What is ADA code for door threshold?

Author: Prof. Wayne Bechtelar  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

The ADA requirements for thresholds comprise the following: Thresholds, if provided at a doorway, must not exceed 3/4 inch in height for exterior sliding doors or 1/2 inch for other types of doors. Changes in level up to 1/4 inch can be vertical and do not need an edge treatment.

What are the ADA requirements for thresholds?

The height of thresholds is limited to 1/2” in new construction. The edge must be beveled 1:2 maximum above a height of 1/4”. A maximum height of 3/4” is permitted for existing or altered thresholds if they have a beveled edge on each side with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

What are the ADA requirements for door closers?

The closing, or swing speed must not be faster than five seconds. The closing or swing distance is from the open position at 90 degrees to 12 degrees from the latch. Latching speed isn't specified, but should be fast enough to latch the door but not slam it.

What are the requirements for a door threshold?

Door thresholds that have a vertical height of ¼” or less are ADA compliant. Door thresholds can be modified with a transition ramp up to ¾” in vertical height. Any door threshold higher than ¾” in vertical height requires a level-landing.

What is the code for threshold ramp?

The key regulatory standard regarding threshold ramps as set by the ADA states that ramps must have a slope that is no steeper than 1:12. In other words, the slope of the threshold ramp may not exceed 8.33 percent. Additionally, the grade of the threshold may not exceed 2 percent in any direction.

ADA Door Access What is a Level Landing?

What are the ADA requirements for threshold ramps?

Your Guide to ADA Ramp Requirements

To get the right safety features, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) says it must be set at a Pitch of 1:12. This means that for every 1 inch of rise or step height there must be at least 1 foot length of ramp.

What is the maximum height of a door threshold?

Thresholds, if provided at doorways, should be a maximum height of 1/2 inch. Any changes in level of 1/2 inch are permitted to be 1/4 inch vertical plus 1/4 inch beveled 1:2.

What is the standard door threshold?

The height of thresholds can vary anywhere from 1/4″ tall to 1″ or more. ADA requirements may restrict the height of the threshold to 1/2″ tall and a gradual incline no greater than 1/4″ in vertical rise. Thresholds can be supplied in widths from as small as 2″ wide up to 10″ or more.

Where should a door threshold be?

When positioning a threshold bar, you need to make sure that you place it directly below the door, with measurements carefully made, as you don't want to see the strip when your door is closed. The main steps to any interior door threshold placement are: Measuring the width of your doorway.

What is ADA compliant sill?

ADA Sill. Provides easy entry and prevents air and water infiltration. Endura's ADA Compliant Sills provide optimum performance and features previously unavailable for an ADA application.

What are the ADA guidelines for doorways?

To assure passage of people using wheelchairs, or crutches, the opening must be at least 32 inches wide. If it is not readily achievable to provide a minimum 32 inch wide opening, then the opening should be as wide as possible.

Are door closers required by code?

Under the NFPA 80, fire doors must be self closing. The simplest way to accomplish this is with a commercial door closer with a UL10C label showing approval for use on 3 hour fire rated door assemblies. If the door is a fire rated door, then a door closer must be used.

What is the ADA height for door latch?

Door Hardware – ADA compliant locks, exit devices, handles, pulls, latches, and other operable parts on doors shall comply – Operable parts of such hardware shall be 34 inches minimum and 48 inches maximum above the finish floor or ground.

What are the threshold requirements in law?

Threshold issues are the baseline requirements that a plaintiff's claim must satisfy in order for the case to proceed or for further action to be sought. Generally, we learn that a plaintiff must establish certain elements like jurisdiction, standing, ripeness and mootness.

What is an accessible threshold?

Approved document M, Volume 1: Dwellings, defines an accessible threshold as: A threshold that is level or, if raised, has a total height of not more than 15mm, a minimum number of upstands and slopes and with any upstands higher than 5mm chamfered.

What is exempt from ADA?

The ADA does not apply to religious organizations and private clubs, entities which historically have been exempt from federal civil rights laws. Places of worship and other facilities controlled by a religious organization, such as a school or day care center, are not subject to the ADA Standards.

What is the difference between a door sill and threshold?

Door sill and threshold both are found at the bottom of the door. The sill is the part of the structure that sits under the jamb. As for the threshold, it is installed on top of the sill and makes the door waterproof and weather tight.

Do all doors need thresholds?

You need a threshold if you have to:

Insulate the room from noise (installing a rubber seal is an option). Ensure a comfortable room temperature. Prevent dust, dirt, water and odours from the hallway, kitchen, bathroom, toilet or storage room from penetrating into the room.

What is the ADA compliant door threshold?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires thresholds no taller than ½” with a 1:2 beveled slope. While there are plenty of ADA thresholds available that offer compliance, they're known for one major performance issue: water leaks.

What is the max ADA door threshold?

Thresholds. Thresholds, if provided at a doorway, must not exceed ¾" in height for exterior sliding doors or ½" for other types of doors. Changes in level up to ¼" can be vertical and do not need an edge treatment. Changes in level between ¼" and ½" must have a beveled slope equaling 1:2.

Where should the threshold be in a doorway?

Door Threshold Installation

Slide the threshold underneath the doorstops and position the notches cut to fit around the door jambs. Tap it snugly into position using a rubber mallet. The threshold should slope slightly away from your home so that water will not pool at your doorway.

What is the height of the ADA threshold?

The ADA requirements for thresholds comprise the following: Thresholds, if provided at a doorway, must not exceed 3/4 inch in height for exterior sliding doors or 1/2 inch for other types of doors. Changes in level up to 1/4 inch can be vertical and do not need an edge treatment.

What is the ADA compliant doorway?

QUICK CHECKLIST FOR ADA COMPLIANT DOORS
  • Doors need to have at least 32 inches of width (in the opening itself)
  • Doors must require 5 lbs. ...
  • Doors should have a closing speed of 5 seconds at a minimum so the user can safely clear the area.
  • Handles of door locks need to be levers, not door knobs.

What is the maximum door threshold?

The threshold including door frame should not be more than 15mm in height overall. Of these 15mm, there should be a minimum number of upstands and slopes, with any upstands higher than 5mm chamfered. The gap between door sill and paving or timber to be a minimum of 10mm.

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