environments, including retrofit buildings and new construction.

Hygiene Considerations

For cleanrooms and other health care areas that require heightened sanitation measures, hermetic sliding doors provide hands-free entrance and exit. Available styles include pocket-installation and framed doorway models to fit building design -- reducing installation expenses and limiting disruption time during construction.

Hospitals have access to bi-fold and single-panel designs with manual and computer controls for precise management. Perimeter seal mechanisms ensure a tight, secure closure to protect the environment from unnecessary contamination in surgical suites, laboratories and testing facilities.

Photo Courtesy: Horton Automatics

Decorating with Doors

The primary function of automatic doors is to provide security and comfort while controlling access; however, a side benefit includes positive visual impact. Incorporating soothing colors on solid panels, semitransparent glass for added privacy and curves to create an elegant impression are only a few of the design options for medical care facilities.

Cost effective designs allow medical care facilities and ancillary service providers to control entrance and egress to individual rooms, hazard containment areas and reception rooms. Maintaining higher levels of security and efficiency with automatic door systems also improves patient comfort and satisfaction.

For more information on Automatic Doors, installation, repair or even inspection of your existing doors, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.

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PRESS ROOM: The Door Company Announces Statewide Distribution Deal with Boon Edam

The Door Company of Ohio is pleased to announce a partnership with global industry leader Boon Edam, to become the manufacturer’s authorized factory distribution, sales and service center for the state of Ohio.

The deal makes The Door Company a statewide solution for sales, installation and service for Boon Edam’s line of manual and automated door systems and security access technologies. The move expands The Door Company’s reach beyond the Central Ohio market, offering round-the-clock, front-to-back service year round for manual and automatic entrance solutions.
Since developing its first revolving door over 100 years ago, Boon Edam has become the worldwide market leader in revolving door production. However, Boon Edam also offers an unmatched variety of turnstile entrances, including automatic optical turnstiles, high security doors and portals and other sophisticated security entrance solutions. Boon Edam has factories in the U.S., China and The Netherlands; subsidiaries in 17 countries and authorized distributors in 60 other countries.

Founded in 1993 in Columbus, Ohio, The Door Company offers sales, installation, service and code inspection of all commercial door options, including automatic, revolving, overhead and other commercial doors. In addition, the company provides custom hollow metal door fabrication on site, an online parts catalog and a walk-in parts counter, and is a Designated Labeled Shop for the production and labeling of commercial fire doors.

For more information, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414, or visit www.tdoorco.com.

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PRESS ROOM: The Door Company Established As Central Ohio Distributor of Horton Automatic Doors

The Door Company has announced a partnership with Horton Automatics, Inc., that will make the Columbus, Ohio-based business a distributor for Horton automatic doors in central Ohio.

The agreement makes The Door Company a distributor and installer for Horton’s extensive line of doors. The agreement strengthens the company’s foothold in the commercial door industry as a leader in installation and service of all commercial doors offering Front-2-Back Service 24/7/365.

Founded in 1960, Horton Automatics pioneered a brand-new industry with the creation of the first commercial automatic sliding door in America. Since then, it has been an industry leader in producing automatic doors for commercial, industrial and institutional locations. Horton doors meet or exceed every major door code in America, and provide compliance for the Americans with Disabilities Act and Metro-Dade.

The Door Company was founded in 1993, and offers sales, installation, service and code inspection of all commercial door options, including automatic, revolving, overhead and other commercial doors. The company also provides custom hollow metal door fabrication on site, along with an online parts catalog and a walk-in parts counter.

For more information, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414, or visit www.tdoorco.com.

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The Most Common Flaws in Swinging Fire Door Assemblies

We have discussed before how the fire doors of a building are critical to the safety and security of any building. Because of this fact, an annual inspection of those fire doors and the accompanying hardware are equally critical to your building’s policies and procedures.

