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American National Standard for Sliding and Folding Door Hardware
Standard ANSI/BHMA A156.14-2019 establishes requirements for sliding and folding door hardware. Cycle tests, abuse, durability static load, smoothness, static friction, kinetic friction and finish tests are included. Hardware for light to very heavy doors is covered including both residential and industrial applications. For further information, consult the full standard, ANSI/BHMA A156.14 for Sliding and Folding Door Hardware.
BHMA has created this series of Hardware Highlights to provide useful, accessible information about builders hardware for anyone with an interest in devices that hang, control, secure, and trim the doors. BHMA is the trade association which represents almost all of the North American manufacturers of builders hardware. One of its main activities since 1983 has been the development and maintenance of ANSI-approved standards for 35 separate product categories.
Product Performance: Purchasers of sliding and folding door hardware certified to A156.14 (http://buildershardware.com/cpd) can be assured products will perform to their expectations.
Below are an explanation and some examples of the evaluations conducted for certification:
Sliding and folding door hardware serves a variety of specific applications, as covered in the standard. For sliding doors, there are standard and oversize requirements. Folding door tests are defined for both bifold and multi-fold models.
Building products are expected to last a long time and builders hardware is no exception. Cycle tests are performed to assure that the design is capable of repeated operation without degradation; for example, 75,000 for Grade 1 bi-fold doors.
One test assures, “Doors shall glide smoothly with no discernible stop-go action or chatter.” Abuse tests that are conducted evaluate traits such as mirror impact and track jumping resistance and another test checks the bottom track crushing strength.
An additional duty of builders hardware is to be aesthetically attractive and stay that way. Resistance to corrosion, chemicals, abrasion, and sunlight are all considered in an array of finish tests, providing confidence in the architectural metals and coatings.
Sliding and folding door hardware contribute to building sustainability through their verified durability, as well as material characteristics such as recycled content and recyclability. The reliable closing and sealing of openings can also contribute to energy conservation. BHMA has developed Product Category Rules, which will further define sustainability requirements and guide life cycle assessments and environmental performance declarations.
Type Numbers: Another significant contribution of standards for product specification is a numbering system for lock function. Sliding doors include barn, interior office pocket, by-pass and telescopic systems. Folding doors include bi-fold and multiple folding systems. Please consult A156.14 for the full list; an example is provided here:
D01211-200
Oversize overhead mounted straight sliding system single door, Grade 1 – 200 pound door panel weight