BCAB #1711 - Exterior Glazed Bi-Fold Doors, Subsection 9.6.5.

April 19, 2012

BCAB #1711

Re: Exterior Glazed Bi-Fold Doors, Subsection 9.6.5.

Project Description

This appeal addresses the use of a glazed aluminum framed four panel folding (bi-fold) exterior door for a residence. The stiles and rails, the head and sill frames and the jambs are all extruded aluminum. The door assembly has been tested in accordance with the AAMA/WDMA/CSA101/I.S.2/A440-08 (NAFS-08) standard for air and water leakage and uniform wind load, both negative and positive.

Reason for Appeal

Section 9.6 contains numerous provisions for doors in Part 9 buildings including where they are required, their sizes, sill height, glazing, thermal breaks and break-in resistance. Subsection 9.6.5. requires three types of exterior doors to meet specified standards:

• CAN/CSA-O132.2 Series for wood flush doors,
• CAN/CGSB-82.1-M for sliding doors, and
• CAN/CGSB-82.5-M for insulated steel doors.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that Subsection 9.6.5. does not require all doors to meet one of the referenced standards, only the types of doors addressed by the standards. Therefore, the exterior bi-fold door system is not an “alternate solution” and is only required to meet the applicable provisions of the remainder of Section 9.6.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that an “alternative solution” cannot be submitted to the AHJ since Subsection 9.6.5., “Exterior Doors,” does not list a standard for folding doors as an acceptable solution.  Division A, Clauses 1.2.1.1.(1)(a) or (b) only permit an alternative solution to an acceptable solution. The appellant should have the product evaluated by the appropriate Standard issuing agency.

Appeal Board Decision #1711

It is the determination of the Board that the doors in question are not covered by the three standards referenced in Subsection 9.6.5. Therefore, these doors are only required to conform to the applicable provisions of Section 9.6. other than Articles 9.6.5.1., 9.6.5.2. and 9.6.5.3. The Board notes that there are commonly accepted doors such as wood stile and rail for which there are no standards referenced in Section 9.6. Such doors also must meet only the applicable provisions of the Subsection and, as with all products and materials, Article 1.2.2.1. in Part 1 of Division A.

George Humphrey, Chair