To pick the correct automatic door for any application you should consider, building layout, kinds of clients, number of pedestrians, and anticipation of abuse. There are numerous complexities to consider when choosing an automatic door in a new construction application. Automatic and swing door operators are utilized in many different settings, giving very different expected outcomes based on the type of use. So, using a low energy operator that requires a knowing act to engage probably is not the right application for a busy hospital ER department. Conversely, using a full energy operator on an ADA bathroom in an office is probably overkill. We can help you with understanding what is entailed in an automatic door inspections for architects.
As an architect you probably expect your contractors and subs to be responsible for all the language in codes. So, this is where Oregon Door Consultants is here to help. Together with you, the contractor, the supplier, the installer and access control we can help facilitate the project in order to make sure all the pieces flow together properly, and the doors work flawlessly with the security provider.
Classifications of Automatic Doors
There are three classifications of automatic doors, automatic sliding doors, automatic swinging doors and automatic folding doors. Automatic folding doors are prone to fail in the field, for that reason we will not spend any time talking about them. Many of the top manufactures offer custom doors for any application. Almost all of these design considerations take into count sound requirements or full width breakout for emergency situations.
Sometimes the hardest challenge is figuring out which automatic door manufacturer offers the right door system for the intended application. It is incredibly important that they not only understand the application but will steer you in the right direction even if it is not what is specified. It really is about your relationship with your supplier and most noteworthy, their desire to provide the “right” solution.
Not all installation companies are created equal. Just because they were selected to be the door installer on the project doesn’t mean they are certified to install based on the stringent AAADM certification standards. Since operators require electricity there are those install companies who might not have properly license low energy electricians on staff and who will go ahead and hook up power when they shouldn’t.
American Association of Automatic Door Manufactures (AAADM)
The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers, a trade association of manufacturers of automatic pedestrian door systems, advocates proper specification, installation and maintenance of all automatic doors. AAADM recommends asking potential manufactures for proof of compliance with codes and standards for all their automatic door products.
You should also verify that qualified technicians with AAADM certification would be responsible for installing the selected automatic doors. Besides obtaining input from the potential supplier, AAADM also advises facility owners to confer with an architect or consultant knowledgeable of applicable codes and regulations. Utilize us to help with your automatic door inspections for architects.
Automatic Door Maintenance
Once all critical issues have been considered and the door installed, it is time to have an inspection. It is best to have a third-party inspector check the quality of the installation to make sure that it falls within the AAADM guidelines. After this has been accomplished and occupancy has been granted it is also time to start talking about the steps needed to protect the owner’s investment. Everyone overlooks the necessity to maintain doors.
A preventative maintenance program can significantly reduce the opportunity for failures by increasing performance and reducing emergency service calls. There are many preventative maintenance programs available. So, the number of automatic doors the facility owns, the amount of customer traffic, the age of the automatic doors and the overall attitude toward maintenance programs typically influence any planned maintenance.
A store with an automatic door that opens and shuts 5000 times a day completes 1.5 million cycles a year. A door in an office that opens and shuts 400 times in a day completes 225,000 thousand cycles a year. Most people wouldn’t fathom that a door is used that much.
Automatic Door Basic Preventative Maintenance
First of all, a preventive maintenance (PM) contract usually provides a facility with a set number of on-site inspections. The number varies and is dependent on the needs of the customer. A hospital customer might require quarterly inspections likewise a hotel might be OK with semi-annually. During these PM visits, the inspector checks that the doors comply with AAADM requirements. Some of the things the look for are; opening and closing time, opening and closing force as well as proper safety sensors are installed, and signage is affixed to comply with ANSI Standard 156.10 or ANSI Standard 156.19. These standards govern the requirements for automatic door systems.
Contact us today, we can help complete your automatic door inspections for architects. We make sure your automatic door supplier and installer perform at the level set through ANSI and the BHMA before they finish the job. We know how hard it is to get someone to respond once they complete the job. Our inspection will help you mitigate any risk you might have due to shoddy workmanship.
