Security Grille Door Solutions in the Design Project: Application

dyn08a An AIA Continuing Education Program

Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour

Security Grille Door Solutions in the Design Project: Application, Operation,

Installation & Aesthetic

© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2013

5738 Warner Drive Long Sault, Ontario

K0C 1P0

1-800-663-4599 (613) 938-1222

www.dynamicclosures.com

An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program

Approved Promotional Statement:

Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon completion of the course conclusion quiz with +80%. Please view the following slide for more information on Certificates of Completion through RBA

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

An American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Program

Course Format: This is a structured, web-based, self study course with a final exam.

Course Credit: 1 AIA Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) CE Hour

Completion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by email and you can print one upon successful completion of a course or from your RonBlank.com transcript. If you have any difficulties printing or receiving your Certificate please send requests to [email protected]

Design professionals, please remember to print or save your certificate of completion after successfully completing a course conclusion quiz. Email confirmations will be sent to the email address you have provided in your RonBlank.com account.

Course Description

This course about grille doors discusses different types of doors, materials the doors are made of and various operation choices available. It will help you decide which door to specify as you will learn which door is best for a particular plan. You will also learn about security features of these doors and ADA accessibility guidelines.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, the design professional will be able to:

1. List and define typical applications for grille doors

2. Recognize the main operation choices for grille doors and how to choose the correct product when specifying a job

3. Understand the various available mounting options

4. Describe the layout options for side folding doors and learn how they can influence or complement the overall design integrity of your project

5. Gain an understanding of curtain and panel material choices and how they work to achieve continuity in your design

Grille Door Applications

Exploring the typical applications for grille doors

Applications – Pedestrian Control

Security Grille Doors are used in a variety of building applications. Some common uses for grille doors include providing pedestrian control, limiting product access, dividing a store within a store and providing a security barrier to a service counter to storefront windows.


In areas where you want to control the flow of pedestrian traffic, security grilles are a fantastic option. In educational facilities, grilles can separate the dining hall from the cafeteria while still maintaining line of site. They can also be used in hallways to restrict entry to certain areas during after-hours or divide a room for separate events. In airports, security grilles limit security lanes and entrances and divide access to concourse areas as required.


Multi-use buildings such as a library may have organizations or clubs use the facilities but need to be limited to just a portion of the building. Another use is to sector off common areas to private properties. For example, a cinema located in a mall has extended hours past regular mall hours. Grilles can block access to the general mall areas, providing security and safety.

Applications – Product Access

Blocking access to products is effortless with side-folding grilles. In retail or commercial applications grilles can close off aisles that house merchandise with restricted selling hours such as alcohol or pharmacy areas. In addition to products, other areas to consider using side-folding grilles include computer server rooms or an areas that store sensitive records.

Applications – Interior Storefronts

Over the last several years, stores within a store have been popping up all over the nation as retailers are beginning to realize the benefits of joining forces to attract more consumers. Shoppers have been given a vast array of one-stop shopping choices. However, these smaller stores often have varying hours of operations other than the big box store or common areas they are located in. Grilles provide security for these stores on-display items while not impeding visual appeal.

Applications – Service Counters

Because side-folding grilles can be laid out to operate in an irregular opening, they are an excellent choice for service counters. These include:

• Pharmacies

• Food services

• “Parts” counters

• Banks

• Information counters

• Reception counters in office buildings, hospitals, etc.

• Theater ticket booths

Applications – Window Security

Installing grilles behind glass is a cost-effective way to provide security to storefronts. Grilles provide an extra level of protection against “smash & grab” type burglaries. Historically, exterior-mounted rolling doors were used to close off a storefront during off-hours. This exterior application detracts from the building’s architecture and can be off-putting to potential clientele.

Applications – Window Security

In fact, many cities are mandating that exterior rolling doors not be used on buildings. When security grilles are designed into the interior space behind the glass at the plan stage they can offer better protection than exterior rolling grilles and doors. The reason is because once the glass broken the alarm goes off and the grille still needs to be compromised. This acts as a strong deterrent, yet also still allows a passerby to view the store’s merchandise.

Operation Choices for Grille Doors

Specifying the correct product

Operation Choices – Rolling Operation

Rolling grille doors are also referred to as coiling, overhead or roll-up doors. Curtains on rolling doors roll up on a barrel that is often recessed in to the ceiling above the opening.

