As Juhani Pallasmaa once said, “The door handle is like the handshake of the building” – it sets the design tone and creates an important first impression. Inside a building, door handles underscore and develop this first impression. From supporting accessibility to ensuring functionality, commercial door hardware can play a key role in the operational integrity of a building and the overall user experience. While hardware options are more readily understood with traditional swing doors, questions may arise for those specifying hardware for the growing field of sliding door systems.
To explain the important and expanding role of commercial sliding door hardware, Tysen Gannon, LEED AP, Business Development and Market Consultant with AD Systems, speaks to five key considerations in the Q&A below.
Q. What are a few of the most significant things to consider when specifying commercial sliding door hardware for interior environments?
A. “As with any type of opening, functionality is the starting point when specifying commercial sliding door hardware. One critical point to keep in mind is that the operation of a sliding door is different from that of a swing door, both in how the door itself moves and how the operator interacts with it. Make sure to take the time upfront to consider the intent of the hardware. Its usage may differ on a door with a sliding motion versus a swinging motion.
For example, since lever handles on sliding doors are vertically oriented and commonly used as pulls, it’s important to choose hardware that will accommodate such use. We also often see specs for latches on sliding doors, when in fact latches are not necessarily required because other devices can keep a sliding door closed. Additionally, most swing door hardware is not compatible with sliding doors due to operational differences and required backsets. Because of this, it’s important to ensure compatibility prior to specifying.
Beyond the basics, another key consideration applies to the complete sliding door system. Since sliding doors are not used in isolation, most commercial sliding door hardware requires a sliding door “system,” or at a minimum, careful thought and detailing around the hardware engagement. Be sure to factor this into the specification equation.”
Q. How can you specify commercial sliding door hardware that ensures accessibility for everyone?
A. “The good news is many ADA sliding door hardware options are now available. For example, there are ADA “thumb turns” that do not require pinching, twisting or grasping. There is also single action egress operating hardware for areas where a quick and easy exit during a building emergency may be necessary.
With sliding doors, closers and rollers should also meet the ADA requirements for opening and operating force. To go a step beyond, consider specifying automatic operators for projects looking to achieve universal design. Many sliding doors offer self-closing capabilities that include soft-closing mechanisms to ensure the door closes at the right speed, based on ADA requirements. This function helps occupants move freely through the space while providing a durable, safe environment.”
Q. What is the significance of hardware being “commercial grade”—both from a design and performance standard?
A. “Commercial grade sliding door hardware is just that—hardware that has been designed and tested for use in the more demanding commercial project sector. While easily understood, specifying commercial grade hardware can be a particular issue with sliding doors because so many sliders were traditionally used in residential construction. It is only in the past decade or so that sliding doors with sophisticated hardware requirements were used in a variety of commercial settings. With these changes, it’s essential to ensure all hardware, from the handles to the locks, closers and door guides, can manage the challenges of a commercial project.”
Q. What kind of hardware works best for sliding doors installed in high traffic areas?
A. “Durability is of course a key element to consider when specifying commercial sliding door hardware. However, this is an area of “specifier beware.” There are many sliding door hardware options out there today. Some of these offerings are more appropriate for residential construction and won’t withstand the heavy traffic volumes in commercial environments. Look for hardware solutions from reputable manufacturers with a history of successful use in demanding settings such as healthcare and schools.”
Q. How does AD Systems’s commercial sliding door hardware accommodate a building’s preexisting key or access-controlled systems?
A. “AD Systems offers several options for access control integration. Mag locks are perhaps the most common method. In this scenario, a shear lock is installed into the frame and wired to the access control system, typically with a “request to exit” button. However, not every project or jurisdiction will approve mag locks. For these cases, we offer electric strikes that can be wired in a similar fashion to access control systems. These electric strikes permit egress by lever from the interior. A final option for access control integration is our AutoMotion automatic door operator. Here, the access control system controls the actuation of the door.”
