FF: Anchors Aweigh!
Drywall anchors, that is! This is a 90-minute wood fire door, and someone tried to install the door closer (twice) with drywall screws and plastic anchors. I'm wordless! Happy Fixed-it Friday!
23
06, 2023
22
06, 2023
Decoded: Deadbolts in a Means of Egress
Are deadbolts permitted by code in a means of egress? A surprising number of people would answer "no", but deadbolts are allowed under certain circumstances. I have updated this Decoded article based on the current codes.
21
06, 2023
WW: Another DIY Barricade Device
I received this Wordless Wednesday photo from Paul Timm of Allegion, another example of a school district's efforts to implement a means of locking doors quickly in case of an active shooter situation. But what about other hazards?
20
06, 2023
Sequencing of Hardware Sets – US vs. European Practices
Although hardware schedules look like Greek to most people, there is a specific order for the products listed there. Today's post addresses the sequence used in the U.S. as well as the European method.
19
06, 2023
Dura-Glide DT
In recent years, I've noticed that the way orders are taken and food delivered in some fast food chains has changed, and STANLEY Access Technologies has developed a new drive-thru window and door called the Dura-Glide DT. Read more in today's post.
16
06, 2023
FF: Theater Exit
Our local library has a small theater that holds just under 100 people. The space only had one code-compliant exit and the building is hundreds of years old and difficult to modify. TGIFixed-it Friday!
15
06, 2023
Decoded: Unlatching a Door for Egress
In the next Decoded article I have answered the following frequently asked question: When is it permissible for an egress door to have hardware that requires more than one releasing motion to unlatch the door?
14
06, 2023
WW: Do not push on bar.
I have known Charles Anderson, retired AHJ, for many years - long enough to know that one of his pet peeves is signage that deters the use of an exit. What do you think about the Wordless Wednesday photos he sent in? OK, or NO WAY?
13
06, 2023
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My second monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question about double-cylinder deadbolts: Where can key-operated locks be used on doors in a means of egress? Do you know the answer?
12
06, 2023
Update: Panic Hardware Infographic
I recently shared this resource on panic hardware, and there were several suggestions from readers of iDigHardware that resulted in some changes to the infographic. Thanks to all who weighed in - here's the updated version.
9
06, 2023
FF: Unhinged
I'm wordless about today's Fixed-it Friday photo, which I saw posted on the "There's no crying in hollow metal" Facebook page. I asked Scott Foley of P&M Doors for permission to share it with all of you. Enjoy!
8
06, 2023
“Yes, I overspecify panic hardware, but let me tell you why…”
In Mark Kuhn's latest post, he makes a compelling argument for specifying panic hardware in some locations where it is not technically required by code. Do you agree with Mark's reasoning?
7
06, 2023
WW: Doubled Over
Tony Klagenberg of AMI sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, which looks like it was taken in a gas station or convenience store located in an area where crime is a concern. I'm wondering if someone thought this would give them extra security.
6
06, 2023
QQ: Health Care Corridor Door vs. Smoke Barrier Door
Today's Quick Question has come up several times lately with regard to the code requirements for hospitals, nursing homes, and similar types of facilities: What is the difference between a "corridor door" and a "smoke barrier door" in a health care occupancy?
5
06, 2023
Locksmith Ledger: Classroom Locks 101, by Ken Cook
If you specify or provide door hardware, work for a school district, or advise school administrators on their safety and security methods, the article in today's post is a valuable tool for understanding the various considerations and options.
2
06, 2023
FF: Exit if you can.
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo was sent in by Shari Dial of Walsh Door & Security - the photo shows the rear exit serving a gas station in rural Illinois. If you see any interesting doors in your summer travels, you can submit photos using the photo submission link.
1
06, 2023
It’s a Dog Eat Dog World, by TJ Gottwalt
Do you ever wonder about some of the strange terminology we use for specific construction products, especially door hardware? This guest blog post, written by TJ Gottwalt of Allegion, answers some questions about the term "dogging."