Operation Choices – Rolling Door Benefits

While rolling doors are often associated with industrial-type applications, they can have benefits for interior applications. For example, because the barrel can be hidden in the ceiling the opening maintains a clean appearance. Rolling doors can also be installed first, before other finishes are completed. Another advantage a rolling door offers, is that it can be motor-operated allowing for ease of operation. Motor-operated doors are available with safety reversing devices that comply with UL 325.


Any operator that has a UL mark must be manufactured to the ANSI/UL325 standard. Included in this standard is that the operator will not close with momentary pressure on the provided key switch or three-button control unless a monitored external reversing device such as photo eyes or a sensing edge is attached to the door.

End users should also be aware that this door system includes at least one monitored entrapment protection device, and if there is a “failure” of that monitored device, the door will not close unless the close button is held down in a “constant pressure mode” until the door is fully closed. This standard improves the safety of motorized commercial door systems and can reduce potential injury to people and damage to materials.


• UL325 Compliance - All operators bearing the UL label must continuously monitor safety devices such as photo sensors and/or sensing edges. This is a mandatory requirement for operation other than constant contact to close.

• Motorized grilles usually use a key switch

• Emergency egress device disengages motor from shaft and allows grille to “pop” off the floor approx. 4 ft.

• Bottom bar contains locking device

• 2, 3 and 4 above do not comply with ADA


Other benefits include:

• May be manually operated

• May be crank operated (for countertop applications)

• Safety edge/photo beam available – Complies with UL325 standard for commercial door operators

• Emergency release device

• Key switch or push button control

• Can be installed first – before anything else

• Widths ranging from 24 to 36 feet x heights of 12 to 20 feet are typical maximums depending on models and manufacturer

Rolling Door Mounting Options

Typical motor operation for grilles is with a standard jackshaft commercial operator mounted on or next to the bracket plate. A jackshaft operator is able to lift a very large curtain which is an advantage for large openings. Another option is an internal tube motor mounted inside the barrel assembly. Unlike a jackshaft operator, no additional side room is required, offering a clean self-contained design. This motor is used for smaller openings.

Option 2: Internal Tube Motor – Contained in Barrel

Option 1: Standard Jackshaft Operator

Operation Choices – Side Folding Operation

Side folding operation is simplified to one choice that works for all sizes. Side folding grille doors operate manually on an overhead track system, gliding smoothly from side to side. When the door is fully opened the curtain is stacked into the side of the opening in a pocket built into the wall. Side folding really does not have a width limit, height limits will vary from 12 feet to 22 feet depending on manufacturer.

Operation Choices – Side Folding Operation Benefits

There are several benefits of choosing side folding operation. From two to 200 feet, because these doors are easily operated manually, you don’t need to be afraid of spanning a large, complicated or even a curved opening. Unlike rolling doors, side folding doors can also operate in very low headroom conditions, expanding your interior space planning options. Another benefit is that because there is no motor operation, side folding doors are virtually maintenance free helping to reduce expenses. There can be an optional swing out emergency egress door built into the curtain. If your layout is angled from 90 to 179 degrees rolling/coiling will require support posts between different grille/doors; side folding does not. Finally, side folding doors meet ADA accessibility guidelines. Let’s explore how ADA guidelines pertain to side folding grille doors.

2010 ADA Accessibility Guidelines

A convenient safety feature that can be seamlessly incorporated in the overall grille or closure design includes a swing out emergency egress fire exit to meet strict fire code regulations. Additionally, ADA requires that entry or exit latches, handles or locks must be no lower than 15 inches and no higher than 48 inches from the floor. Standard height placement for such devices on side folding doors is 42 inches for all non-keyed devices. Latch handles and paddle devices can be installed on lead posts on closure models. Make sure to check with local fire marshal's office for required egress hardware.

Paddle

Lever


• 308.3.1 Unobstructed The high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum

and the low side reach shall be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.

• 309.4 Operation Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not

require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be five pounds (22.2 N) maximum. • 309.4 is very difficult to accommodate because it eliminates all use

of standard keys and cylinder locks. ADA compliancy also requires the locking mechanisms on a traditional coiling grill to be placed 15” off the ground. Since these locks or handles cannot typically wrap onto the coil, the curtain must hang an additional 15” in the guides. This creates a situation where even more headroom space is required and limits the clear opening space available. Sidefolding grilles have a clear advantage in this scenario.


• 4.13.9 Door Hardware

• Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shape handles are acceptable designs. Hardware required for accessible door passage shall be mounted no higher than 48 inches (1219.2 mm) above finished floor.

• 4.2.1 Wheelchair Passage Width

• A minimum clear width of 32 inches (812.8 mm) will provide adequate clearance.

