Astragals


Astragals are used for the following reasons:

  • Fire rating: Most manufacturers require an astragal for 3-hour fire-rated paired openings. Refer to page DS.120.1 for details.

  • Smoke gasketing: Prevents smoke from passing between the doors in a smoke barrier.

  • Security: Protects the latch bolt from vandalism, when installed on the active door.

  • Weather conditions: Prevents the elements from infiltrating between the doors and inside the building.


Per NFPA 80, doors swinging in pairs, when located near an exit, should not be equipped with astragals that inhibit the free use of either leaf. In these situations, the selection of astragals manufactured from non-steel material such as vinyl, EPDM, silicone or pile might be an alternative solution.

There are 2 basic types of astragal: the flat astragal and the "Z" type astragal.



References:

NFPA 80: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.


Products & Solutions:


de La Fontaine Industries offers the following options:




Flat astragal

Info: 12-gauge (0.105"/2.7 mm) material, welded or fastened with screws.
Application: Paired openings with one active door and one inactive door.
Benefits: Economical. Less potential conflict with hardware components.
Limitation: Conflict with the strike lip when installed on the active door.
Comments: Usually installed on the inactive door but can be installed on either side of the door.  Can be welded and installed at the factory for more security.




"Z" type astragal.

Info: 14-gauge (0.071"/1.8 mm) material, welded or fastened with screws.
Application: Paired openings with one active door and one inactive door.
Benefit: Stronger design.
Limitation: Must be prepared for hardware components (flush bolts, strike).
Comments: Usually installed on the inactive door and prepared for hardware. Can be welded and installed at the factory for more security.
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