When it comes to accessing your place of business, you need a door that swings wide enough to allow for ease of movement. However, not every business owner understands the standard measurements for commercial glass doors. The following insights will help demystify the formal requirements for your commercial glass door hardware.

Standard ADA Practices

When it comes to your door, the Americans with Disabilities Act recommends a minimum of 32 inches in width to allow for seamless accessibility. This distance is measured from the doorstop to the face of the door on the opposite side. The size is maintained regardless of how the door opens, whether you slide, fold, or swing it.

Further, the lower 10 inches of the full width should be free of projections, which will boost safety and accessibility. This feature is essential for ensuring that wheelchairs get into and out of the building without significant impediments.

Operating this door should be effortless, meaning it must not require more than 22 newtons of force to operate. This door shouldn't require extensive dexterity or coordination to move effortlessly.

Door Clearance

Sufficient door clearance is vital for safety and accessibility. An excellent glass door has a strip fastened to the floor, called a threshold. It should be approximately 13mm above the floor or pathway leading to the door. Allowances can be made for 19mm if the beveled slope is on either side of the threshold.

Further, there must be enough maneuvering space to allow wheelchairs or mobility devices to pass through the entryway effortlessly. The closing and opening speed should also favor the people walking through the door. The average rate should be approximately five seconds for the door to move from 12 degrees to 90 degrees.

Design and Quality

ADA compliance significantly affects the manufacturer's design and quality of the door. According to Allegion, there are three categories of door security hardware: grade one, two, and three. The product grades highlight the progressive levels of the door. While you expect different performance levels, each entry must meet the set standards. However, grade three guarantees exceptional door performance, making it an excellent choice for an unrivaled experience.

Ideally, you should invest in special commercial glass door hardware. This is the best way to guarantee enhanced safety and accessibility to your retail space. Reach out to Bryans Road Doors & Glass LLC today for the best advice and a wide selection of high-quality commercial glass door hardware.