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Automatic doors are not an ADA requirement! So why do we see
automatic swing doors and
automatic sliding doors everywhere. In this article we explain why automatic doors are used if they are not an ADA requirement.
Americans With Disabilities Act
The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, sets forth requirements for commercial swing doors to be ADA compliant including the minimum door size, opening force, door closer operation, and more. The requirements however, do not require a
commercial door to have an automatic door operator in order to meet compliance.
Automatic Doors
Automatic doors include
automatic sliding doors or
automatic swinging doors. In the event automatic doors are used in a commercial building, there are requirements set forth by both ADA and ANSI (Americans National Standard Institute) that must be followed.
Why Are Automatic Doors Used If Not Required
The biggest reason automatic door openers are used is because the commercial swing door installation does not currently meet ADA compliance. For example, the main reason most commercial doors do not meet ADA compliance is that the opening force exceeds 5lbs for interior doors. Exterior door opening force is not listed, however most building codes require no more than 8.5lbs of opening force. When you think about the
weatherstripping on the door and other factors that cause friction, that is not a whole lot of opening force that you cannot exceed. In these applications, the building owner has exhausted all ways of reducing the opening force but still cannot meet the requirements. Then he or she can install an
automatic door opener which will create a barrier free entry since the door is not automated requiring no force.
Accessibility For All
Although, automatic door openers are not required by ADA, it is still best practice that your main entry door to your building is an automatic door. Whether it's a
low energy handicap door or a
full energy automatic sliding door, making your door accessible to all pedestrians is the best business practice, whether it's a requirement or not.
Energy Savings
Automatic doors provide huge energy savings for your commercial building. The doors only open and close for a short period of time. With
manual commercial doors, they can get stuck on rugs, or hung up, or even held open with a door holder, causing huge amounts of temperature controlled air within the building to rush outside. Having automatic doors maintain a steady inside temperature saving you money on energy.
Safety
Automatic doors are equipped with built in safety features to eliminate anyone from getting hurt by the door. Automatic door operators also open with a low opening force. Whereas a manual commercial door with an improperly adjusted hydraulic door closer can slam shut on a pedestrian.
Automatic Doors For Sale
If you are in need of automatic doors or automatic door openers we recommend our
Maverick automatic sliding doors, Maverick automatic swing doors, or
Commander automatic door openers. Our products are easy to install and reliable. Order today and receive FREE freight. For more information contact
[email protected]Disclaimer: The material in this article has no regard to the specific installation, building code requirements, law requirements, authority having jurisdiction, local or state requirements, or any particular needs of any viewer. This article is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes and is not to be construed as a recommendation or solicitation. Nor should any of its content be taken as advice. Automatic Door and Hardware is not an installation advisor. The views expressed in this article are completely speculative opinions and do not guarantee any specific result. Commercial doors, hardware, and automatic door parts should only be worked on by trained, qualified, and licensed professionals; failure to do so can result in danger. Any opinions expressed in this article are subject to change without notice. Automatic Door and Hardware is not under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. Automatic Door and Hardware may have an interest in the securities and commodities of any entities referred to in this material. Automatic Door and Hardware accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of all or any part of this material. Automatic Door and Hardware recommends that you consult with a licensed and qualified professional before making any modifications or repairs to commercial doors, automatic doors, or hardware components of those doors. The content covered in this article is NOT to be considered as advice. I’m NOT an adviser. These are only my own personal and speculative opinions, ideas, theories, hypotheses, charts, technical analysis, insights, and curated news publications. The technical analysis in this article is completely speculative and does NOT guarantee any specific result. The technical analysis in this article has NO proven rate of accuracy. Do NOT repair or modify your doors and/or hardware based upon the analysis presented in this article. Always do your own research and only use trained and licensed professionals for any repairs or modifications. I will NOT be held liable for any of your personal repairs or modifications or any losses/damages that you may incur if you do repair or modify your doors and/or hardware. Information provided through this article is provided to you as is without any express representations or warranties of any kind, and we make no representation or warranty that this article (or any information provided in response to your inquiry), will be accurate, complete, or error-free. You agree that you must evaluate all information and responses, and that you bear all risks associated with, the use of this article, including any reliance on the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or materials made available through this article. This article is purely for entertainment purposes only!
