FF: Cali Minimarket
During my travels in other countries, I definitely notice a difference in how accessible routes are handled...this ramp in Cali, Colombia was an attempt to improve accessibility. See the problem?
WW: Down at the Pizzeria
I know we have seen MANY of these blocked egress photos, but this one is pretty egregious. What I'm wondering is...are there no AHJs who eat here?
QQ: Dwelling Units – Motions to Unlatch
On a residential dwelling unit or sleeping unit, is there a limit to the number of security devices (night latches, dead bolts, security chains, etc.) that can be installed along with the latchset/lockset?
US Glass: Proposal G88-25
Proposal G88-25 is intended to add a new standard - ASTM F3561 - to the International Building Code (IBC) requirements for schools. What are your thoughts on resistance to forced entry?
FF: Drop Plate Alternative
Allen Huguley of Wagstaff Taylor & Associates, Inc. sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo...he's not responsible for detailing this "fix"! (Although I'm kind of impressed with the workmanship!)
WW: Another Day, Another Airport
A few weeks ago I shared some information about the delayed egress locks I spotted in the Bogotá airport...I guess this is another way to "delay" egress. (Not recommended!)
WWYD? Restricting Lead in Keys
Through my involvement against legislation that would allow barricade devices in schools, I have seen many cases where good intentions lead to unintended consequences.
FF: Door Looooop
I saw this Fixed-it Friday door down at the home improvement store. What do you think? Is this extended door loop a legit way to transfer the power to the hardware?
WW: Bradley Lock & Key
Mark Kuhn and I are in Savannah this week to attend the BHMA meetings. Yesterday we happened upon a locksmith shop near the hotel, and after reading about the shop's history - I was wordless!
NFPA 80 on Fire Exit Hardware
I recently wrote a post about a change to NFPA 80 related to field-installed glazing in wood fire doors, and Hal Kelton of DOORDATA Solutions pointed out another change to the standard.
FF: Another Hotel Fix
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo shows an epic(ly terrible) "fix" on a fire door assembly in a hotel corridor - at least I'm assuming it's rated based on the fire exit hardware and what looks like the outline of a label.
QQ: Glazing in Wood Fire Doors
This Quick Question just came up yesterday and I did a little research: Can glazing be field-installed in wood fire doors, or does NFPA 80 require the glass to be installed at the factory?
WW: This “fix” left me wordless!
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos are for iDigHardware readers who also take an interest in structural issues (like me!). Can you see what's happening here?
Observations on Delayed Egress Locks
I recently saw some delayed egress locks "in the wild" at the Aeropuerto El Dorado in Bogotá, Colombia, and I had a few thoughts on the applications and in particular, the signage.
FF: Let me out (again)!
The door in today's Fixed-it Friday photos is another example from my trip to Colombia, this time in Cali. This door would not comply with the US model codes for egress...can you see why?
WW: Let me out!
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos were taken in the lobby of an apartment building, where the ONLY way to exit was for someone at the security desk to press the release button. Yikes!
Openings in Floor or Ground Surfaces
Although the photos in this post are not related to door hardware, there are some hardware products that require an opening in the floor - typically a hole in a strike plate. WWYD?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 19
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Lieutenant Kelly Martin, of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
FF: NOOOOO!!!
Robert Lucius of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a high school. My heart sank when I saw this "fix." Think it's a fire door? WWYD?
Join my team!?
I don't usually post job openings (maybe I should?), but for this one I think there may be some iDigHardware readers who are uniquely qualified for the role. Check it out!
WW: Well, that’s one way to get in.
I guess the resident of this apartment couldn't find their privacy set release tool...this reminds of the stuff my brothers and I did as kids (yes, we were menaces).
Training Opportunity!
This series of webinars, specifically tailored toward those in the architectural community, covers the SOSS product line and provides AIA CEU credits as well as opportunity for live conversation.
WWYD? Shades on Fire Doors
I recently received a question from a wood door manufacturer, about whether it was acceptable for end users to install shades to cover vision lights on fire doors. What are you seeing in the field?
FF: A whole lotta shimmin’ going on
Paul Goldense of Goldense Building Products has some talented installers...check out the Fixed-it Friday photos he shared with me highlighting their handiwork!
WWYD? Sliding Door Hardware
I'm currently on the road, and I found this example of a sliding door in my travels. I'd love to hear what you think about this application - for both accessibility and usability.
