Hurricane and Windstorm-Rated Door Hardware
Developers who are constructing in a hurricane-prone area are aware of the necessary building codes and hurricane-rated door hardware. Following Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina, code inspectors imposed stricter requirements on buildings located in high-wind zones.
The Florida Legislature established the Florida Building Commission. They were tasked with creating a state-wide building code to provide rules that aid in preventing hurricane and strong wind damage across the state of Florida.
Before products can be given the hurricane-rated mark of approval, they must pass certain testing. Testers make sure that the door and all of its parts can withstand specified levels of impact from debris, water infiltration, and wind pressure. The products are considered hurricane-rated if they pass those tests.
The first county in Florida to certify items for hurricane-resistant structures was Miami-Dade. The Florida Building Code then adopted all of the hurricane resistance regulations and has standards that are currently comparable to those of Miami-Dade County. While some jurisdictions have created their criteria, many states defer to the Florida Building Code's requirements because of its leadership in hurricane codes. For instance, the Texas Department of Insurance and Texas established the standard together.
How is hurricane-rated door hardware tested?
Durability
The amount of wind force that a hurricane door hardware can resist and the combined strength of all of its parts (the frame, hardware, etc.) determine its rating. Pounds of pressure per inch, or "PI," are the units of measurement for this force.
The atmosphere of your building determines the level of PI you require. Let's take an example where you own a building right on the beach in a hurricane-prone area. A facility farther inland might only need a PI of 60, but it might require a PI of 70 or 80.
The required amount of PI is sometimes determined by the average wind force in a certain area.
Labels
A "windstorm-rated" stamp and the Florida Building Code approval number are clearly marked on exterior doors and hurricane hardware that complies with the code. The manufacturer puts these labels on when the doors and door hardware are manufactured.
Your threshold and weather stripping need to be windstorm-rated and identified if the county where your building is located has a water infiltration standard.
Hurricane doors are typically accessible for framing in concrete, wood, block, and metal stud walls because they are put in a range of public buildings. You can buy a complete door package that includes each component separately labeled for a simple and convenient installation.
Testing
Third-party certifiers create and uphold hurricane door testing requirements. The test categories "Wind Only" and "Wind and Impact" apply to hurricane doors and hardware. Both must pass the static pressure test, and the "Wind and Impact" category must additionally pass the tests for debris impact and cyclical pressure.
In addition, during a hurricane, positive pressure increases within structures while negative pressure forms on their exteriors. The door and its parts need to hold through the pressure fluctuations to prevent the doors from being blown in or sucked out and hurting the occupants.
In order to replicate this pressure shift scenario, hurricane-rated hardware, doors, and hardware must first go through static pressure testing. Certain widely accessible commercial hardware, such as exit devices, has demonstrated its ability to withstand these pressure change tests.
Testers make sure that the door and every part of it can withstand a given level of impact from debris, water infiltration, and wind pressure. A product is considered hurricane-rated if it passes these tests.
In this Blog, we are going to discuss hurricane and windstorm-rated exit devices.
Hurricane Rated Exit- Devices
Hurricane Rated devices are rated in two categories:
Wind and Impact
Wind and Impact zone (HVHZ) ASTM E1886, ASTM E1996, ASTM E330: FBC TAS 201, 202, 203:
The Florida Building Code's TAS standards require exterior door assemblies approved for installation inside the Florida High-Velocity Hurricane Zone—a coastal section of the state—to pass particular testing for wind speed and flying debris. As required by the standard, entire assemblies (such as an exit device and door) must undergo impact, structural, and cycle testing.
Wind Only
Wind-Only ANSI-ASTM E330 [Wind-Only (non-impact zone)]: Exterior door assemblies approved for installation in non-impact zones (usually inland regions) are assessed for structural integrity in accordance with ASTM E330 for wind-only applications. These doors and devices have to withstand a structural test load that is 1.5 times more than their real design pressure rating to be left open and without any glazing panes breaking.
Some of the Best Hurricane and Windstorm Rated exit devices are mentioned below:
Exit devices can be utilized for storm safety and area management in situations where the code requires panic gear for faster egress. The specifications of that specific application determine the precise exit device solution.
Hurricane Rated Von- Duprin Exit Devices
The WS98/9927 exit device for tornado pair door applications is based on the well-liked 98/9927 Series exit device, which comes with an entire range of capabilities and extras, including electrified functions and decorative levers. For single tornado door applications, the WS98/9957 is used. When combined with the Steelcraft Paladin door, these devices' reinforced rods and latches fulfill the most demanding FEMA and ICC standards for tornado protection, since they can withstand winds of up to 250 mph and strikes from 15 lb projectiles at 100 mph. There are extended latch guards available for WS98/9957 and WS98/9927. These are meant to cover the bottom 10" of doors with a progressive slope in order to meet the ADA's or A117.1's necessary accessibility requirements.
When combined with a Steelcraft Hurricane H or HE Series embossed door, several Von Duprin escape mechanisms can be used in coastal areas that need protection from hurricane-induced debris and strong winds. A few of these device series' configurations satisfy the wind and impact standards defined in the Florida Building Code.
33A/35A Series Narrow stile push-bar exit device
XP98/99 Rim Heavy-duty 98/99 Series rim device
2670 Guard-X® exit alarm lock
88 Series Crossbar exit device
98/99 Series Wide stile push-bar exit device
WS98/9927 Windstorm-rated 98/9927
Hurricane and Windstorm-Rated Sargent Exit Devices
Sargent 80 series Exit Devices
The 80 Series exit device is perfect for settings where robust security measures are needed, They are also made for withstanding rough environmental conditions. These exit devices are hurricane and windstorm-rated. This device, which is designed to last the whole life of the structure, readily surpasses the cycle and strength requirements of ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 and comes in rim, mortise, surface vertical, and concealed vertical rod configurations. This device's modular architecture makes it easy to maintain and offers unparalleled security for any type of facility. This is the go-to device for your facility because it also has choices for special applications like delayed egress, alarm exits, and electric latch retractions.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane and Windstorm-Rated Exit devices are essential for any commercial or healthcare facility as they help them protect their staff and people and even the facility from environmental loss and damage. For many business and upscale commercial situations, these exit devices have long-term advantages in terms of longevity, security, and Protection. Visit Qualitydoor.com to choose from our extensive selection of Exit devices and other Hurricane and Windstorm-rated door hardware components that are ideal for your establishment. Speak with our professionals for more information and help.
Please call us at +1 (800) 992-3667 or email us at sales@qualitydoor.com
