Division 8 Openings is all about ensuring that the doors and windows on your project work properly and are safe. Division 8 of construction specifications, is where you'll find all the rules for how these "openings" should be designed, what materials should be used, and how they should be installed. This includes things like doors, frames, windows, and the hardware that helps them work.
Some of the main parts of Division 8 include:
Section 08100 - Metal Doors and Frames: This section covers the design, materials, and installation of hollow metal doors and frames, including hardware and accessories. It provides rules for the construction of metal doors and frames, including their fire-resistance ratings and the finishes that can be used.
Section 08200 - Wood and Plastic Doors: This section outlines the specifications for wooden and plastic doors, including their design, materials, finishes, and installation. It provides guidance on how to select and install wooden and plastic doors, including their sound rating and sustainability.
Section 08300 - Specialty Doors: This section covers specifications for specialty doors such as acoustic, fire-rated, and security doors. It outlines the requirements for these types of doors, including their testing and certification, and provides guidance on how to select and install them.
Section 08400 - Entrances and Storefronts: This section deals with the design, materials, and installation of entrances and storefronts, including glass and framing. It provides guidelines for selecting and installing entrance and storefront systems, including their energy efficiency and weather resistance.
Section 08500 - Windows: This section covers the design, materials, and installation of windows, including hardware and accessories. It provides specifications for selecting and installing different types of windows, including their energy efficiency, thermal performance, and acoustic rating.
Section 08700 - Hardware: This section talks about the locks, handles, and other hardware used in doors and windows. It provides guidelines for selecting and installing door and window hardware, including their security, durability, and ease of use.
Section 08800 - Glazing: This section deals with the glass used in windows and doors. It provides specifications for selecting and installing different types of glass, including their thickness, strength, and safety features.
Section 08900 - Curtain Wall and Metal Cladding: This section covers the materials and installation of the exterior walls of a building. It provides guidelines for selecting and installing different types of wall systems, including their energy efficiency, durability, and weather resistance.
Section 08100 - Metal Doors and Frames:
Section 08100 of the Division 8 specifications in construction deals with metal doors and frames. This section outlines the requirements for the design, construction, installation, and performance of hollow metal doors and frames, including hardware and accessories.
This section exists to ensure that the doors and frames made of metal are durable, safe, and functional. Metal doors and frames are commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings, where they need to withstand heavy use, frequent opening and closing, and potential impact from heavy machinery or equipment. Therefore, it's crucial to have clear specifications on how these elements should be designed, installed, and maintained to ensure their longevity and performance.
One of the interesting facts about this section is that it specifies the fire-resistance ratings for metal doors and frames. The fire-resistance rating indicates how long a door or frame can withstand exposure to fire, smoke, and heat before it starts to fail. The higher the rating, the more fire-resistant the door or frame is. This is important for ensuring the safety of occupants in a building and preventing the spread of fire.
Some common sub-sections of Section 08100 include:
08110 - Steel Doors and Frames: This sub-section deals specifically with the use of steel for doors and frames. It provides guidance on the types of steel that can be used, the thickness of the steel, and the finishing options.
08120 - Stainless Steel Doors and Frames: This sub-section covers the use of stainless steel for doors and frames, which is often preferred for its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. It provides guidance on the grades of stainless steel, the finishes, and the hardware.
08140 - Bronze Doors and Frames: This sub-section deals with the use of bronze for doors and frames, which is often chosen for its durability and appearance. It provides guidance on the types of bronze, the finishes, and the hardware.
08180 - Aluminum Doors and Frames: This sub-section covers the use of aluminum for doors and frames, which is often preferred for its lightweight, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility. It provides guidance on the types of aluminum, the finishes, and the hardware.
Hollow metal doors are used so often in commercial and industrial buildings for several reasons. First, they are incredibly durable and can withstand heavy use, frequent opening and closing, and potential impact from machinery or equipment. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
Second, hollow metal doors offer excellent security due to their sturdy construction and the ability to be reinforced with additional hardware, such as locks and hinges. This is important for buildings that require high levels of security, such as banks, government buildings, and data centers.
Third, hollow metal doors can be customized to fit almost any opening and can be designed to meet specific performance requirements, such as fire resistance, sound insulation, and thermal performance. This allows them to be used in various applications, from office buildings to hospitals.
Lastly, hollow metal doors are relatively low maintenance and have a long lifespan, which makes them a cost-effective solution for commercial and industrial buildings. They are also recyclable and can be repurposed, which is an added environmental benefit.
