Egress and Access Control: Understanding Stairwell Reentry Requirements

Access Control in Stair Towers and Egress Openings

Stair towers play a central role in life safety during emergencies, serving as protected areas of refuge and primary egress routes. As experts in door and hardware solutions, our team supports construction professionals, facility managers, and AHJs (Authority Having Jurisdiction) in meeting safety standards while maintaining practical, reliable functionality.

Before any access control can be introduced, these spaces must first comply with fire, smoke, and life safety requirements. Access control in stairwells typically focuses on restricting movement from the stairwell back onto tenant floors, rather than the other way around. Building codes generally require unrestricted egress from the floor into the stairwell, with limited exceptions in specialized settings such as healthcare or detention facilities, where delayed egress may be permitted under tightly regulated conditions.

Purpose of Stairwell Reentry

Stairwell reentry allows occupants to exit a compromised stairwell and provides emergency responders access to upper floors. This dual function makes reentry a critical part of life safety planning (Greene, 2016). When thoughtfully designed and implemented, reentry systems support safe evacuation while enabling effective firefighting response, particularly in high-rise and complex building environments.

Code Requirements

Access control and reentry in stair towers are regulated primarily by the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code. The adopted code varies by jurisdiction, and final interpretation lies with the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

IBC

Under the IBC, stairwell doors in high-rise buildings may be locked on the stair side, provided they can be remotely unlocked from a fire command center. This remote release must be controlled by a single switch, and a communication system within the stairwell must be included to support occupant safety and emergency coordination.

As of 2024, IBC requires automatic unlocking (without unlatching) under any of the following: fire alarm activation, signal from emergency personnel, or loss of power (Greene, 2023). IBC does not allow selective reentry and prohibits mechanical locking in most buildings over four stories.

NFPA 101

NFPA 101 mandates automatic unlocking of stair doors when the fire alarm activates and allows selected reentry, provided proper spacing and signage are in place. Mechanical locking is permitted in buildings up to four stories, and exemptions apply to certain occupancies like healthcare and detention, as well as existing compliant systems. AHJ approval is required for all configurations.

Hardware and Egress Considerations

Fire-rated stairwell doors must be self-closing, self-latching, and capable of unlocking without manual intervention during emergencies. Fail-safe locks, which unlock during power loss or alarm activation, are required. Fail-secure locks, which remain locked during outages, are not allowed for egress.

Electric strikes are not suitable for fire-rated stair doors, as they fail to maintain the positive latching required for fire protection. Instead, acceptable solutions include fail-safe trim and exit devices, which meet both life safety and code requirements (Greene, 2011). These devices must operate without the need for prior knowledge or specialized training, allowing immediate and intuitive use during an emergency.

Discharge doors (to the exterior) must be openable from the egress side but are not required to unlock automatically unless local codes specify.

Maintenance and Pressurization

Stairwells are pressurized to keep smoke out. This can cause resistance against door opening, which must be addressed during hardware selection. Fire doors must function under pressure and pass annual inspections covering seals, latching, and system compliance.

Hardware must allow for a clear path of egress. Selecting the correct panic device or passage set depends on occupancy and local code.

The Unified Difference

Unified Door and Hardware brings technical expertise, code fluency, and budget-conscious solutions to every project. Our team includes certified Architectural Hardware Consultants and Door Inspectors, trained through the Door and Hardware Institute.

We build to the adopted code, not assumptions. By identifying compliant alternates, we help avoid overbuilding and reduce costs. Our experience with AHJs, evolving standards, and active construction environments allows us to deliver compliant, efficient, and cost-effective outcomes from specification through closeout, while minimizing delays and reducing the need for costly revisions.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for general information purposes only and is not intended as an authoritative interpretation of codes. Building codes are a complex and evolving subject, and their application can vary by jurisdiction. Always consult with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance with the most current and relevant codes and regulations for your specific project.


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Magnetic Locks: A Versatile Solution for Modern Access Control

Magnetic locks are often the go-to choice for securing openings that don't fall neatly into standard hardware setups. They offer a clean, reliable solution for projects with tight timelines, tricky framing, or unique door materials, without sacrificing performance or safety.

How They Work

Magnetic locks operate using electromagnetism. The system includes an electromagnet mounted to the frame and an armature plate secured to the door. When powered, the magnet creates a strong bond with the plate, keeping the door locked. Releasing that power—via an access control signal or fire alarm system—breaks the magnetic hold and allows the door to open.

Since magnetic locks rely on continuous power to stay locked, they’re classified as fail-safe. That means they’ll unlock in the event of a power loss, making them a dependable option for safety and emergency override.

Practical Applications

Some doors simply aren’t designed for integrated electrified hardware. In those cases, magnetic locks provide a practical workaround. Common applications include:

The flexibility of magnetic locks makes them an ideal solution when doors don’t meet the original specifications or when field conditions require quick adaptations.