WW: Access Control(ish)
Colin Watson of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, reminiscent of the days when a locked door would have a key hanging on a nail nearby.
What’s that? Mullion Stabilizer
Continuing with my "What's that?" series highlighting pieces and parts that might not be recognized by those who haven't spent 30 or 40 years in the world of hardware...
LaForce Blog: ADA Standards in Partitions and Accessories
Toilet partitions and accessories are way more complicated than one might think, so when I saw a recent post on the LaForce blog I asked if I could share it here. Check it out!
FF: Oopsie Daisy
It's a good thing that the problem with this frame prep was noticed before the frame was installed...can you tell what's wrong with today's Fixed-it Friday photo?
TBT: “Safe exit is a universal demand.”
Ron Cramer of Security Door & Hardware sent me something even more exciting than the 1887 door handing info I shared recently - a Von Duprin Catalog from way back in the day!
WW: Oh dear.
I had the hardest time deciding whether this should be a Wordless Wednesday or Fixed-it Friday post...what do you think? Thank you to Steven James Rone for sharing this classic!
WWYD? Escape Rooms
I'm working on a presentation for an escape room conference (cool, right?!), and I'm wondering what y'all are seeing out in the real world with regard to the required means of egress.
DOORCHECK: K–12 Exterior Door Labeling Guide
I recently received a very clear and concise guide for door numbering from DOORCHECK, and I'm sharing it here with their permission. Take a look, and let us know what you think!
FF: Rain Drip
The beautiful colors in these photos from Scott Foley of Advanced Door Solutions might draw your eye (ok, mine too), but check out that rain drip! :D
What’s that? Detention Hardware
I will admit, I have not had a lot of experience with detention hardware. An iDigHardware reader is looking for help in identifying this product. Any ideas?
WW: Screwy Hinge
Randy Dial of the Door Safety & Security Group sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, and I HAVE NO WORDS! Seen any good ones lately?
Feedback Please! Egress Capacity Estimator
Please check out the new IBC and NFPA Egress Capacity Estimator and let me know what you think. I can make modifications so that it is easier to use and/or understand.
Decoded: Calculating the Occupant Load
In preparation for a new estimator that I'll be sharing tomorrow, I've updated the very popular IBC Occupant Load Estimator, and the accompanying Decoded article.
FF: This is not an exit.
If you have a door that looks a lot like an egress door, but for whatever reason you don't want it to be code-compliant, how do you prove that the door is not provided for egress purposes?
TBT: Door Handing
Ron Cramer of Security Door & Hardware sent me these door handing instructions from Orr & Lockett Hardware Company, dated 1887! Pretty cool, right?!
WW: Well…that’s one way to ‘handle’ it.
I looked at this Wordless Wednesday photo sent by Shannon Ballard of Allegion and thought, "hmmm...another door that requires two releasing motions for egress." Shannon dug deeper.
Decoded: Code Update on Flush Bolts
In this month's Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine, I covered a code update that should be helpful in avoiding misinterpretations related to flush bolts.
TGP: More on Scaife Hall
When Jonathan Edly was asked about a recent project that was memorable to him, he talked about Scaife Hall. As a former specwriter who still has a mental list of favorite projects, I can relate!
FF: Path of Least Resistance
I guess I don't need to ask why, but I'm still scratching my head. Thank you to Rich Engel of Highland Hospital for today's Fixed-it Friday photo, taken at a post office (not at the hospital!).
History Facts: Why are historical doors so large?
Andy Lindenberg of King + King Architects sent me an article that answers a question I've pondered on occasion...why are there so many giant old doors?
WW: Hairy Situation
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo was taken in a hair salon, and clearly demonstrates the need for continued education of employees on the egress requirements.
Fire Doors – Everything you always wanted to know (but were afraid to ask)
I'm in the process of archiving some older articles and updating the ones that are still applicable...this one was due for an update - it's an oldie but a goodie!
FF: Can you help me out?
Tim Chow sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo of a pair of doors with access control, and I can't figure out what those little wires are for. Any ideas?
TBT: LCN
If you have been reading iDigHardware for a long time, this 1943 LCN ad from Architectural Record might remind you of a story that one of my own kids wrote back in 2010 - she's now 23 years old!
WW: Two halves make a whole.
An AHJ sent me this photo from a fire door in a health care facility, and as you can see, a portion of the fire door label is missing. Check out what makes this a great Wordless Wednesday example...