Skip to main content

Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Guidelines For Installing Accessible Building Hardware In Ornamental Wall Finishes

Procedure code:
0870002S

Source:
Preservation Notebook Series - Gsa

Division:
Doors And Windows

Section:
Hardware

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Guidelines For Installing Accessible Building Hardware In Ornamental Wall Finishes



GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLING ACCESSIBLE BUILDING HARDWARE IN
ORNAMENTAL WALL FINISHES


This procedure includes some general guidelines to follow in design
projects involving handicapped accessibility to building hardware
such as elevators, fire alarms or other hardware mounted to stone,
unpainted wood, unpainted metal, or other ornamental wall finishes.
Special care should be taken to avoid penetration into these
materials.  

The following "rules of thumb" will aid in the careful placement of
building hardware in ornamental wall finishes.

A.   If the existing hardware is located within 54 inches from the
    floor, for side reach accessibility, and within 49 inches from
    the floor, for front reach accessibility (based on ADA
    wheelchair maneuverability requirements), retain the existing
    hardware in place.

    1.   If new hardware is required, install it in place of the
         existing hardware to avoid cutting a new hole in the
         wall.  Specify new hardware finishes matching the
         original hardware.

    2.   Consult Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO) to
         determine if salvaging the original hardware is required.

    3.   Notify the RHPO in writing if retaining existing hardware
         in place will require special consideration (for historic
         preservation) in deviating from the handicapped access
         code.  State the code requirement and the allowance
         (inches from required height) needed to reuse the
         existing hardware.  The preservation staff member
         reviewing the project will prepare the special request
         for submission to the GSA Administrator.

B.   If the existing hardware is located above 54 inches from the
    floor, for side reach accessibility, or above 49 inches from
    the floor, for front reach accessibility, retain the existing
    hardware in place.  

    1.   Cut the wall the minimum extent necessary to install new,
         handicapped accessible hardware separately.  Install the
         new hardware (matching original hardware's finish) at a
         location five to ten feet away from the existing
         hardware.  When this is not possible, align new and old
         hardware vertically.

    2.   Do not install new and old hardware together on an
         enlarged backplate.  Do not remove old hardware and cover
         hole with an enlarged backplate.  The intent is to
         minimize cutting into the ornamental wall material.    

                         END OF SECTION