• 4.4.2 Headroom

• Shall have 80 inches (2032 mm) minimum clear headroom.

Mounting Options

Mounting Options

Rolling and side folding doors can be self-supported or mounted to structural elements of the building. Depending on your project’s requirements, a variety of mounting options are available to ensure that you specify the right door for the right application.

Mounting Options – Rolling Doors

Face of wall mount

Let’s take a look a the mounting options for rolling doors. First we will discuss face of wall mount, also referred to as surface-mount or face-mount. Two standard mounting options are available: E-Mount or Z-Mount. E-Mounts are typically required when the jambs are capped with steel. With this mounting option the angle faces toward the opening. Z-Mounts are used for wood, concrete or masonry block. With Z-mounted the angle faced away from the opening. The side room required with this type of mounting option is based upon the distance past the bracket plate. A minimum 3 inches is required while 5 inches is typical.


Aluminum Angle

Another mounting option for rolling doors is utilizing aluminum mounting angles. Because the angles are constructed of a double-wall design, the fasteners used to mount the angles are completely hidden, providing a smooth finish and a clean appearance. This is ideal for commercial and public buildings.


Steel Support Tubes

• Tubes typically cut from 20 ft. lengths

• Tubes are typically mounted into a bottom sleeve cup and attached to steel bar joists at the top

• Tube mounting allows for the grille/closure to be installed first before walls are built

• The majority of grille/closure installations use 3” tubes

• Grilles mounted side by side may share a support tube, but heights may need to be staggered to accommodate chain hoists or motor operation

ALUMINUM MOUNTING

TUBE 2 ½ X 3 in

STEEL MOUNTING

TUBE 3 X 3 in 4 x 4 in

ALUMINUM or STEEL TUBE


Telescoping Aluminum Tubes

Support tubes that are designed to extend beyond the opening to the deck above

Advantages:

• A good choice for ease of use

• They are simple to attach to the floor and ceiling deck and require no modifications on the job site

• For locations with poor access, the telescoping option eliminates the need to cut steel for transport and then weld it back to a longer length in order to fit into the space

• Their compact size also makes getting them to the jobsite a much more convenient task

• Excellent choice for retrofit projects

Layout Options – Rolling Doors

Depending on space restrictions, coiling doors can have external motor operators mounted in several positions. It is important to understand the clearances required to properly install a coiling door. Many of these dimensions vary with the size of the door being used. Doors that are hidden above a false ceiling require a minimum 6” slot to accommodate the bottom bar assembly. The optional ceiling conceal attached to the bottom bar “hides” the slot that is required in the ceiling.

Motor placement Mounts right or left side

Ceiling conceal added to bottom bar


Between Jamb Mounting

Rolling doors that are mounted between the jambs, or “inside” the opening, require the guides to be mounted using “pack-out” angles which reduces the useable opening space. Some designs use a low profile, direct-mount system that preserves more of the original opening width.

Mounting Options – Side Folding

An option for mounting side folding doors from the ceiling utilizes threaded rods attached to the structural ceiling deck. This allows the track to be placed lower at the level of the false ceiling.

Mounting Options – Side Folding

Metal Stud Mount

Side folding door track can also be mounted to the underside of a metal stud wall. In this application it is recommended that wood blocking is used to help reinforce the connection points, otherwise movement of the door over time could loosen screws placed directly into the lighter gauge metals studs. The wood blocking also eliminates screw vibration in the metal stud.

Mounting Options

Self-supporting Mounts Grille doors with manufacturer’s pocket can self support by mounting pocket directly to the floor or wall and add header directly to pocket with “c” strut/channel, depending on distance spanned, may not require additional bracing. • Side folding offers models manufactured in a steel pocket frame. This type of grille door can aid in

difficult installations by providing header support

• Strut channel construction to top of pocket – track mounts to channel

• Bolts hold plate for strut channel – can turn 90 degrees

• Saddle brackets hold strut channel to the top of metal-framed product

• Pocket is bolted to floor & walls

• Below layout used to restrict access to an aisle or end cap

Mounting Options

Self-contained Mounting

Compact, self-supporting design makes for easy, fast installs. Ideal design for closing off aisles or hallways in facilities with very high ceilings that would make normal ceiling attachment impractical. The curtain pocket can be turned 90 degrees to the opening to reduce side room requirements and allow more aisle space.