31
05, 2023
WW: Snowed In
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo was sent by Ken Kuzman of Houston-Starr...although the memories of these snow banks are fading for most of us, they'll be returning to some areas in a matter of months!
26
05, 2023
FF: Ditch the drapes!
I have mentioned this before...it's great when I receive photos or emails from "door people", but I absolutely LOVE when family members of iDigHardware readers start weighing in on door issues. :)
25
05, 2023
Enclosed Courtyard Study
This enclosed exterior space adjacent to the hotel where I'm currently staying has an interesting egress situation. What do you think about this patio's egress routes? Would this situation keep you up at night?
24
05, 2023
WW: Antiquing!
I have shared Wordless Wednesday photos of antique store exits before, but this time I was the one on an antiquing expedition. As soon as we parked in front of the store I knew I would find some issues...
23
05, 2023
WWYD? Interlocks + Delayed Egress
Yesterday in an airport I saw a bank of interlocks and an adjacent pair of doors with delayed egress locks. What do you think about this application? Do some AHJs require delayed egress doors where interlocks are installed? WWYD?
22
05, 2023
BHMA: Hardware Highlights
I'm on my way to the BHMA Spring Technical Committee Week, so today I'm sharing a helpful BHMA resource. Hardware Highlights are one-page summaries for each ANSI/BHMA A156 series standard - there are 42 in the series. Check out this post for the link!
19
05, 2023
FF: Assembly Exit
Today's Fixed-it Friday photos were taken at the main entrance of a function space that has an occupant load of 600 people. I was so fixated on the creative locking method that I didn't take a close-up of the closer fix, but the security fix has me wordless.
18
05, 2023
Door Handing – International Methods
To help support our international readers, I will be sharing some posts from the Allegion team around the world. Today's post comes from Hamza Ali DHT and Sushil Kumar Dip GAI, both of Allegion.
17
05, 2023
WW: School Exit
Joe Hendry of Navigate360 sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in an occupied school. This door serves the means of egress from the administrative office area. I'm wordless.
16
05, 2023
Decoded: Update on Storm Shelter Doors
This Decoded article addresses the requirements of the International Building Code and ICC 500 for storm shelters, and I have updated the original article with current code references.
15
05, 2023
Infographic: Recommended Lock Functions for Classrooms
There isn't one lock function that works for every school - in some schools, only staff members with keys are able to lock the classroom doors, and in other schools anyone can lock the doors. WWYD?
12
05, 2023
FF: Closer Edition
I saw Alexander Wright of Allegion in my code update class at UNC-Charlotte yesterday, which reminded me that he sent me these Fixed-it Friday photos of door closers in the wild! Keep 'em coming!
11
05, 2023
School Security Best Practices for Openings
A new educational resource for school security and safety is now available, which provides a combined overview of industry recommended best practices for door openings as recommended by security organizations, federal reports, and past incident reports.
10
05, 2023
WW: Hotel Stair
During a 1:00 a.m. fire alarm, Denise Gorski took note of the damaged latchset on a hotel's stairwell fire door. If the door wasn't propped open with a wedge, the missing lever may have prevented hotel guests from exiting. Which is worse? The open door or the potential lack of egress??
9
05, 2023
AIA Webinar – Sustainability, Transparency, and Door Hardware
Whether you’re designing a LEED certified building or not, every building created today includes sustainable features. Join us on May 25th for an AIA-approved webinar, presented by Aaron Owens, Sustainability Specialist for Allegion.
8
05, 2023
Decoded: Fire Door Closing Cycle
When testing a fire door to determine whether it is closing and latching properly, from what open position should the door be tested? I have updated this Decoded article about the closing cycle of fire doors for positive latching, to reflect the current codes.
5
05, 2023
FF: Wordless
I once wrote a hardware spec for the hotel chain where today's Fixed-it Friday photos were taken. Based on that experience and the architect's attention to detail on that project, I'm positive that this is not what they would expect to see on a return visit.
