Lori is the Manager, Codes and Resources for Allegion, and the creator of iDigHardware. With more than 35 years of experience in the door and hardware industry, in her current role she focuses exclusively on the code requirements that apply to door openings.
That’s a good question! I know that they are not allowed in this particular district, but anything is possible!
– Lori
Raymond Holman, AHC
November 7, 2018 at 3:31 pm - Reply
Looks like this door was having problems long before this latest disaster. Closer blocking is a good idea in mineral core doors regardless of how the closer will be fastened.
It’s definitely in an urban school…I’m not sure of the door location within the school.
– Lori
David Barbaree
November 7, 2018 at 8:05 pm - Reply
I’m going out on a limb and calling it. That door is no longer rated! 🙂
Seriously though, I agree Bob that closer blocking should be specified. The problem is that you can’t tell whether the blocking is actually present when the door order is delivered. The only person who can verify that spec was properly followed is the installer when he drills for the screws. How many installers do you know that are trained or paid enough to stop the installation, notify the GC, who will then stop the progress of the door installations and hold the manufacturer accountable? Or instead, maybe the GC will proceed with the installation, check the specs, and if they were specified correctly, require the manufacturer to replace the doors. Who will be paying for the delivery and re-installation of those new doors? It’s a lose, lose, lose scenario for the GC and it’s much less risky to just turn a blind eye and hope something like this happens only after the warranty expires.
There needs to be a process by which the door manufacturer can prove (to the end user) what internal reinforcements have been provided for that specific door order. Unless I am missing something, there is no other way to enforce a well-written spec.
I remember one job some years ago where they purposely ordered one extra fire rated door and then cut it up to see if it was built to spec. I don’t know how often that happens but it sure is a good way to make sure you got what you paid for.
Karpen Steel default is to provide a closer reinforcement for all doors and frames to handle any surface closers.
The reinforcement will be put in even if the customer indicates no closer.
Assumption is that a closer will be required in the future and very difficult to reinforce after installation.
Frame receives an 18″ long 12 gage piece that covers the face and 1 3/8″ of the soffit on the hinge side
Paired frames would receive (2) reinforcements, one each hinge side
Door receives (2) 5″ X 18″ 12 gage plates mounted at the top of the door, hinge side, both push and pull faces
Nicole Wafle
November 12, 2018 at 12:57 pm - Reply
I have heard that a stud finder will pick up reinforcement blocking in mineral core doors. But, I have not confirmed (or disproved) this actually to be the case.
So THAT’S why we specify closer blocking!
Looks like the fasteners held. Is this a door construction problem as well?
Hmmm…did someone slip one of those barricade devices over the closer arm?
Hi Ron –
That’s a good question! I know that they are not allowed in this particular district, but anything is possible!
– Lori
Looks like this door was having problems long before this latest disaster. Closer blocking is a good idea in mineral core doors regardless of how the closer will be fastened.
Reinforced hollow metal should only be allowed in schools. wood doors look nice but can not hold up to student abuse.
This looks like it is in a school and a student hung on it.
Hmm, excessive backcheck and mineral core doors. Not compatible.
Let me guess the location:
high school boys locker room exit door.
Hi Bryan –
It’s definitely in an urban school…I’m not sure of the door location within the school.
– Lori
I’m going out on a limb and calling it. That door is no longer rated! 🙂
Seriously though, I agree Bob that closer blocking should be specified. The problem is that you can’t tell whether the blocking is actually present when the door order is delivered. The only person who can verify that spec was properly followed is the installer when he drills for the screws. How many installers do you know that are trained or paid enough to stop the installation, notify the GC, who will then stop the progress of the door installations and hold the manufacturer accountable? Or instead, maybe the GC will proceed with the installation, check the specs, and if they were specified correctly, require the manufacturer to replace the doors. Who will be paying for the delivery and re-installation of those new doors? It’s a lose, lose, lose scenario for the GC and it’s much less risky to just turn a blind eye and hope something like this happens only after the warranty expires.
There needs to be a process by which the door manufacturer can prove (to the end user) what internal reinforcements have been provided for that specific door order. Unless I am missing something, there is no other way to enforce a well-written spec.
Hi David –
Maybe the top edge of the door could be stamped?
– Lori
I remember one job some years ago where they purposely ordered one extra fire rated door and then cut it up to see if it was built to spec. I don’t know how often that happens but it sure is a good way to make sure you got what you paid for.
Interesting! I have not heard of that!
– Lori
We reinforce all frames and doors for closers.
Karpen Steel default is to provide a closer reinforcement for all doors and frames to handle any surface closers.
The reinforcement will be put in even if the customer indicates no closer.
Assumption is that a closer will be required in the future and very difficult to reinforce after installation.
Frame receives an 18″ long 12 gage piece that covers the face and 1 3/8″ of the soffit on the hinge side
Paired frames would receive (2) reinforcements, one each hinge side
Door receives (2) 5″ X 18″ 12 gage plates mounted at the top of the door, hinge side, both push and pull faces
Thanks Audrey!
– Lori
I have heard that a stud finder will pick up reinforcement blocking in mineral core doors. But, I have not confirmed (or disproved) this actually to be the case.
That’s an interesting idea!
– Lori