Ensuring your commercial building is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, a legal obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA compliance covers several aspects of your business, with commercial doors being a critical area. Here, we’re going into greater detail about how to make commercial doors ADA-compliant so that your business can abide by legal obligations and moral responsibilities.
Understanding Doorway Width Requirements
One of the first steps in making your commercial doors ADA-compliant is checking the width of the doorway. According to ADA standards, doors must have a clear width of at least 32 inches when the door is open at a 90-degree angle. This width ensures that a wheelchair can easily pass through.
Any narrower, and you risk noncompliance and potential accessibility issues for individuals with mobility devices. If your door doesn’t meet this specification, consider upgrades like wider frames or double doors to achieve compliance without compromising functionality.
Leveraging Threshold Height Regulations
Thresholds on doorways may seem like a small detail but can pose significant obstacles for those using wheelchairs or walkers. According to ADA regulations, thresholds should not exceed a height of 1/2 inch.
For thresholds higher than this, install beveled edges to create a gradual incline. This adjustment ensures compliance but also improves the overall ease of entry for all visitors to your building.
Complying With Opening Force Standards
ADA standards also dictate the maximum amount of force that can be used to open doors. For interior doors, the force should not exceed five pounds. Exterior doors do have some flexibility due to weather and security considerations, but they should still be operable without undue effort.
Installing automatic operators or low-resistance hinges will help you achieve this standard. Additionally, regular maintenance is vital to make sure the door mechanism operates smoothly over time.
Adhering To Maneuvering Clearance Guidelines
Another crucial aspect of ADA compliance is providing adequate maneuvering clearance around your doorway. This ensures individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids have enough space to approach, open, and pass through the door.
For instance, the ADA specifies that pull-side clearance should be at least 18 inches, while push-side clearance should allow for at least 12 inches beyond the latch edge. Addressing these measurements might require reconfiguring entryways or repositioning door hardware, but it ensures smooth transitions for all users.
Explore More About Commercial Garage Doors
If your business also requires upgrades to garage doors or larger entryways, make sure to read through this buyer’s guide to commercial garage doors. It provides valuable insights into selecting the right doors for your operations while maintaining ADA compliance for broader accessibility.
Investing in ADA-compliant commercial doors positions your business as inclusive and welcoming to all customers. By addressing doorway width, ensuring proper thresholds, regulating opening force, and complying with hardware standards, you lay the groundwork for full compliance. Take action today to make your business a model of accessibility.
