I recently received this Quick Question from one of our Allegion specwriters:
I’m working on a multifamily project and the architect has asked for a roller latch on the closet doors with a dummy lever only on the outside/push side (nothing on the inside/pull side). I think this is a cost-saving measure but it seems like a problem to me. Is there something in the International Building Code (IBC) that will help?
There is actually a short paragraph in the IBC that specifically addresses closet doors:
1010.2.5 Closet doors. Closet doors that latch in the closed position shall be openable from inside the closet.
The Commentary goes into a little more detail:
This provision is intended to address possible entrapment concerns in closets. If a closet door has a door
latch, the closet door must be openable from both inside and outside. This will ensure that someone cannot get stuck inside a closet by accident. If a closet does not latch, no interior hardware is required.
If the door has latching hardware – a lockset or latchset – the code is clear. The closet door needs hardware on the inside (and outside) to retract the latch. It’s a little less clear when the door has a roller latch, as this is not typically considered latching hardware. Another section of the IBC Commentary related to health care corridor doors states: Roller latches are not permitted on these doors, as they are not regarded as providing positive latching that will allow the door to act as a reliable smoke protective.
This seems like a good time for a reminder that the codes are a minimum. Also – this closet door section is kind of redundant, as the IBC requires egress doors to be readily openable from the egress side, with no key, special knowledge or effort. If I’m in a closet, the closet door is my egress door and I need to have a way out. I’m guessing that the closet door section was originally added because of a problem that was happening in the field.
So…if a closet door has a roller latch (no actual latching hardware), could it have no dummy trim or pull handle on the inside? In my opinion, it would require special knowledge to open and beyond that, it wouldn’t be very functional – especially if it was inswinging.
What do you think? WWYD?
You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.
Funny this came up. Just did a residence remodel here in Boise for my partner. Though I did not specify the closet door hardware, the contractor installed exactly what is described here, though at pairs of doors where latching hardware would have been difficult to do. Perhaps the difference here is that this is 24″ deep closet as opposed to a walkin closet as in your picture – Yes? no? Sorry but I have tough time seeing what the issue is. Were one inside the closet door(s) (and one actually fit inside it) and it were shut, simply pushing the door open works. What am I missing?
As an aside, I don’t care for the roller latch as a latch, as it is ineffective at holding the doors firmly closed. The adjacent doors rattle when the other doors are closed. There is minimal adjustment available to tighten it up.
Finally how about changing the text color in this comment box so that the text is readable. Light gray makes it a little tough to see with my aging eyes. (Accessibility issue . . )
Hi Craig –
I guess in addition to the closet depth, the door swing (inswinging or outswinging) could also have an impact. I was in a closet once where I had to stick my finger under the bottom of the door to pull it open.
Thanks for the suggestion on the comment box text – we changed it to black. Let me know if that helps!
– Lori
If these closet doors are push to open in order to exit, I would put at least a push plate on the interior side. Otherwise smudges will build up on the doors over time. Push plate will also make the side to push on clearer.
Roller latch is OK with me.
I think the designer has their focus on some “clean” aesthetic and is not thinking about the future residents.
I agree – I would at least do a push plate too.
– Lori