A fire door inspector typically pays a visit under a couple different circumstances – either by request of a building owner as a matter of policy, or after the State Fire Marshal issues an order for the building owner to call one. Either way, there are some deficiencies that are all too common when an inspector is checking out your fire doors.

1)      The label is painted or missing. The Fire Door’s label shows the purpose of the door (essentially, that it is a certified Fire Door), and bears the Warnock Hersey seal, along with the door’s rating (anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours). This label is almost always on the hinge edge of the door, just below the top hinge, although some assemblies have the label along the top edge. Making sure that label is there is extremely important. If you have to look twice because that label happens to be painted over, that is just as bad as not having a label at all; both are violations.

2)      Lack of clearance when the door is closed. A facility’s Fire Door must have clearance, whether it is opening into a room or hallway, the door’s function cannot be obstructed by furniture, equipment, or any kinds of items or clutter.


3)      Blockage that keeps a fire door open. Just as above, any sort of equipment or obstacle used to hold a fire door open is a code violation. Even something as simple as a kick-down door holder on a Fire Door goes against code.

4)      Broken, defective or missing hardware items. A Fire Door’s function in the event of a fire is extremely important. The door itself must withstand intense pressure from fire and heat, and the hardware involved has to serve its purpose as well. If there are bolts or plates that are missing or damaged, that is a violation that has to be addressed.

5)      Fire exit hardware on doors that are not labeled for use with that hardware. A fire door is not a fire door unless it is labeled as such. Because of the function that door is expected to perform, there is no room for compromise when it comes to the material and components of the door itself. Fire exit hardware does not make any door a Fire Door.

For more information on Fire Door Inspections and labeling, or to schedule an appointment with a Warnock Hersey Certified Door Inspector, call DCI at (614) 634-1976.

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What Do Fire Door Ratings Mean?

Fire Doors serve two purposes in a commercial building. They provide safe passage out of the building in the case of a fire, and they help keep a fire from spreading to other parts of the building, and help reduce smoke hazards that can stop those inside from leaving the building.

The labels on fire doors include a rating – ranging from 20 minutes to three hours – which indicates how long that door can withstand fire and heat under test conditions.

So one might ask, “Why are there different ratings? Wouldn’t I want three-hour Fire Doors everywhere?” It’s not that simple.

The ratings on Fire Doors are based on what the door’s purpose is, and where they are installed – and each level serves a specific purpose in helping people inside a building to escape:

1)      Three-Hour – You will find a three-hour fire door installed in a wall that separates two buildings. However, in larger buildings, a three-hour door may also be used to provide access among smaller areas within the building.

2)      90-Minute – The two most common areas where you will find a 90-minute door are on an exterior wall where there may be severe fire exposure on the outside of the building; or in stairwells, where people may be trying to escape from upper floors. Think of the signs you see that say to use the stairs in case of fire. That is because they are very well protected from fire outside of those doors.

3)      One-Hour – These fire doors are typically found between rooms within the same building.

4)      45-Minute – Fire Doors rated for 45 minutes are typically found in walls that serve as room partitions, as well as corridor walls. Some exterior fire doors where there may be moderate fire exposure outside may also carry this rating.

5)      20-Minute – These fire doors are mostly found in hallways, and serve the primary purpose of controlling smoke and drafts while people make their way out of the building.

A Warnock Hersey Certified Door Inspector can offer more insights on the proper ratings for Fire Doors, and also ensure that they are labeled properly and in good working order. For more information on Fire Door labeling, call the Door Code Inspection Service at (614) 634-1976.

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PRESS ROOM: The Door Company Receives "Designated Labeled Shop" Status

Big news at The Door Company this week, as the company announced its status as a Designated Labeled Shop, as awarded by Intertek. The designation expands The Door Company’s offerings to include the production and labeling of commercial fire doors for businesses.

Intertek is the regulatory body that handles testing and certification to meet quality, health, environmental and safety guidelines. The company has jurisdiction over Warnock Hersey Certification, which is required for all fire door inspectors, including The Door Company’s affiliate, Door Code Inspection Service, also based in Columbus, Ohio.