Extended Capabilities

Magnetic locks can be easily customized with accessories that add convenience, control, and safety features to the overall system:

These enhancements allow a single magnetic lock to meet a variety of access control requirements, providing greater versatility and simplifying system integration.

Mounting & Customization

Magnetic locks offer excellent options for installation, with the ability to surface mount, recess, and choose from various brackets to accommodate different door materials and swings. For example, shear locks mounted in the header engage when the door moves into position, making them ideal for spaces with limited room or design restrictions.

They are also well-suited for glass doors, oversized frames, or unique swing conditions, providing innovative solutions that maintain both design integrity and code compliance.

A Note on Electric Strikes

While electric strikes can fill a similar role, they require doors to be prepped in advance for mechanical latching. Magnetic locks are more forgiving in retrofit conditions and don’t rely on a latch, making them especially useful when the door hardware is incomplete or incompatible. 

The Unified Difference

Certain openings demand more than a typical solution, and in these cases, a comprehensive understanding and expert approach are essential for achieving the best results—both in performance and in cost. Unified considers the complete context—door, frame, hardware, environment, and code—to deliver access control that functions as part of a fully integrated solution.

With stocked warehouses and the ability to modify doors both in-house and on-site, we remain flexible and responsive to evolving project demands. Our recommendations are grounded in experience and a clear understanding of what will perform best, not limited to what’s in stock.

As a total opening solution provider, we make sure magnetic locks, and every other component, work together with purpose, reliability, and lasting value.

The Power of Workplace Culture: Unlocking Career Opportunities and Shared Success

A thriving workplace is a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. In today’s fast-paced environment, success depends on creating a motivating atmosphere where employees can develop skills, explore new opportunities, and shape their careers. 

The Importance of Workplace Culture

A strong workplace culture is essential for success, nurturing motivation, camaraderie, and mutual support. Unified believes that encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration not only strengthens an organization’s foundation but also creates an environment that drives growth and innovation.

This culture also encourages employees to pursue roles that align with their skills and interests, contributing to smooth operations and a positive work environment.

Career Progression and Growth

In organizations with a strong culture—like ours at Unified—career development is seamlessly integrated into the work environment, where senior leadership's active involvement in projects provides valuable strategic insight and mentorship. This hands-on approach helps employees gain the skills and experience needed to advance in their careers while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in their professional growth.

Collaboration Across Teams and Locations

In the modern work environment, collaboration is essential for maintaining alignment and driving organizational success. When teams work virtually or in-person, the seamless exchange of resources, expertise, and leadership fosters a culture of integration and enhances communication. The emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration further strengthens cohesion, encouraging a collective approach to success and ensuring that growth is both individual and shared.

Opportunities in Growing Industries

Industries like construction offer stable career growth even amid an evolving economy, with demand for skilled workers rising as infrastructure and urban development expand. Unified recognizes this potential and actively supports the growing opportunities for career advancement, especially as more women and younger generations enter the field. Entry-level positions serve as steppingstones, providing ongoing training and development to empower employees to reach their full potential and advance in their careers.

Diverse Career Paths

The construction industry offers diverse opportunities, even for those without a trade background. Unified provides pathways to success in roles across sales, project management, engineering, and administration, all of which don't require technical expertise. Employees can advance across various departments and locations, gaining valuable skills and experiences along the way. The industry is filled with growth potential, and Unified supports individuals in building a successful career, regardless of their starting point.

The Unified Difference

The Unified approach is built on a foundation of collaboration, growth, and empowerment, where every individual is given the opportunity to thrive. We believe in the power of team bonding and morale-building activities, emphasizing hard work and promoting from within. By encouraging employees to step out of their comfort zones, we provide exposure to new roles and support their professional growth. 

Our adaptable, inclusive culture creates a supportive work environment that values diverse perspectives and equips employees with the resources and tools needed for career development. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, we empower individuals to unlock limitless opportunities for success. As our National Talent Acquisition Specialist, Angela, puts it, “The best thing about Unified is our continued growth—because our possibilities are endless.”

Leadership, Innovation, and Growth: Empowering Women in Construction

The construction industry is evolving, with more women stepping into leadership roles across the field. At Unified, we celebrate these contributions and champion a culture that supports growth, innovation, and leadership at every level. 

We spoke with several women on our team to learn about their experiences, gaining valuable insight into how women can not only thrive but also drive meaningful change, break new ground, and lead the way in shaping the future of construction.

“I love the open-door policy…and the way I can voice anything, knowing I’ll be heard.” – Jane B.

A strong company culture thrives on honest communication. Our open-door policy fosters transparency, enabling employees to share ideas and concerns freely, which builds trust and collaboration across our team.