Overall, the durability, security, versatility, and cost-effectiveness of hollow metal doors make them a popular choice for many commercial and industrial building applications.
Section 08200 - Wood and Plastic Doors:
Just like the above, this section ensures doors meet certain standards for durability, safety, and functionality. Wood and plastic doors are used mostly in residential but some commercial buildings, and it's important to have clear specifications on how they should be designed, installed, and maintained to ensure their longevity and performance.
This section specifies the types of wood and plastic that can be used for doors, as well as the finishing options.
This main Div 808 section is typically listed as one or the other sub-sections below.
08210 - Wood Doors: This sub-section deals specifically with the use of wood for doors. It provides guidance on the types of wood that can be used, the thickness of the wood, and the finishing options.
08220 - Plastic Doors: This sub-section covers the use of plastic for doors. It provides guidance on the types of plastic that can be used, the thickness of the plastic, and the finishing options.
Section 08300 - Specialty Doors:
Specialty doors are designed for specific purposes or to meet specific requirements. The following examples should help you understand the difference between
specialty doors and regular Wood, hollow metal, or Plastic doors.
Acoustical doors: These doors are designed to reduce sound transmission between rooms. They are commonly used in recording studios, music rooms, and other environments where sound isolation is important.
Blast-resistant doors: These doors are designed to withstand the pressure and impact of a blast, such as from an explosion. They are commonly used in military installations, government buildings, and other high-security facilities.
Bullet-resistant doors: These doors resist penetration from bullets and other projectiles. They are commonly used in banks, police stations, and other high-security facilities.
Fire-rated doors: These doors are designed to withstand fire for a specified amount of time, usually measured in minutes or hours. They are commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in residential buildings where fire protection is required by code.
Lead-lined doors: These doors are designed to prevent the transmission of radiation. They are commonly used in hospitals, laboratories, and other facilities that work with radioactive materials.
Oversized doors: These are designed to accommodate larger openings than standard ones. They are commonly used in hangars, warehouses, and other facilities that require significant access points.
Revolving doors: These doors are designed to allow people to enter and exit a building simultaneously while minimizing energy loss from the interior. They are commonly used in high-traffic areas, such as airports and office buildings.
Section 08400 - Entrances and Storefronts:
Entrances and storefronts are the public-facing parts of a building that people encounter when they first approach it. The entrance is the part where you go in and out of the building, while the storefront is the part that you can see through from the outside.
The design and construction of entrances and storefronts are important because they play a crucial role in creating a good first impression of the building. They can be used to communicate the purpose, style, and overall aesthetic of the building to visitors. For example, a high-end hotel might have an impressive entrance with grand doors, a spacious lobby, and luxurious finishes to give a sense of opulence and prestige.
But beyond aesthetics, entrances and storefronts also need to be safe and secure. They need to be designed to handle heavy foot traffic, as well as provide easy access for people with disabilities. They also need to be constructed with durable and reliable materials that can withstand harsh weather and potential security threats.
Additionally, entrances and storefronts need to be energy-efficient to help reduce the overall energy consumption of the building. This is achieved through the use of insulated glass, air seals, and other measures that help regulate the temperature inside the building.
Overall, entrances and storefronts are important components of a building's design and construction that play a vital role in creating a positive first impression, ensuring safety and security, and promoting energy efficiency.
Section 08500 - Windows:
Oh boy, Section 08500 is all about...drumroll please...windows! Who would have guessed? Yes, you heard it right, windows, those transparent (or translucent) openings in walls that let in light, air, and sometimes even noise.
This section covers the design, materials, and installation of windows, including hardware and accessories. It provides specifications for selecting and installing different types of windows, including their energy efficiency, thermal performance, and acoustic rating.
Now, let me tell you about the biggest window in the world. It's located in the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago, Illinois. The window is actually a series of windows that make up the building's Skydeck, which is located on the 103rd floor of the tower. The windows are called "Ledge" and they extend out four feet from the side of the building, giving visitors a breathtaking view of the city from above. The Ledge windows are made of laminated glass, which is five times stronger than regular glass and can support up to 4,000 pounds.
On the other hand, glass has been used in windows for thousands of years. In fact, the ancient Egyptians used thin sheets of translucent alabaster as window panes in their homes and temples. Later, in the Roman Empire, glass became more widely available and was used in larger windows, including in public buildings and bathhouses.
