ADA Entrance Upgrades

An accessible entrance is required by law and welcomes every customer. We upgrade storefront doors with the right hardware, thresholds, closing speeds and power operators to meet accessibility standards.

What makes an entrance accessible

Clear opening width of at least 32 inches with the door open 90 degrees.
Hardware that can be used with one hand without tight grasping, pinching or twisting.
Thresholds no higher than allowed, and beveled where they exceed the flush limit.
Closing speed slow enough that a person can get through safely.
Opening force within limits on interior doors, and as low as practical on exterior doors.
Maneuvering clearances on both sides of the door, free of obstructions.

Common fixes

Many entrances can be brought into compliance with targeted changes: replacing a knob or thumb-latch with lever or push-pull hardware, replacing a high threshold with a low-profile one, adjusting or replacing the closer for the right speed and force, or adding a power-assist or low-energy operator with push buttons.

Power operators

Low-energy operators open a swing door at the press of a button and are a common solution where opening force or maneuvering clearance is a problem. They can usually be added to existing aluminum storefront doors. We coordinate the operator with the door hardware so the door still locks and exits properly.

State and local requirements

Federal accessibility standards set the baseline, and some states, notably California, have stricter requirements. When storefronts are altered, the entrance is often required to be brought up to current standards. We check the requirements for the location before making changes.