Mark Kuhn, Fellow
I don't know what kind of monster I will create next or how long it will take before the crying starts again, but I'm very fortunate to have the help of Mark Kuhn, FDHI, AHC, EHC, CFDAI, DHT, DHC, CDT, CSI!
FF: Rescue Hardware ST
This is a true test of who the most loyal readers of iDigHardware are...what is my FAVORITE special template from LCN?? Hint: It's an ST for the 4020T closer.
Know it’s locked.
I recently heard from an architect who was looking for an occupied indicator for a restroom, and I was surprised to hear that he didn't know about the indicator options from Schlage.
WW: Closer Creativity
I had a tough time deciding whether to post today's door closer photos for Wordless Wednesday or for Fixed-it Friday, but I'm definitely wordless! What do you think?
QQ: Egress Courts
This Quick Question came up recently in relation to the IBC section addressing egress for exterior spaces: Would the enclosed courtyard in my building be considered an egress court?
What’s that? CUSH Shoe Support
I tend to notice and appreciate details, and I get a little thrill when I see that someone has taken the time to install hardware with the correct components. So what's a CUSH shoe support?
FF: Flush Bolts
Today's Fixed-it Friday post covers a "fix" that was made in the 2024 IBC - to remove the Bolt Locks section and address flush bolts (all 3 types) in a table under Locks and Latches.
Update! iDigHardware.com/SLA
If you're not familiar with the SLA page, it's THE resource for the code requirements related to electrified hardware and special locking arrangements on iDigHardware. Now updated!
WW: Stadium Egress
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photos from a retired AHJ...what can I say?? Sports facilities tend to have problems with security vs. egress, and sometimes come up with solutions like this.
QQ: Dummy Trim on Pairs of Doors
Today's Quick Question was sent to me by a contractor: On a pair of doors, is it acceptable to install a dummy lever on the inactive leaf if that door is equipped with flush bolts?
7 Steps Infographic
Today I'm sharing a resource on security and safety that I think will be really valuable for schools and other types of facilities - an infographic that is available in both digital and printable formats.
Decoded: Control Vestibules in a Means of Egress
Although control vestibules are not currently addressed in the model codes, a change has been approved for the 2027 edition of the I-Codes and may be used to request AHJ approval.
WW: “Child Safety Door”
Jamie Lyn Callahan of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken during a kids' birthday party at an indoor playground. This door makes for a great "teachable moment."
WWYD? Classroom Acoustics
Is compliance with the ANSI-ASA S12.60 standard required for any school projects? What is the current practice for classroom doors? Sound gasketing? STC-rated assemblies?
TGP: Alan Magee Scaife Hall
With three kids in various stages of university life, I've spent A LOT of time on college campuses lately. One trend that I've noticed is the increased use of glazing - there's a great example in today's post!
FF: Creating Images
With the advancements that have been made in digital media and AI, many of the images we see online and in print are created by artists, and can be good opportunities to teach about codes!
Code Update: Requiring Lockable Doors
An important change has been approved for the 2027 IBC - doors serving schools, day care centers, colleges and universities will be required to be lockable from the inside.
WW: Fire Door – Do not block open.
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo, taken of a pair of fire doors in a wastewater treatment pump station and sent to me by Macan Deve Engineers, is a classic!
BHMA: Fire Doors and Thermal Pins
BHMA has updated a resource that addresses the technicalities of auxiliary fire pins, and it is extremely helpful for explaining this application to code officials and others who have concerns.
Last call for code training!
Mark Kuhn and I will be repeating our code update class from the DHI ConNextions conference with two webinars this week and next, hosted by DHI and free for DHI members!
FF/WWYD? Locked Classroom Doors
As a child of the 70's and 80's, and now a mom of three young adults, I once resisted the idea of keeping classroom doors locked during class, but times have changed. WWYD?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 15
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Emma Mann, student ambassador for Safe and Sound Schools and Vanderbilt University student.
WW: Covering and Cladding
Last week I shared some photos of a coordinator bracket, and several eagle-eyed readers pointed out the wall covering on the doors. You're right - these fire doors have some issues.
NASFM: White Paper on Classroom Door Security & Locking Hardware
NASFM has recently updated their guidance document on classroom security due to a change in one set of model codes - those of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Letter from the President
Today marks the start of Safe Schools Week, and at Allegion, school security and safety are at the core of our mission. Read our president's perspective in today's post.
