Code Adoption – Skipping Editions
Last week, someone asked me about information addressing the changes for door openings between the 2018 and 2024 editions of the IBC. Thanks to BHMA, the answer was easy!
20
02, 2025
19
02, 2025
WW: Hotel Round-Up
I'd be surprised if I could go into a hotel and NOT find an egress, accessibility, or fire door problem, but this one had several. Have you seen any Wordless Wednesday doors lately?
18
02, 2025
WWYD? Apps, Sites, Software
iDigHardware Readers - I need your help! Someone recently asked me about options for software to do fire door inspections, but I've decided to expand the question.
14
02, 2025
FF: Mexican Dutch Doors
Technically the doors in today's Fixed-it Friday photos are probably wicket doors, but they serve the same purpose as a Dutch door. What do you think?
13
02, 2025
Decoded: Listings for Electrified Hardware
My next Decoded article covers one of the more confusing topics related to electrified hardware - are these products required to be listed to UL 294, UL 1034, neither, or both???
12
02, 2025
WW: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
I just finished writing a super technical Decoded article and my brain is tired, so enjoy today's beautiful Wordless Wednesday photos from San Miguel, city of amazing doors. :)
11
02, 2025
TGP: Improving Health Care Design with Specialty Glass
Requirements for openings in X-Ray rooms and PET scan facilities have always been a bit mysterious for me, especially when combined with my other Achilles heel - glazing.
10
02, 2025
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 17
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with the Tall Cop, Jermaine Galloway, about substance abuse in schools.
7
02, 2025
FF: ATTENZIONE
When I search my camera roll for the word "door", 4,879 photos show up. Today's Fixed-it Friday photos are from the Milan-Malpensa Airport, where using an alarmed exit will get you in big trouble.
6
02, 2025
Looking Ahead to the 2027 I-Codes
In the January/February issue of Door Security + Safety magazine, I have an article giving a preview of two important changes that have been approved for the 2027 I-Codes.
5
02, 2025
WW: Secret Doors
I'm getting all kinds of ideas for secret doors in my own house! Check out this Wordless Wednesday reel, and if you have seen any secret doors, send them along!
4
02, 2025
WWYD? Which doors are required to be locked?
In Mark Kuhn's next post, he asks a question that I've wondered about myself...Do you know of a code or standard that requires a door to be locked or lockable, restricting access?
3
02, 2025
Elevator Machine Rooms
I have updated this 10-year-old post about locks on elevator equipment rooms with info from the current codes and standards, because Mark Kuhn refers to it in his next post (look for that tomorrow).
31
01, 2025
FF: Creative Drop Plate
Chuck Gulla of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, which has inspired me to put drop plates on the list for the next "What's that?" post. Stay tuned, and happy Friday!
30
01, 2025
What’s that? Glass Bead Shim Kit
I saw a question posted on Facebook about how to address panic hardware that runs across the vision light...which reminded me that I should write a "What's that?" post on the topic.
29
01, 2025
WW: Close Before You Doze
It has been a while since I've written about sleeping with your bedroom door closed...in today's Wordless Wednesday post, check out a video from the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.
28
01, 2025
Name those pulls…
These photos hit my inbox at exactly the moment I needed some happy news...who knows what animal is represented here? Thanks to Curtis Meskus, Town of Charlton CBO!
27
01, 2025
Case Study: Securing the Perimeter
Today I'm sharing a case study by Christin Kinman of Allegion, which includes some great examples of how to address school security concerns without compromising on safety.
23
01, 2025
WWYD? UL 294 / UL 1034
I'm preparing to do some training on this topic, so I'd love to get some feedback from readers. Please share your insight/experience in the comments!
22
01, 2025
WW: Tlalpujahua, Michoacán
The inability to maintain clear egress routes in retail occupancies crosses international borders. I saw this example in Tlalpujahua, a Pueblo Mágico in Mexico that is known for its hand-painted Christmas ornaments.
21
01, 2025
QQ: Locked Doors on Elevator Lobbies
Today's Quick Question relates to a change to the 2024 IBC: What type of lock may be used to secure an egress door leading from an elevator lobby to an exit access corridor?
17
01, 2025
FF: Another Wicket Door
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and I've been pondering the reason for this design as well as the function and code compliance. What do you think?
16
01, 2025
Decoded: SCIF Security and Egress Requirements
I received a question on SCIF doors this week, so I have updated this Decoded article to include the links to the current federal standards and specifications.
15
01, 2025
WW: Shaft Surprise
This door was in an AirBNB that I recently booked in Mexico City. At this point it's kind of hard to actually leave me wordless, but this one was a real shocker.