• Easily adapted for retrofit applications

• Self-supporting design doesn’t require ceiling attachment for high headroom situations

• Curtain can turn 90 degrees out of pocket to reduce sideroom

• Self-contained design speeds & simplifies installation

Mounting Options

Self-contained Mounting

Layout Options


Rolling doors can be configured several different ways. Standard manual operation uses a spring assisted barrel to coil the curtain as it is manually raised. An easier solution, especially for large or tall doors is motor operation, where an electric operator rotates the barrel to coil the curtain.

An advantage of rolling doors is that they do not require opening height structural ceilings for mounting. The barrel supports the curtain and the barrel and guide assemblies are supported by the opening jambs or steel support tubes.

Rolling doors take up very little floor space and are available with an emergency egress release when needed.


• Layout may only be a straight line

• Spring assisted manual operation

• Easily motor-operated

• Mounting solutions for non-structural ceilings

• Takes up less than 1 sq ft of floor space

• Egress release available on motor operation

Layout Options – Side Folding Doors

If you want to take the best advantage of valuable floor space or openings with low headroom, side folding doors are a clear choice. In contrast to rolling doors, side folding doors can be laid out in a host of options, free of mullions and restrictive pillars, providing the ultimate in practicality.

Unlike rolling doors with overhead operation, side folding doors are available to accommodate special curves and layout options making trendsetting construction methods possible. Curve may not be tighter than 90 degrees.


• Side folding panels are typically stored in a pocket – an area inside a wall structure provided by a general contractor when in the full open position.

• Standard pockets have an 8 inch opening. Typical stud walls are built to both sides of the opening. Note: Inside of pocket should be dry-walled so curtain flows smoothly from stored position.


• For projects with space limitations, products are available that fit into a 6 inch steel stud wall. This pocket is created by self-supporting adjustable steel tubing for 6 inch wide walls with depths from 15 ½ to 60 inches.

• When panels are stored they are referred to as a stack.


While using a pocket to store stacks is the most common option, the type of layout you want depends on the space limitations of the project, the type of closure you need and how you want the door to operate. Several popular options are stacking between the jambs, with no pockets, single stacking into a pocket, bi-parting operation with stacking into two pockets on both sides and a 90 degree curve into a single pocket.

Stack Between Jambs – No Pocket Single Stack into a Pocket

Bi-Part/Pocket Both Sides

90 Degree Curve into a Pocket


Common layout options:

Stack between jambs – no pocket

90 degree curve into a pocket

1 – Wall Channel: Curtain height piece of extruded aluminum that lead post locks into. Channel is secured permanently to wall. 2 – Lead Post: First post of curtain to pull out of stack area & extend across opening. Post has hook bolt lock that secures to wall channel. 3 – Bi-Part Curtain: Curtain that stacks on both sides of the opening & joins at shared lead post into a wall channel post with an added drop bolt to keep curtain rigid. Typically larger curtains (over 29 ft) are bi-parted for ease of operation but can still stack to one side. 5 – Intermediate Post: Middle post in curtain, located no more than 10 ft (full height) or 6 ft (counter height) from any other post. Note: Intermediate posts should be placed on or near center of curves. A spring-loaded drop bolt engages into floor or counter sockets & unlocked with a keyed cylinder. 9 – Traveling End Post: Last post of curtain that travels to front of pocket when curtain is extended across opening. Locks into a header stopper and floor V stop inside pocket. 10 – Fixed End Post: Last post of the curtain – permanently mounted to the wall.

Single stack into a pocket

Bi-part/pocket both sides


Custom Curves

For unique projects, attractive special curves are available to compliment the surrounding architecture.


Stack Between Jambs – No Pocket

When no side room is available to create a pocket, the curtain can be stacked between the jambs. This simple design is a practical solution when space is at a premium.


Single Stack Into a Pocket

In this layout, the curtain is stored into a single pocket located on one side of the opening. The first post of the curtain to pull out of the stack area is called the lead post. When closed, the lead post has a hook bolt lock that secures to the wall channel, a curtain height piece of extruded aluminum that is located opposite the stack side. The last post of the curtain that travels to the front of the pocket when it is extended across the opening is called the traveling end post. It locks into a header stopper and floor v-stop inside the pocket.


Bi-Part Curtain - Pocket Both Sides

Bi-parting curtains operate the same as single stack layouts except the curtain parts into two and is stacked on both sides of the opening when opened. Typically, larger curtains over 29 feet are bi-parted for ease of operation but can still stack to one side.


