Modifications are only eligible when referenced and described in both the third-party certification and the manufacturer’s published instructions.
FAQ Category: Specialty Doors
In Appendix B of SDI-100, “G” type galvanizing is not recommended. Is it correct to infer that the “A” Types are recommended? I understand that A60 is the thickest option. In a marine climate, would you say painted A60 is our best bet?
SDI recommends type A, both A40 and A60, over type G due to the superior primer adhesion qualities. A60 is superior to A40 for rust inhibiting.
SDI Technical Data Series 100 has been republished as an ANSI Standard, A250.8.In addition, please see our Technical Data Series 112 “Zinc-Coated Standard Steel Doors and Frames.” The difference in the A and G designations are explained. Table 1 of that document gives coding designations for A40, A60, G60 and G40.
Our firm designs healthcare facilities, and uses AIA MasterSpec as a basis for our specifications. In the Steel Door Frame section, it calls for a “bituminous coating; cold applied asphalt mastic SSPC-Paint 12 compound for 15 mil thickness per coat.” We have a subcontractor questioning the need for the bituminous coating. I seem to recall that the coating is primarily required at exterior door frames where moisture getting in behind the frame may be a problem. Can you shed any light on the reason for bituminous coating?
Some Architectural Specifications require steel frames to be back-coated with a “bituminous” product for corrosion protection and sound control. The term “bituminous” is defined as an asphalt or tar material obtained as a residue from heat refined petroleum. For years it was not recommended by the Steel Door Institute for frames to be factory back-coated due to issues with packaging, shipping and handling. This procedure was more effectively accomplished at the jobsite by the contractor or appropriate trade immediately prior to installation of the frame.
Modern materials now offer manufacturers the opportunity to back-coat frames with a more user and environmentally friendly product. Some of these coating s are VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) free and do not present the handling issues common to bituminous products. Today, multiple SDI manufacturers offer the option of factory back-coated frames which utilize these newer materials.
What is the definition to A, B, C, D, E and F cores?
Per SDI-100-1991 the cores were listed as follows:
A – Kraft Honeycomb
B – Polyurethane
C – Polystyrene
D – Unitized Steel Grid
E – Mineral Fiberboard
F – Vertical Steel Stiffeners
These are now archaic references and should be treated as such.
Are knock-down frames standard for all door openings?
The type of frame is up to the specifier’s discretion. To answer the question directly, knock down (K-D) frames are not standard for all openings, as many are specified as welded frames.
How should I store steel doors and frames onsite?
All frames shall be stored under cover. Assembled frames shall be stored vertically. The units shall be placed on at least 4″ (102 mm) high wood sills or in a manner that will prevent rust or damage, even if they are galvanized or primed. The use of non-vented plastic or canvas shelters that can create a humidity chamber shall be avoided.
I have a specification that references “UFC 4-010-01 Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings”. What type of doors are required to meet this spec?
The Department of Defense created the referenced document to provide a minimum level of protection from blast forces from acts of terrorism. The door assemblies offered by SDI members are specifically engineered and certified for these applications, with a wide variety of blast resistant capabilities. In order to supply the correct door assemblies, you will need to know the PSI/MSEC value (pounds per square inch / millisecond). This is a value that has been calculated by a blast consultant, and would be expressed as a numerical value, i.e. 50 PSI/MSEC. The higher the value the more blast force the opening is designed to withstand. Matching that value to a manufacturer’s certification will allow you to select the correct door, frame, glazing and hardware configuration.
Note: There are many other blast resistant specifications in addition to UFC 4-010-01. Please also keep in mind that the version of the specification is critical, particularly with the UFC 4-010-01 specification.
Can blast resistant doors have glasslights?
Yes, the primary focus of the Department of Defense’s Unified Facilities Criteria is to protect against injury from architectural glazing, so many SDI member companies have certifications for doors with glasslights.
Can blast resistant doors have veneers?
There is nothing in the standards that prohibit veneers, but they would have to be documented within the manufacturer’s certification to ensure that they pose no hazard to the building’s occupants.
What criteria should I look at when specifying a blast door?
To properly specify the desired blast resistance for a door assembly, the following information needs to be provided:
- Peak blast pressure — such as 5 psi.
- Either the blast duration (e.g., 60 milliseconds) or blast impulse (e.g., 150 psi-msec).
- Direction of blast pressure loading (i.e., either seated or unseated).
- Acceptable level of post blast event damage: typically limited to Response Categories I, II or III. In general terms, these ratings correspond to (I) no permanent damage, (II) permanent damage but the door remains operable, and (III) more severe damage with the door being inoperable after the blast.