“I’ve been in estimating, I’ve been in our project management department, I’ve been in our accounting department, I have really seen everything that it is that Unified has to offer and I’ve really just learned the best way that we can service our clients.” — Athena H.

Women in construction are gaining experience across multiple departments, enhancing their ability to deliver outstanding service and making valuable contributions that shape the industry’s success. By fostering growth and providing opportunities at all levels, every individual at Unified is empowered to develop diverse skills and play a key role in driving the industry's advancement.

“Be confident in your abilities and know that your skill set is valuable. You have a seat at the table.” – Sabrina K.

Confidence is key for entering the construction industry. Recognizing the value of one’s skills is essential for success and understanding that unique perspective and expertise are assets that can inspire progress and transform the industry.

"If I was talking to a woman considering a career in construction, I would definitely say, go for it. There's so much room for growth here." – Casey D. 

Career growth is an expectation, not just a possibility. From leadership roles to managing complex projects, there is significant room for women to grow professionally and personally, taking on new responsibilities and making meaningful contributions to the evolution of the field.

Building a Stronger Future Together

Unified Door and Hardware has become a leader not only in the construction industry but also in creating a space where women can succeed, grow, and lead. By offering a supportive environment, clear career paths, and recognition of unique skills, Unified is helping shape the future of construction—one where women’s contributions are celebrated, and their potential is limitless. 

Shower Door Selection: Balancing Function, Design, & Performance

Selecting the right glass shower door is crucial for achieving functionality and design integrity in every project, especially in multifamily buildings, hotels, university locker rooms, and other spaces where tailored solutions are necessary to meet specific space requirements and design goals while ensuring long-lasting performance.

With a range of shower door options available, selecting the right type for your project requires careful consideration of space constraints, functionality, and design preferences. From customizable configurations to premium all-glass units, understanding the different styles and their installation requirements is key to achieving a seamless and lasting result.

Types of Shower Doors

Customization and Hardware Options

A wide variety of glass and hardware customization options are available to suit your project’s needs. Select from finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, gold, and matte black, and choose from pull styles, including C pulls, ladder pulls, or ladder bars. Additionally, glass options such as etched or low-iron glass provide the flexibility to balance privacy and clarity.

Design and Measurement Expertise

The right shower door solution starts with understanding the space—whether the door swings or slides, the opening dimensions, and hinge placement. Proactive collaboration with architects, designers, and contractors helps identify potential issues and ensures a solution that aligns with design and budget goals.

Seamless Project Coordination and Support

Coordinating early in the design phase is critical to avoid challenges during installation, such as water leakage or interference with other bathroom structures. Working with a single point of contact throughout the project streamlines communication and reduces the need for multiple subcontractors, resulting in a smoother process.

Maintenance and Warranty

Many manufacturers offer a standard one-year installation warranty and lifetime coverage on hardware, ensuring long-term protection and peace of mind for your investment.

The Unified Difference

We deliver customized glass shower door solutions tailored to the specific needs of each project. By collaborating closely with architects, contractors, and designers, we address every detail—from precise measurements to design specifications—early in the process to avoid issues that could impact the timeline or budget. Our team also focuses on finding price-conscious alternatives, offering high-quality options that align with your budget without compromising performance or design.

With expertise in various shower door types and access to top manufacturers, we provide functional, high-quality solutions that align your project with the latest trends and innovations. To further enhance the process, a dedicated shower door specialist manages each project, simplifying communication, reducing reliance on subcontractors, and creating a more efficient, cost-effective experience.

Start your next project with confidence. Contact us to discover how our customized shower door solutions can fit your needs.

Navigating the Future of Workplace Safety: Technology, Culture, and Compliance

Workplace safety should be a top priority for every company, not just to comply with regulations but to protect employees and prevent hazards. Achieving a safe work environment requires ongoing attention to evolving standards, active risk management, and a proactive approach to safety at all levels.

Navigating Regulations

Safety regulations are largely similar across industries, with guidelines easily accessible on government websites. However, regulations evolve, so staying ahead of changes is crucial. Proactively monitoring updates helps businesses not only avoid penalties and mitigate risks but, most importantly, maintain a safe environment for employees while adapting to new standards.

Technology and Safety Advancements

Advancements in technology have made modern machines safer, with improved machine guarding and features like interlock systems that shut down equipment if misused. These systems are now standard on many manufacturing sites, helping to minimize risks and significantly improve overall safety. As these technologies become more accessible, especially for larger organizations, they can be leveraged to maintain high safety standards across all operations.

The Role of Safety Professionals

Safety professionals ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, protecting employees from potential workplace risks. They assess applicable laws, implement programs, and develop best practices that exceed basic requirements. By educating managers and employees, they foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

The Unified Difference

Unified exceeds regulatory compliance by fostering a proactive safety culture throughout the organization. Our experienced safety professionals play a key role in everything from developing protocols to overseeing daily operations, maintaining a continuous focus on risk reduction and safe practices.