For curtains that need to curve around a 90 degree corner, the curtain can be either stacked into a single pocket or for openings over 30 feet, bi-parted and stored in two pockets. Again, intermediate posts should be located at or near any curve.


Special Layout Options – Emergency Egress

Full-size door opens fully in direction of egress. Depending on locality, hardware and door should comply with ICBO and ADA egress requirements. Emergency Egress will add 8 to 10 inches of additional stack.


Special Layout Options

In addition to special curves and radius layouts, side folding doors are adaptable to fill irregular openings such as multi-level counter heights, sloping forms, counter cut-outs and knee walls. This maintains the architectural integrity of the space. Also top and bottom lead posts attached to a spacing post with cut-outs can provide a secure fit without altering wall fixtures.

Multi-level counter heights Surrounds a knee wall


Drop Bolt Sockets

Flush mount drop bolt sockets are designed to secure intermediate posts when the door is closed, yet remain unobtrusive when the door is open.

Countertop Trim Ring

Spring Loaded Floor Socket

Curtain/Panel Materials

Curtain and Panel Materials for Design Continuity


Material Choices

Whether it is maintaining visibility, providing security or maintaining airflow, a variety of panel and curtain materials can be specified to support project goals.

Total Reach-Through Security Visibility Walk-Through Security


Common Rolling Grille Material Choices

Aluminum rod and link curtain designs in both straight and brick patterns allow for the greatest product visibility and airflow while still maintaining security. Polycarbonate curtains help to maintain visibility while restricting access and lower airflow exchange. Perforated doors provide the ultimate in airflow with a higher degree of security. Finally, solid aluminum curtains provide the most security with no visibility when in the closed position.


Common Rolling Grille Material Choices

Aluminum – Straight Pattern Aluminum – Brick Pattern

Polycarbonate Solid Aluminum Perforated


Common Side Folding Material Choices:

Rod & Link Aluminum

One of the most common material choices for side folding curtains is rod and link aluminum. Curtains can be specified in a variety of patterns to complement the design aesthetic or desired security level you need to achieve.



Rod & Link Aluminum

Rod Link Straight Standard Profile

Rod Link Brick Standard Profile

Rod Link Straight

Wide Profile

Rod Link Brick Wide Profile

Rod Link Straight

Slim Profile



Polycarbonate

Another common material for side folding curtains is polycarbonate. Available in the slim, standard and wide profiles, this curtain choice allows products to be seen without the possibility of any reach-through security situations. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable.


Common Side Folding Material Choices: Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate Standard Profile

Polycarbonate Wide Profile

Polycarbonate Slim Profile



Perforated

Perforated aluminum curtains are also available in a variety of profiles and materials. Due to the small pattern layout, these curtains offer a higher degree of security than standard grilles while still providing ventilation for any HVAC needs.



Perforated

Perforated Aluminum

Panels Slim Profile

Perforated Steel Standard Profile

Perforated Steel Wide Profile



Tempered Glass

Tempered glass in standard or wide profiles is a good choice when maintaining high visibility for a storefront. A benefit of this material is that it can be used to separate two different conditioned spaces to achieve maximum HVAC efficiencies.



Tempered Glass

Tempered Glass Standard Profile

Tempered Glass Wide Profile



Opaque Solid Aluminum

Solid opaque aluminum curtains provide maximum security and restricts all visibility from one area to another.


Common Side Folding Material Choices: Opaque Solid Aluminum

Solid Aluminum Slim Profile

Solid Aluminum Standard Profile

Solid Aluminum Wide Profile


Finishes

To complete design requirements side folding and rolling grilled doors are available in variety of anodized finished, Clear Anodized is the standard of most manufacturers. Custom powder-coating is also available on selected models, check with manufacturer.

Clear Champagne LT Bronze Bronze Black

Other Examples

Other Examples

Other Examples

Other Examples

Course Summary

Now, the design professional will be able to:

1. List and define typical applications for grille doors

2. Recognize the main operation choices for grille doors and how to choose the correct product when specifying a job

3. Understand the various available mounting options

4. Describe the layout options for side folding doors and learn how they can influence or complement the overall design integrity of your project

5. Gain an understanding of curtain and panel material choices and how they work to achieve continuity in your design

dyn08a An AIA Continuing Education Program

Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour

Security Grille Door Solutions in the Design Project: Application, Operation,

Installation & Aesthetic

© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2013

5738 Warner Drive Long Sault, Ontario

K0C 1P0

1-800-663-4599 (613) 938-1222

www.dynamicclosures.com

Documents

Security Grille Door Solutions in the Design Project: Application