Last week I shared a post about the requirements for through bolts on fire exit hardware, and Ryan Krakowsky of Harvard University sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photo of what can happen when through bolts are omitted. This is enough to convince me to use through bolts…how about you??
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With the change of the ADA code in 2015? No protrusions on face of door with in 10 inches AFF, Your picture is “outdated” Today if owners want bottom securement, CVR are the only way to go.
But your question applies to the top rod on SVR and Yes if the fire door is mineral core (Replaced mineral core doors that were broken in half from overhead stops) Thru-bolts are a must. Hollow metal, proper prep and just machine screws seam to hold fine. Solid wood doors also hold fine.
The same apply to closers. Some owners don’t want the look of the thru-bolts on solid wood doors.
Hi Bob –
The change was made to the ADA in the 2010 edition, adopted in 2012. The bottom latch would not be permitted on a manually-operated door today (here’s more on that), but there are A LOT of existing doors that pre-date the requirement, including the one in the photo.
– Lori
the door in question has an automatic door operator, so bottom rods are allowed. hard to tell in the photo, but this is a steel door that was drilled and tapped instead of thru-bolted. it might hold up for a while, but not long term. if this was top rod only and not thru-bolted it would have an even shorter lifespan before the screws ripped out of the door.
Thanks for the clarification, Ryan! 🙂
– Lori