The “Labeled Shop” designation concludes a certification process consisting of an on-site physical inspection of The Door Company’s fabrication facilities, review of labeling requirements and an intensive training program to ensure the facility meets stringent public safety guidelines associated with the production of fire doors.

The new designation complements The Door Company’s long-standing history of servicing Central Ohio’s commercial door needs since 1993. TDC offers installation and service of a wide variety of commercial door options, including automatic, revolving, overhead and other commercial doors. The company also provides hollow metal door fabrication on site, along with an online parts catalog and walk-in pick-up counter.

For more information, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414, or visit www.tdoorco.com.

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New Strides in Bullet-Resistant Entryways For Building Safety

Courtesy: Ceco Door

There is never a bad time to think about security in our schools. Hundreds of people send their children to school every day for nine months out of the year, and they put their trust in a school’s ability to keep their kids safe.

There is a wide variety of different products out there that have bullet-resistant capabilities, which have an invaluable role to both school and building security in general. Among the most important products to look into are bullet-resistant doors, as these are potentially the primary access points for an intruder.

This is why we are proud to offer the ArmorShield Door and Frame System, which has a number of different bullet-resistant doors on the market. The Ceco Door ArmorShield System has 4 different levels of bullet-resistant protection. These are cost-efficient solutions to security for schools or other buildings who need added security. Each of these doors is available in standard door sizes and constructed with 12-gauge steel with stiffened, honeycomb or polystyrene cores. These frames have welded corners and the first three levels can withstand most bullets fired at them. Level four doors can resist high powered hunting and assault rifle bullets that are fired at them.

Courtesy: Ceco Door

Security slide units provide another security option in schools or buildings. These units consist of panels that fit over windows, and they can be opened and closed as easily as a door. If there are windows around a bullet-resistant door, these security slide units can be installed for added security, even if the windows are made from bullet-resistant glass. The panels can be swung closed and locked if someone is trying to get into the room and will be resistant to most bullets that could be fired at it from a handgun or hunting rifle. The slide system also provides a visual barrier, keeping a potential intruder from being able to see into the room.

These are just a few of the systems available for commercial buildings that require additional security. While relatively inexpensive, the reliability and peace of mind are priceless.

For more information on these and other offerings from ArmorShield Door and Frame System, give us a call at The Door Company, at (614) 338-1414.

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Preventative Maintenance Contracts: Why You Should Have Them for Your Automatic Doors

Problems can arise for anyone in the process of doing business. Something doesn’t work properly, you make a phone call or two, someone comes out – assesses the problem, makes a call or two for parts, and fixes the problem.

Photo credit: Besam

Now suppose that happens a couple hours before closing time. You’re thinking ahead to dinner or the evening’s plans, and the automatic door won’t close. Or it’s frozen partially open, and your customers have problems getting in… or out.

Even well-maintained automatic doors could have a problem at such an inopportune time. In most other cases, however, a maintenance contract could be the proverbial “ounce of prevention” that keeps your business running smoothly.

The Importance of Having a Maintenance Contract

This kind of contract gives you the peace of mind knowing that when the door malfunctions there is someone who can come and solve the problem. Here are a few other benefits of having a contract:

• You get a technician who is familiar with your door, and the specifics of its operation.
• You have a contract to service your door on a predetermined schedule. This can lessen emergency break-downs and help avoid more severe (and costly) repairs.
• Get phone support from your AAADM Certified inspector.
• These contracts include preventative maintenance on the doors to solve problems before they come up.
• The contract also is important because you receive 24/7 response, meaning the service professional will be in contact with you right away.

The Importance of Your Plan

Maintenance plans are customized to your needs. Your door system will be inspected for Code Compliance following every service call.

