Planning Rationale
Exterior Doors
The replacement of exterior doors shall be considered when existing doors are in poor condition, are part of an accessibility upgrade, or are part of a storefront/curtainwall/window wall replacement. Doors are not necessarily replaced during a window replacement or masonry repair project. Replacement of doors at non-accessible locations may typically trigger Path of Travel (POT) upgrades if the building has not already had an accessibility upgrade, or if less than 60% of the entrances for students and visitors are accessible.
For all new and renovated Door and related Construction, refer to the New Construction Guidelines: Volume 3, Chapter 2.2.2 Doors/Hardware and the Specifications.
Typical Considerations for Door Renovation shall include, but are not be limited to the following:
Doors
When a full building door replacement is required, review all doors and confirm that exit width requirements are sufficient and replacement of doors shall conform with New Construction Guidelines and specifications for materials and hardware. Replicate existing detailing if there is historical value. In some cases the AOR can restore doors if replacement will be cost prohibitive. Comply with current Codes for fire ratings and accessibility. When an accessibility upgrade is required, identify locations where accessible routes can be provided.
Frames
When replacing frames including historical significant detailing, attempt to match the original design.
Hardware
Note existing hardware and functions for each door, including any electric operators. At accessible and main entrances, include
Existing building conditions will in some instances require remote operators to satisfy ADA reach range requirements. The minimum door access maneuvering clearances shall be provided.
- Exterior Door Closers: with opening force not exceeding 8 lbs shall be provided. Power door operators may be required to satisfy operating force requirements if maximum requirements are not achievable in existing buildings.
- Interior Door Closers: with opening force not exceeding 5 lbs shall be provided.
Vestibules/Adjacent Interior Finishes:
Included within an exterior door replacement, adjacent interior finishes may require repairs or replacement due to existing conditions and/or Path of Travel (POT) upgrades.
- Walls: Evaluate the condition, finish and material of the adjacent walls and trim at the interior and exterior doors and determine how they will be impacted. Graphically and dimensionally indicate the extent of the repair area on the drawings. Identify if any cracking/settlement issues are a concern that need to be repaired.
- Floors: Identify the condition and materials of the adjacent flooring, determine if there has been any damage related to poor seals and if there is any asbestos tile that will be impacted by the removal of the door frames and thresholds.
- Ceilings: Identify any conditions where frames are adjacent to ceilings and will require patching. Note material of ceilings and finish required.
Landings/Ramps/Sidewalks
When a replacement door is part of an accessible route, the exterior Path of Travel (POT) conditions shall be addressed. Exterior landings/ramps and sidewalks shall comply with dimensions and configurations required by Accessibility and all other applicable Codes and shall be modified or replaced if not in compliance with regulations. (As an example: exterior doors leading to a single step, is not accessible.)