Handing in construction, specifically regarding doors, refers to the critical process of determining and specifying the door's swing direction and the side it hinges on. This is essential for proper installation and functionality.
Understanding Door Handing
The core concept of door handing involves defining two key aspects:
- Swing Direction: Does the door swing inward (towards you) or outward (away from you)?
- Hinge Side: Is the hinge on the left or the right side when you are approaching the door from the intended entry side?
This distinction is necessary because door hardware, frames, and even the door itself may vary depending on the specific handing of the door.
How to Determine Door Handing:
The most important thing to remember is that door handing is always determined from the approach side of the door. This is the side you approach when using the door.
- Step 1: Stand on the approach side of the door.
- Step 2: Observe the hinge position:
- If the hinges are on your left when facing the door, it is a left-handed door.
- If the hinges are on your right, it is a right-handed door.
- Step 3: Check the swing: Does the door swing inwards (towards you) or outwards (away from you)? This adds to the handing description.
Left-Handed Doors:
- Left-Hand (LH): Hinges are on the left, and it typically swings inward.
- Left-Hand Reverse (LHR): Hinges are on the left, and it swings outward.
Right-Handed Doors:
- Right-Hand (RH): Hinges are on the right, and it typically swings inward.
- Right-Hand Reverse (RHR): Hinges are on the right, and it swings outward.
Practical Applications and Importance
Specifying door handing correctly is vital in the construction industry:
- Preventing Installation Issues: Accurate handing ensures that doors fit properly within frames and that hardware is compatible, avoiding costly rework and delays.
- Accessibility and Safety: The proper swing direction affects traffic flow and safety; for example, in fire exits, doors must swing in the direction of egress.
- Hardware Compatibility: Hardware such as door handles, locks, and closers are all designed with specific door handing in mind.
- Planning and Design: Early determination of door handing is crucial during the planning and design phase, allowing for efficient use of space.
Real-World Examples:
| Handing Description | Hinge Location | Swing Direction | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left-Hand (LH) | Left | Inward | Common in residential interior doorways |
| Right-Hand Reverse (RHR) | Right | Outward | Typically seen in commercial building exteriors |
| Left-Hand Reverse (LHR) | Left | Outward | Fire doors to swing towards exit direction |
In Summary
Door handing in construction is not just a matter of left or right; it also incorporates the direction of the swing, and both are based on the door's approach side. This specification impacts several aspects of construction and is crucial for proper planning and implementation. Accurate specification of handing prevents issues and ensures the proper functionality of installed doors.