Photo credit: Besam

The Importance of Self-Checking the Doors

Checking the automatic doors for safety issues daily will keep your doors operating for a long time. Here are some benefits of performing routine checks:

• Keep repair costs down by identifying problems early.
• Your customers will be safe, as they use the doors on a daily basis.
• You will also learn how your door operates as you perform the daily checks.
• You will also be able to extend the life of your door by keeping it running properly.

For more about automatic door maintenance, or how you can connect with an AAADM Certified door inspector, call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.

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Making Sure Your Automatic Doors Run Properly

It can happen to anyone… you’re getting ready to walk into a building, and maybe the door doesn’t open right away, and you have to stop short. Although the close call may bring a little nervous chuckle in the short term… a lapse in an automatic door’s function is no laughing matter.

Automatic doors are something that a lot of us take for granted. We simply trust that when we step under that sensor, that the door is going to slide right open and clear the path to where we're going. So we may not give a lot of thought to making certain that our automatic doors actually work. Nevertheless, it is important to have a contract in place  for regular maintenance on your doors to make certain that your doors work as intended.

Here are a few things to consider if you have automatic doors in your place of business:

The Potential for Injury

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to automatic doors should be obvious: a door that doesn't work properly may actually malfunction and cause real injury to you, your employees, or your customers. This could lead to you being found at fault due to negligence, which is an expensive thing to fight even if you win the case. Make sure that nobody has any reason to believe that you have been negligent in the maintenance of your place of business.

The Sheer Inconvenience

An automatic door is there for convenience. When you have to prop it open at the start of every day, it's not exactly a convenience anymore, and it makes your place of business look cheap and unprofessional. Make sure that you keep your door working as intended, if only to present a professional appearance.

AAADM Inspections

Sideload Header from an automatic door
(Courtesy: NABCO)

If you want to make sure that your automatic door is going to work as intended, you'll want to get an American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) certified inspector. This will ensure that your inspector knows what to look for, and what sort of information you need in order to keep your doors code compliant. Some businesses might even go a step farther, and enlist the help of an AAADM Certified door inspector as part of a preventative maintenance contract for their automatic doors to prevent problems from occurring in the first place.

Whether you're installing a new door or just conducting regular maintenance on the door that was already there when you moved in, it's important to make sure that your doors work as intended. It's a good idea to keep the AAADM on your phone and know your inspector by name to ensure that you can get the service you need when you need it.

Proper maintenance now means avoiding problems with doors that don't work -- whether the door doesn't open, or worse, doesn't close and presents a potential security risk.

For more information on automatic doors, their function and maintenance, contact The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.

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Ensuring Your Automatic Doors Are ADA Compliant

When installing automatic doors it is important to follow the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA compliance is very important for any business. When the Americans with Disabilities Act was established in 1990, it was intended to give disabled people a fair chance to live their life the same as any non-disabled person. It started with a small list of general rules and regulations, and as time passed grew into a very strict and detailed set of rules and regulations that include even the smallest details, such as the regulations for automatic doors.

ADA highly recommends automatic doors, as they are one of the most accessible types of doorways. However, there are still certain rules and regulations that builders must follow when designing and installing automatic doors in order for them to be ADA compliant. There are different regulations based on whether the automatic doors are slow moving or fast moving:

• Fast moving must be compliant with all the same regulations as ANSI/BHMA A156.10-1985
• Doors should not close back on themselves faster than 3 seconds.
• All automatic doors should require no less than 15 pounds of force to close them.
• All fast moving, full automatic doors should operate by means of a sensor on the door frame, placed properly to detect entry from both the front and sides.
• Slow moving doors must follow the regulations in ANSI A156.19-1984.
• Slow moving doors can be operated manually using a push button mechanism.

Non-compliance with ADA standards is very serious. It can result in large fines, and will require the business to make changes to its policies and building standards in order to comply with the violated standards. The Department of Justice is able to fine businesses up to $55,000 for the first offense. In addition to these consequences, non-compliance often results in costly legal battles, media exposure which often results in embarrassment and loss of revenue from lost business. It is best to follow ADA regulations now and avoid the expensive consequences later.

