Door elevations


In buildings where they are used, doors with lites enhance the overall design and add to the quality of life by allowing more light in the rooms. The following types of door elevations are the most common in our industry:


Flush Door
Vision Lite
Narrow Lite

Half Glass
2 x Half Glass
Full Glass





When selecting the exposed glass dimension, you should keep in mind the following points:

  • The top rail should have a minimum of 8" (203 mm) to provide enough space for parallel arm surface closers.

  • The middle rail should have a minimum of 8" (203 mm) high and the center line should be 40" (1016 mm) above the finished floor base on code requirements for exit hardware.

  • The bottom rail should have a minimum of 10" (254 mm) (per ICC/ANSI A117.1).

  • The lock stile should have a minimum of 6" (152 mm) to provide enough space for mortise locksets.

  • The bottom of the lite should be at a maximum of 43" (1092 mm) above the finished floor (per ICC/ANSI A117.1).


Through innovation, with the use of ceramic glass, it is now possible to increase the exposed glass dimensions and the fire rating while enjoying clear glass instead of wired glass. For more information, refer to the fire-rated doors section or page DS.120.2 in the architectural binder.




References:

IBC: International Building Code.
NFPA 80:  Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.
ICC/ANSI A117.1: Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities.
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