4
05, 2023
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
I recently started a new column in USGlass Magazine, and each month I will be answering a code question related to door openings. The question in the current post is one that many of you are familiar with: Where is panic hardware required?
3
05, 2023
WW: Down at the Packie
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos of an obstructed means of egress in a liquor store (we called them "packies" in New England). I'm at a loss as to how to educate retail workers on the code requirements. Any ideas?
2
05, 2023
Last-Minute Training Announcement!
Last week I posted about some upcoming code training that I'll be conducting in the Southeast, and it turns out that there is some availability in my class at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on May 16th. There's more info in today's post.
1
05, 2023
Allegion 101: The Door and Frame – Republic
The Allegion 101 training series was designed for people who are new to the industry, new to the Allegion family of brands, or just want to learn more about doors and hardware. Feel free to share this post with anyone who could benefit from this introductory training.
28
04, 2023
FF: High Security Hold-Open
My ooooold friend and coworker, Chuck Gulla of Allegion, sent me this Fixed-it Friday photo from a school in Vermont. Since it's not a fire door, it's not a code issue, but it's definitely a creative solution. I'm sure the school is trying to cut down on "mischief" in the restroom.
27
04, 2023
Code Update: Chute Doors
This was not the first (nor the last) time that I have seen a conflict between a chute door and a swinging fire door that provides a convenient way to hold the doors open. This has now been addressed in the International Building Code (IBC).
26
04, 2023
WW: At the Craft Expo
These Wordless Wednesday photos from Charles Anderson (retired AHJ) speak for themselves... Don't forget to send me photos of the interesting doors you see in your travels!
25
04, 2023
Training Opportunity – with me! :)
In a couple of weeks I will be conducting some code training in the Carolinas and Tennessee. There are a few spots available in the class in Clemson, South Carolina on Tuesday, May 9th, so if you are within driving distance, check out the training invitation here.
24
04, 2023
Calling all architects and specifiers!!
I am wearing my BHMA Marcom Chair hat today...if you are an architect or specifier, I would love to have 5 minutes of your time to take a short survey that will help guide some of the organizations' upcoming initiatives. Thanks in advance!
21
04, 2023
FF: Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
This is an amazingly beautiful church right on the main square in the city of Aguascalientes, Mexico. As you can imagine, there have been a few "fixes" in the last 300 years. TGIF-iF!
20
04, 2023
More Doors of Aguascalientes
In yesterday's post I shared some Wordless Wednesday photos from my trip to Aguascalientes, Mexico, and I have some others prepared for Fixed-it Friday. There are more of my favorites here in today's post!
19
04, 2023
WW: En La Ciudad De Aguascalientes
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I took my family for a short trip to Aguascalientes, Mexico last week. It's a beautiful city, and of course I took lots of photos of amazing doors!
18
04, 2023
IBC Update: Puzzle Rooms
Last week while I was on a short spring break trip with the kids, I was perusing the IBC, and I found a change that I forgot to write about; the change is related to escape rooms. The 2021 IBC now includes three options for egress from these rooms.
17
04, 2023
Allegion 101: The Door and Frame – Steelcraft
The Allegion 101 training series was designed for people who are new to the industry, new to the Allegion family of brands, or just want to learn more about doors and hardware. Feel free to share this post with anyone who could benefit from this introductory training.
14
04, 2023
FF: Spring Break
I received today's Fixed-it Friday photo from Scott Tobias of arkaSpecs, and I definitely did a double-take. Then I found out that he's on vacation with his family, and this egress door serves a ride at a popular theme park. What do you think?
13
04, 2023
Decoded: Communicating Doors Between Sleeping Rooms
As I mentioned last month, my Decoded column has a new question-and-answer format. This month's question: "Are communicating doors between adjoining hotel rooms required to be self-closing, self-latching fire door assemblies?"