For example, in 2009, there were at least 12 separate occasions where the violations resulted in some serious consequences. In New York, five different hotels in the Theater District were sued for violations due to significant barriers to accessibility. This lawsuit resulted in large fines and loss of business. The hotels also had to undergo major renovations and to rewrite their policies concerning service animals, and treatment of disabled patrons.

Rather than be subject to these serious consequences, it is better to be ADA compliant; not only when installing automatic doors, but also in making sure they are properly maintained over time. For more information on automatic door maintenance, or to speak with an American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) certified door inspector about options for a preventative maintenance contract for your automatic doors, give The Door Company a call at (614) 338-1414.

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The Merits of Automatic Doors for Your Business

The installation of automatic doors for most industries is to increase productivity, attract customer participation and enhance convenience and promote security. Automatic doors are multifunctional and multipurpose. They are normally used in areas where there is a high volume of traffic. They provide easy access to an entrance or exit entry way.

Automatic doors are seen in stores, in apartment complexes and in medical facilities. They provide convenience and ease for disabled and injured patients, and they service as a security systems in areas where unauthorized entry is prohibited. The type of automatic doors individuals and businesses install depends on their intended purpose.

GT 1175 Whisper Slider
(Courtesy: NABCO)

For instance, the GT 1175 Whisper Slider has double sliding doors, and these are the most popular choice for businesses. These types of doors are typically seen in shopping centers, hotels, drug stores and laboratories. The wide door opening allows at least two or more people to enter or exit a room at the same time. The doors is motorized and the slider is on actual rollers, making opening and closing the doors a breeze. The doors slide open automatically when as visitors approach, and close just as quickly when visitors safely pass through them.

The GT 400 Swing Open Door gently swings open to allow passage into any building structure. The door is great for an original entrance way, or as a replacement door. The door speeds can be adjusted to faster or slower speeds for safety reasons. If the door is used in buildings where handicap accessibility is mandatory, setting the door to a much slower opening speed is preferable. This prevents injury to the pedestrians that are either entering or exiting the building. The built in sensor allows the door to swing open and close automatically.

GT 1400 Folding Door
(Courtesy: NABCO)

The GT 400 can be customized to open and close in reverse directions. The door can be programmed to remain open for a length of time, as to allow pedestrians to enter and exit quickly. This is a great feature to use, when there is a lot of loading and unloading to do. The springs are heavy duty, so there is no need to worry about the door suddenly breaking or closing without any warning.

When used in a medical setting, automatic doors allow doctors and other authorized personnel access to restricted areas in the facility. The doors are meant to keep patients and visitors out of undesignated areas.

The GT System 1400 Folding Door is good for any building. These doors are typically used in smaller areas with limited space is quite limited. The door swings open and folds to allow visitors safe passage. Compared to similar type doors, sweeping is dramatically reduced. There are several built-in safety features as well, and owners can adjust the locking options and door speed. The doors are compliant with high impact hurricane warnings.

Whatever the purpose, automatic doors can provide viable and convenient solutions that can make building access easier and safer. For more information on how automatic doors can benefit your business or facility, call us at (614) 338-1414.

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Optical Turnstiles - Modern Form AND Essential Function

Photo Courtesy: Boon Edam

When security management involves restricted access and controlling foot-traffic, optical turnstiles are an ideal solution. They deliver essential security tools, with an aesthetically-pleasing, “high tech” look. Options are available for every size business; customizable to respond to multiple traffic volumes and changing entrance and egress patterns.

Optical turnstiles are available in a full spectrum of cabinet styles and construction materials to complement your existing architecture and décor. Designs include styles from ultra-sleek, contemporary units with pivoting glass swing gates to cabinets with retractable barriers and exterior marble features.

Security and Design Features
Optical turnstiles work well in a variety of business settings including research and medical facilities, government offices, corporate settings, fitness centers and academic institutions.

