2007 CBC 1008.1.1 states maximum door leaf width is 48" (means of egress). Does anyone know if a Balanced Door leaf could be wider than 48" and comply with Code? I assume the limit on width is to keep the weight of the door down for Accessibility. Seems like a Balanced Door could be easily opened with 5 lb. pressure, even if it were 60" wide....thoughts?
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Maximum door leaf width
- Thread starter C & A
- Start date
AegisFPE
Silver Member
Re: Maximum door leaf width
I think the first challenge you could face is CBC 1008.1.2, which generally requires doors to be "side-hinged swinging," with several exceptions noted. Though a balanced door does swing, it may not be considered "side-hinged swinging" by the local authority.
One concern I have heard regarding larger door widths is wear-and-tear on the hardware (especially hinges) due to the weight of a larger door, thinking that over time the door may begin to sag and then not operate as designed.
I think the first challenge you could face is CBC 1008.1.2, which generally requires doors to be "side-hinged swinging," with several exceptions noted. Though a balanced door does swing, it may not be considered "side-hinged swinging" by the local authority.
One concern I have heard regarding larger door widths is wear-and-tear on the hardware (especially hinges) due to the weight of a larger door, thinking that over time the door may begin to sag and then not operate as designed.
LGreene
REGISTERED
Re: Maximum door leaf width
Just my 2 cents...balanced doors are not as easy to open as you might think. I have specified hardware for doors wider than 4' and as long as they're hung correctly (continuous hinges preferred), they're not difficult to open. I don't know where the original requirement for a 48" maximum came from, but in my opinion there's no advantage to a balanced door over 48" vs. a regular door over 48".
Just my 2 cents...balanced doors are not as easy to open as you might think. I have specified hardware for doors wider than 4' and as long as they're hung correctly (continuous hinges preferred), they're not difficult to open. I don't know where the original requirement for a 48" maximum came from, but in my opinion there's no advantage to a balanced door over 48" vs. a regular door over 48".
