Sliding Door Systems are Beneficial to Healthcare
When space is limited and efficiency is critical, the right door system can make all the difference. Sliding door systems offer significant advantages within healthcare buildings. One of the primary benefits is their space efficiency; these doors slide along the wall or within the wall jamb, creating space that would otherwise be lost when doors swing open or closed. This feature makes sliding doors an ideal choice for environments where maximizing space is essential. We used AD Systems to elaborate on the benefits of sliding doors and how they align with ADA Standards.
How are Sliding Doors ADA Compliant?
Commonly, in the barn door style, sliding doors minimize space requirements for maneuvering and latch-side operation. This allows spaces to more easily comply to ADA standards, even with opening widths extend beyond the 32-inch minimum. In addition to meeting key clearance requirements, these sliding door designs are also ADA-compliant in many other ways. Let’s take a look at how the commercial sliding doors meet the ADA Standards in different ways.
Hardware
A door will comply with accessibility laws by ensuring proper clearance of the handle. Door handles must be accessible in operation and easily reachable to all building occupants, including those in wheelchairs. Precise openings and no trip hazards are also important for the hardware system around the door. The barn door-style doors glide on heavy-duty, quiet rollers rather than traditional floor tracks, which can create trip hazards. Sliding door systems maximize space while improving access for patients and staff.
Self-Closing Options
To enhance accessibility, self-closing doors have become a great option. Their ability to close automatically is crucial in hospitals and healthcare centers, as it reduces strain on occupants with limited mobility and on nursing staff who carry heavy loads. This sliding door system allows occupants to move freely throughout the space without obstruction, creating a safe and durable environment.
Automation
Automation is the next step in making interior sliding door systems compliant with ADA accessibility standards. This technology allows individuals with disabilities to efficiently operate doors by simply waving a hand or pressing a button. Systems can also feature sensors that automatically open and close the doors when someone is nearby.
The experts at LaForce can help you choose the right door for your opening, whether you need sliding doors or one of our other varieties of door offerings. We can also supply you with frames, hardware, building specialties, and electronic security solutions for your next build or remodel!
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