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When you have to answer a question with questions

jar546

CBO
Joined
Oct 16, 2009
Messages
12,937
Location
Not where I really want to be
Just thought I would share this recent request:


I have been contracted to replace a West catwalk lobby door on the 6th floor of XXXXXXXXXXX


The original Block to block opening is 43 1/2" with an original door of wood set in a steel frame with a vented window in it. It and the North catwalk door are inswing. The door quoted is an inswing door 3'3" x 6' 8" hollow core steel door with an impact window set in a steel frame.


My supplier cannot find an inswing 3' 3" hollow steel impact rated door, only an outswing.


The windows beside the door set in the CBS wall are non-impact, the other door coming from the North catwalk is the original wood set in steel frame inswing also. Also all these lobby doors are the same from the 1st floor to the 7th and this issue will come up again as they are all over 50 years old with rusting frames and soft spots in the doors.


Questions


#1 Does this door have to be impact rated?


#2 if so can it be outswing? There is a stairwell in that lobby also. And each catwalk has a stairwell at opposing ends.
 
Wha the RDP haves to say about the question?
Please show a plan of the area in question also with the use group and construction type, some phot may be helpful
 
We get these questions because an RDP is expensive. The contractor doesn't want to tell their client that they need to get an expensive architect because the next contractor will just do the work despite it likely not meeting code. Most of the time, they can just call the building inspector and get the answer because it is easier for us than telling someone to get an RDP.

We get these questions because everyone is avoiding conflict.
 
Sorry Tim!....My opinion because I don't see that side.....The owner doesn't want to pay for "good" plans so what is submitted is barely good enough for a permit (or not) and leaves a lot of questions for a contractor that might not be good for much besides following a plan....I do inform people that a good designer can save them money and it is an upfront investment...
 
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