ADA Compliance For Doors

Have you ever sat down and looked at the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) code book? My guess is that you haven’t pored over all 279 pages. It’s enough to make anyone go cross-eyed – especially the door section. There are so many numbers and exceptions that it’s enough to confuse even the veterans of our industry. The catch is, to be in full ADA compliance, it’s important that you (or someone in your organization) reads and understands these codes.

To get you started, allow me to shed light on some basic principles regarding ADA compliance for doors. It’s important to note that this is based on the 2010 code; some jurisdictions are still operating under the 2003 code. If you have any questions, contact your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Clear Opening Width (404.2.3)

Clear width is measured from the face of the door to the stop when the door is fully opened at 90°. In order for wheelchairs to have clear passage through your doors, at a minimum, your clear opening width must be 32” wide.

Thresholds (404.2.5)

Thresholds cannot be any higher than ½” and should be slip resistant. This ensures that wheelchairs, walkers, etc. are able to easily maneuver over the threshold.

Door and Gate Hardware (404.2.7)

There are a few aspects to this section. The most important being the mounting height for operable parts. An operable part is hardware that is used to operate the door such as a pull, handle, etc. In order to be in full ADA compliance for doors, operable parts need to be a minimum of 34” and a maximum of 48” above the finished floor.

Remember where I said this article is based on the 2010 code? Well, this is one of the sections that varies between the 2003 and 2010 codes. The 2003 code requires that any operable part have a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand without requiring tight grasping or twisting of the wrist to operate. This has been changed to an advisory in the 2010 code. However, to play it safe, do not use traditional door knobs – always use lever sets.

This advisory also dissuades the use of hardware that requires simultaneous hand and finger movements, such as keypads, but it does not state that this type of hardware is prohibited.

Closing Speed (404.2.8)

It’s time to get out the protractor that you thought you’d never use past college. If your door or gate has a door closer installed, it should be adjusted so that it takes at least 5 seconds for your door to close from 90° to 12°.

If your door or gates utilizes spring hinges, it should take at least 1.5 seconds to close from 70° to 0°.

Opening Force (404.2.9)

To be in full ADA compliance for doors, it should take no more than five pounds of continuous force to fully open a door or gate. Note: this does not apply to the amount of force it takes to retract the bolt or to the initial amount of force that it takes to start opening the door.

Here’s where one of those sticky exceptions comes into play. This requirement does not apply to fire-rated doors. Consult your local AHJ for opening force requirements pertaining to fire-rated doors.

Door & Gate Surfaces (404.2.10)

In order for your customers in wheelchairs to easily be able to open doors and gates, they must have a smooth surface that runs the full width of the door/gate on the push side. This surface should be a minimum of 10” above the finished floor.

Vision Lights (404.2.11)

This section refers to windows in or adjacent to doors and gates. These windows must extend low enough so that individuals in wheel chairs can see through. The bottom of the window must be a minimum of 43” above the finished floor.

Here comes another fun exception – if the bottom of your window is higher than 66” from the finished floor, this section of code does not apply.

If you have any questions regarding ADA compliance for doors, feel free to grab a pot of coffee and dive into the 404 section of ADA code. Another excellent resource is your local AHJ. If you’re not sure who that is, call the seat of your local government and they will be able to steer you in the right direction.