• Compact, discreet units provide enhanced security without compromising an open-lobby atmosphere for employees and visitors.
• Programmable automated systems work with biometric or electronic identification.
• Advanced design features reduce tailgating with technology that recognizes gaps as small as ¼ inch between individuals.
• Sensitive detection elements differentiate entrants from bystanders and luggage.
• Installation designs and dedicated units accommodate wheelchairs, assistive devices and carts.
• Low maintenance; extended service life
• Barrier-free and barrier models.

Controlling foot traffic is a concern for many businesses. Bi-directional swing gates allow you the option of changing the flow pattern to accommodate entrance or exit, one direction at a time. This feature expedites movement during shift change or to respond to building opening and closing times. In addition, this design element allows installation for designated entrance and exit lanes for more efficient traffic flow management.

Depending on your pedestrian traffic volume, you may choose from units that have the capacity to process a single individual or up to sixty people per minute with accuracy and comfort.

For situations that require additional security, supplementary sensors may be installed in railings and frames. In addition, multi-level and multi-directional detection beams prevent entrants from going under or over the device unnoticed.

Function and form combine with LED lighting on glass panels and/or frames that signifies access is approved.

Many exterior styles, colors and materials are available. You can choose from models that allow open access unless an unauthorized identification is presented or control access with sliding doors, swing gates, split panels and retractable bars.

Whether you are looking for a waist-height cabinet or a 72-inch, full-height system with sliding doors, optical turnstiles offer excellent solutions for your security concerns. Sleek contemporary designs combine with precision technology to deliver options for your security team. It’s the ultimate combination of form and function, which can provide a solid, secure solution for your business.

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Fire Doors: A Critical Component of Building Safety

It is a situation no one wants to face, let alone a safety professional or a building owner who is responsible for the safety of everyone inside the structure: A fire breaks out, and people are trapped somewhere inside.

Avoiding this situation is all about prevention. Namely, making sure your fire doors are up to code. That calls for a fire door inspection by a certified professional.

Fire doors are required inside commercial buildings, because they serve two critical purposes if a fire occurs:

• They provide the people inside with a safe escape route from the fire.


• They serve as barriers to help keep a fire from spreading, and help reduce smoke hazards that can hinder someone’s escape.

The forces exerted on a door during a fire event are extreme – from the heat- and fire-related warping of the door itself in just the first few minutes, to the door hardware that is specially designed to withstand fire and heat. In fact, knobs, levers and other door hardware are made to become inoperable when temperatures reach a certain level, in order to ensure that they don’t cause the latching hardware in the door to fail.

Fire doors are rated depending on their use and purpose in a building – anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours. Fire doors go through fire testing and labeling before installation. However, Ohio Building Code requires doors to undergo annual inspections by a Warnock Hersey-certified door inspector to ensure they comply with standards.

There are a few different approaches to a fire door inspection. Obviously, the building owner wants to be compliant with the law, as well as safety regulations, so he or she is likely to take the proactive route and call in a door inspector.

While the building owner’s approach is intentional and aimed at meeting standards, the door inspector’s role goes a step further and approaches the precision elements of the fire door and door assembly. Your inspector will look at every minute detail of the door to make sure the door can do what it is labeled to do.

The State Fire Marshal’s approach is the third approach. While a fire inspector will make recommendations and tell you how to fix them if there is a defect, the fire marshal will take action that will more than likely start with a fine.

If there is a problem with the door or assembly, the fire marshal will notify the business owner and instruct him or her to contact a door inspector to identify the problems and how to remedy them. The building owner will typically have a set timeline to comply. Failure to comply could result in the fire marshal pulling the building’s occupancy certificate, levying a fine and/or closing the building.

You never know how important your doors are, until they stop working properly, and the loss of life or property is no way to find out there is a problem. For more information on fire door inspections, call DCI at (614) 634-1976.

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