But it wasn't until the invention of modern glassmaking techniques in the 17th century that glass became widely used in windows as we know them today. Early glass panes were made by blowing a glass cylinder and then cutting it open and flattening it out into a sheet. This process was labor-intensive and produced uneven and often distorted glass. However, improvements in glassmaking technology over time have led to the creation of clear, flat, and uniform glass that is used in most windows today.
Section 08700 - Hardware:
Hardware is a specification section that outlines the requirements for the hardware components of a project, such as doors, locks, hinges, and handles. It ensures that the hardware selected for the project meets certain performance and durability standards and that it is compatible with the overall design and function of the building or space.
If you are reviewing submittals, it is important to overlap this section with access controls and security specs for compatibility to ensure that they work together effectively.
Failure to understand and manage this section properly can lead to trouble on a project. For example, suppose the hardware components are not properly selected or installed. In that case, they may not function as intended, which could compromise security and safety. In addition, incompatible hardware may result in additional costs for retrofitting or replacing a door. When your doors are installed, you want to lock them to provide security to your job site. Incorrect hardware compatibility realized when it arrives on site for installation can leave you with no means to lock your building and possibly long lead times to find revised parts.
Common vendors used globally for hardware components include Schlage, Kwikset, Baldwin, Emtek, and Yale. These vendors offer a range of hardware products, including locks, handles, hinges, and other components that are designed to meet various performance and durability standards.
Door hardware components are often grouped together based on their function and location on the door. Here is a breakdown of the commonly used door hardware groups and the parts typically included in each group:
Locksets: Locksets are the primary means of securing a door. They typically include a latch, a locking mechanism, and a strike plate. The lock can be operated by a key or a thumb turn, depending on the type of lock.
Closers: Closers are used to automatically close doors after they have been opened. They typically include a hydraulic mechanism that controls the speed of the door as it closes. Some closers also have adjustable settings to control the force required to open the door.
Exit Devices: Exit devices are used to allow people to exit a building quickly and easily in case of an emergency. They typically include a bar or lever that, when pushed, releases the latch from the door frame. Panic bars, push pads, and touch bars are common types of exit devices.
Hinges: Hinges are used to attach the door to the door frame and allow it to swing open and closed. They typically include two plates that are joined together by a pin. Ball bearing, continuous, and pivot hinges are common types of hinges.
Pulls and Plates: Pulls and plates are used to provide a means of opening and closing a door without the use of a lock. They typically include a handle or knob and a backplate that is mounted to the door. Push and pull plates are commonly used in commercial settings.
Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is used to seal the gap between the door and the door frame to prevent air and water from entering the building. It typically includes a flexible material that is mounted to the door frame.
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Section 08800 - Glazing:
Not to be confused with windows, Section 08800 - Glazing focuses specifically on the glass components used in windows, doors, and other building envelope applications. It outlines the requirements and standards for glass types, thicknesses, coatings, and other performance features, such as insulation, UV protection, and sound reduction. The section also covers the installation methods and requirements for the glass components, including framing, sealants, and fasteners.
On the other hand, Section 08500 - Windows outlines the requirements and standards for the selection, installation, and performance of window components in a building. This includes window types, materials, and finishes, as well as installation methods, flashing, and weatherstripping. The section also covers the performance requirements of windows, such as energy efficiency, sound reduction, and resistance to air and water infiltration.
Section 08900 - Curtain Wall and Metal Cladding:
Section 08900 - Curtain Wall and Metal Cladding is a specification section that covers the exterior wall systems of a building.
A curtain wall is a non-load bearing exterior wall system that is made up of aluminum frames and glass panels. It is designed to provide a lightweight and efficient solution for enclosing large areas of a building's exterior. Unlike a traditional wall, a curtain wall does not support any of the building's weight or structural load.
Metal cladding refers to the exterior finish or covering of a building, which can be made of a variety of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, zinc, or copper. Cladding serves a dual purpose of protecting the building from the elements and improving its aesthetic appearance.
For example a modern high-rise building - Many modern skyscrapers use curtain wall systems to enclose the building's exterior. The use of metal cladding can also be seen in many of these buildings as a way to enhance the building's appearance.
Overall, Section 08900 - Curtain Wall and Metal Cladding outlines the requirements and standards for the design, fabrication, and installation of curtain wall and metal cladding systems. The section covers topics such as materials, finishes, performance requirements, installation methods, and testing procedures. This section is critical for ensuring that the building's exterior wall systems are designed and constructed to meet the necessary safety, performance, and aesthetic standards.