14
01, 2025
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 16
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Kevin Wren, school safety advocate with the Cook and Boardman Group.
13
01, 2025
QQ: Interlock Types
The increased focus on interlocks (due to an upcoming code change) prompted today's Quick Question: What is the difference between a safety interlock and a security interlock?
10
01, 2025
FF: Kungfu Noodle
Being from the Northeast, I didn't immediately recognize the reason for this type of Fixed-It Friday ingenuity when I first saw something similar at the Hoover Dam years ago.
9
01, 2025
WWYD? Extension Rod Flush Bolts
I would love some input on this question, because I know that many of you have experience with this issue...what type of flush bolts do you prefer for a wood fire door?
8
01, 2025
WW: Hostile Architecture
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo illustrates a measure taken by a high rise hotel to deter houseless people from accessing the alcoves at the secondary entrances. WWYD?
7
01, 2025
Decoded: Automatic Sliding Doors
In this month's Decoded column, I answered several questions about automatic sliding doors and the code requirements that help to ensure their safety in a means of egress.
6
01, 2025
Life Safety Digest: Special Locking Arrangements vs. Normal Locking Arrangements
Check out my article in the Winter issue of Life Safety Digest, which clarifies the requirements related to electrified door hardware.
23
12, 2024
See you next year!
2024 has been a year of milestones and accomplishments. I celebrated 30 years of working with the Allegion brands, and the 15th anniversary of iDigHardware. And there's more to come in 2025!
20
12, 2024
FF: Not an Exit
I saw this retail store's secondary exit while I was stocking up on my favorite snacks, and I wondered...are these "NOT AN EXIT" signs a nice-to-have or a need-to-have? What do you think?
19
12, 2024
QQ: Panic Hardware, Revisited
I have answered this Quick Question before but it keeps coming up, so I'll keep addressing it until it sticks...Is panic hardware required by the model codes for a ___________ facility?
18
12, 2024
WW: Fa-la-la-la-la….
Imagine the person who placed an emergency call to their locksmith because their door wouldn't latch, only to find that their new holiday wreath was the problem!
17
12, 2024
Decoded: Safe Dispersal Area Within a Fence or Enclosed Court
Given today's security concerns, it's important to understand when an egress path may lead to an enclosed area and when it must continue through gates in the enclosure to reach the public way.
16
12, 2024
‘Tis the season for code violations!
Mark Kuhn's latest post addresses an egress situation that is not uncommon in retail - especially at this time of year...but this example is a little extreme!
13
12, 2024
FF: Stile Width Modification
I saw the door in today's Fixed-it Friday photo on a university campus recently. The "fix" would probably make the architect cry, but this is VERY common when the stile width is too narrow.
12
12, 2024
The Schlage XE360 is a winner!
The Schlage XE360TM Series has been named the top product in the SecurityInfoWatch.com Readers' Choice Product Award in the Door Hardware & Locks category!
11
12, 2024
WW: Say CHEEEEESE!
Jeff Hoyt of Cheney Door Company sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in a retail store specializing in fancy cheeses. Cheese is one of my favorite things, but their exit needs attention!
10
12, 2024
QQ: Access-Controlled Egress Doors
If I had to name the one code section that has caused me the most pain and suffering during my career, the section addressed in today's Quick Question post would be the one.
9
12, 2024
Firehouse: This Month in Fire History
While reading an article in Firehouse Magazine about fires that have occurred in the month of December over the years, I noted several fires where egress doors and/or fire door assemblies played a role.
6
12, 2024
FF: Rescue Hardware Closer
Paul Goldense of Goldense Building Products (one of the most creative door opening engineers I know) sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo of a rescue hardware closer alternative.
5
12, 2024
BHMA’s new CEU course is now live!
BHMA's new online course is called An Overview of Architectural Hardware Standards & Product Certification, and offers continuing education units for various organizations, including AIA.
4
12, 2024
WW: Locked in the Classroom?
When classroom barricade devices were introduced, I felt confident that the codes developed over the last 100+ years would continue to protect building occupants. I was (partially) wrong.
3
12, 2024
RX Switches – What are they for?
In his latest post, Mark Kuhn addresses a common question that comes up during code review...What's the purpose of an RX switch in the door-mounted hardware?
2
12, 2024
What’s that? Strike Hook – Take Two
When a strike hook is required as part of a manufacturer's listings for fire exit hardware, it plays an important role in ensuring the performance of the assembly during a fire.
27
11, 2024
WW: I’m thankful for…YOU!
The increased focus on code compliance of door openings improves the safety of building occupants, so thank you for your attention and the willingness to share your experience. I'm thankful for you!
25
11, 2024
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!
22
11, 2024
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.