Since these doors can satisfy exit pathway door requirements as listed in the NBC while still allowing the spaces on either side to maintain a level of adaptability, they can be a worthwhile solution where opening width flexibility is desirable, but slide-only doors are prohibited due to code requirements.
Sidelining installation and maintenance issues while maintaining flexibility
Different code requirements by space and room use may increase the likelihood that a variety of door systems will be specified throughout a health care facility. While this, in and of itself, may not cause a building planner a large degree of trouble, it may cause complications for installation and maintenance crews.
Door and door hardware, as well as lead times, can vary depending on door type and manufacturer. Learning the intricacies of multiple door installation protocols as well knowing when to order various door systems can slow down construction timelines and delay openings. Additionally, manufacturers may supply their own field technicians to supervise subcontractors. Having multiple technicians could also lead to confusion and scheduling issues.
After a facility has opened, having doors from several manufacturers may complicate routine maintenance and replacement. Not only do the variances between hardware and other components steepen the learning curve on door maintenance, but they can also lead to costly mistakes. Door durability is often tested in cycles, (i.e. a door can be said to perform as intended up to a certain number of open-and-close cycles.) This number can range from 25,000 to well over one million cycles. Since these tests can involve parts that are difficult to observe, it may not be obvious which doors need repair or replacing and which are still viable. An inaccurate assessment of one door system for another could result in unnecessary maintenance.
For these reasons and more, it is important for building designers to consider how door systems from multiple manufacturers may affect the construction and end-use of a project—especially when flexibility is central to the design. Architects and designers who work with a manufacturer on a variety of door systems can satisfy critical fire- and life-safety requirements without overcomplicating installation and maintenance protocols. When these doors also contribute to flexible design, they can fulfil a project’s present needs without limiting its potential to adapt in the future.
Author
Tysen Gannon, LEED AP, with AD Systems has more than 15 years of experience in the architectural products industry, including roles in sales, product management, research, and marketing, with a focus on glass and glazing, fenestration, and facade systems.