FF: Bisagras Modificadas (Modified Hinges)
On a recent stop in Mexico City I saw this Fixed-it Friday application...I don't know what the building is used for, but it looks like preventing after-hours access to the cylinders is a priority.
Dogging Deep Dive
Before I share today's post, I've got two things to say...a) time flies, and b) sometimes things get lost in my giant pile. Thanks to Janice Wheeler of Allegion for this information on dogging options!
WW: Communicating Door
Between the BHMA fall meeting and the DHI ConNextions conference I spent a weekend in the Southwest, and the landscape in that part of the country is enough to leave anyone Wordless!
We missed you!
If you weren't able to attend our code update class in Las Vegas, you have another opportunity to learn what's new, in the same engaging format that we used in the live presentation!
FF: Door Blocked
Years ago I saw a door marked "this is not a door" on the outside and a firefighter explained the reason, but the door in the photo is marked "door blocked" on the INSIDE. Any theories?
Podcast: Solving for Multifamily
In the next episode of the Allegion podcast – Solving for Multifamily, I talked about the protection provided by code-compliant fire doors in multifamily buildings. Please share this post far and wide!
WW: Vegas Venues
When I am in an unfamiliar place, I ALWAYS look for the nearest exit in case of an emergency. I'm in Las Vegas and the show venues vary widely in all ways, including the egress routes.
Decoded: Solving the Puzzle of Electrified Hardware Codes
Check out my crossword puzzle from the conference issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, to review some of the code requirements related to electrified hardware!
Resources for Multifamily Properties
In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, I've put together a page of resources related to multifamily buildings, AND...I've got a podcast episode coming out any minute!
FF: Stacked Shoe Shim
Hal Kelton of DOORDATA Solutions sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and I'm curious about the reason but also surprised that someone would cut four closer shoes to make a shim. Yikes!
Costco Wholesale Corporate Headquarters
I recently saw a great case study from TGP demonstrating the use of glazing in a stair enclosure to prioritize visual connection and occupant safety. Check it out in today's post!
WW: No Obstruir
In many of the countries I've visited outside of the US and Canada it's very unusual to see obvious indications of attention paid to egress. These doors left me wordless in a positive way!
WWYD? Alternative Function For Classrooms?
I recently received these photos, taken in a university classroom, and I'm hoping that some iDigHardware readers will share your thoughts on using this function for classroom doors.
Code Update – Recent and Upcoming Model Code Changes
If you're heading to the DHI ConNextions conference in Las Vegas next week, Mark Kuhn and I are teaching a 2-hour code update on Wednesday, October 9th from 10 AM to noon!
FF: Alternative Closing Mounting
I received today's Fixed-it Friday photos from Herman Hauer of M&D Door...I wonder how long the closer will survive mounted this way. Any bets?
TBT: Bardsley Checking Spring Hinge
Mike Robinson sent me these photos of a mounted sample of a "spring hinge" and asked if I knew anything about this product. Have any of you seen this product before?
WW: Electrical Panels
Paul Timm of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, taken in a school. Unsecured spaces like this can turn into big problems - especially when there are kids involved.
Campus Safety: School Storm Shelters
One of my articles that was recently published on the website of Campus Safety Magazine emphasizes the critical need to integrate storm shelters into schools across the U.S.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 14
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Missy Dodds, survivor of the Red Lake school shooting and parent ambassador for Safe and Sound Schools.
FF: Screwed
Lee Frazier of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, illustrating exactly why fire door assemblies need to be inspected after installation, after maintenance work, and annually!
TBT: Daily Inspections in Schools
I mentioned in a recent post that NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code mandates daily inspections of all exit facilities in schools, including stairways and doors. Is this requirement being enforced?
WW: Antiquing (Again)
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Brad Miller of Lowcountry Doors and Hardware. Antique shops have to be one of the worst places to look for code-compliant exits!
What’s that? Hinge Prep
The latest post in my series on the pieces and parts that make up a door assembly addresses a wire found in a hollow metal hinge preparation. Do you know what it's for?
QQ: “Special” Hinges on Fire Door Assemblies
Today's Quick Question is a good one: Are "special" hinges like swing clear, wide throw, raised barrel, etc., acceptable for use on fire door assembles?
FF: Three Strikes
These Fixed-it Friday photos were taken in a school...the extra strikes are intended to address the extra clearance and allow the latch to engage. Does anyone see the problem?