We cultivate a collaborative environment where employee feedback is actively encouraged and integrated into our initiatives. This commitment extends to using the latest technologies, retrofitting older machines with advanced safety features, and adopting cutting-edge innovations to maintain optimal performance.

By continuously refining our practices and embracing innovation, we create a safer, more efficient workplace that reduces risk while laying the groundwork for long-term success and operational excellence.

Optimizing Efficiency with Turnkey Field Installation Services

A comprehensive turnkey solution can greatly enhance both the efficiency and value of a project. Consolidating multiple points of contact into a single provider covering everything from doors, frames, and hardware to project planning, delivery, installation, and ongoing project management streamlines the process and reduces unnecessary complexity. This integrated approach ensures smoother coordination, minimizes the potential for errors, and ultimately delivers a more cohesive and timely outcome.

Streamlined, Efficient Process

Turnkey field installation services eliminate the need for multiple vendors by leveraging a single source to manage every aspect of the project—from initial estimation to installer selection and beyond. The streamlined turnkey model saves time, mitigates the risk of miscommunication, and ensures greater project consistency and efficiency.

Reducing Risk, Cutting Costs

One of the biggest benefits of a turnkey service is risk reduction. Pre-construction planning helps identify potential issues before they arise, ensuring compatibility between materials and preventing costly mistakes. With one provider in charge of storage, material management, and installation, clients avoid hidden fees and delays often associated with using multiple contractors.

The Unified Difference: Communication, Convenience, and Expert Project Management

With Unified’s turnkey installation services, you’ll experience a streamlined, hassle-free process backed by clear communication and expert oversight. Our dedicated project managers are available to address concerns, keep projects on schedule, provide in-house carpenters and skilled subcontractors for any size project, and ensure high-quality results. Having one point of contact throughout the entire process simplifies coordination, improves transparency, and helps reduce errors.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us to learn more and get started with a consultation. Let us help you bring your next project to life with our all-in-one installation solution!

Understanding High-Security Key Systems

Ensuring the security of your premises is essential in today’s world, and high-security key systems offer effective solutions for protecting your property. Understanding the various types of key systems and their functionalities can help you choose the right one for your needs.

Key Systems Explained

High-security key systems are available in various levels and types, each designed with unique features and specifications.

  1. Levels of Security: Manufacturers rate key systems based on the difficulty of accessing the cylinder and their resistance to picking and drilling. Unified simplifies these ratings, helping you understand the different levels of security so you can make informed decisions and choose the right solution for your needs.
  2. Ownership and Control:
    • Locally Controlled Systems: These systems are owned by local distributors, meaning end users must return to the distributor for key duplication, often requiring a letter of authorization.
    • Regional Control Systems: These systems utilize keyways common only in specific geographic areas, requiring local locksmiths to obtain letters of authorization to access key blanks and maintain system security.
    • Factory-Controlled Systems: For these systems, end users must go to the factory with authorization letters to obtain key blanks.
  3. Cylinder Types: Key cylinders vary; some are cut like standard house keys, while others feature additional sidebar milling, offering enhanced security against picking.

When considering security, remember that the key system is just the start. After establishing the key system, access methods—such as card readers or fobs—can be integrated, offering key overrides for added safety.

Common Applications

High-security key systems are widely utilized across various environments to enhance security and control access, ensuring the safety of people and property. Unified can help you determine the necessity of these systems for your specific needs, including the following common settings:

By implementing these systems, organizations can create safer environments tailored to their specific security preferences. 

Guidance and Expertise

Many clients often seek clarity on their requirements for key systems and may benefit from guidance to navigate common challenges, such as understanding ownership and manufacturer agreements, engaging in thorough preparatory discussions, and increasing their awareness of the available systems. At UDH, we guide clients through the process and have established trust as experts in high-security key systems, ensuring they receive the best advice for their specific situations.

The UDH Difference

At UDH, we understand that effective project management begins on day one, adhering to the guidelines and directives of the specifications provided by architects and manufacturers to deliver customized systems. We ensure successful project outcomes with the following:

To learn more about how UDH can enhance your project with customized security solutions and expert guidance, visit our website or contact our team. Let’s ensure your safety and peace of mind together.

The Essential Guide to Door Closers: Features, Functions, and Applications

Door closers play a critical role in building functionality and safety, ensuring proper door operation while maintaining security and compliance. From economy-grade to heavy-duty, hundreds of door closer types are available, each tailored to specific applications. Selecting the right one requires careful consideration of the type, mounting options, fire safety regulations, and ADA compliance to ensure optimal performance.

ADA Compliance and Fire Safety

Choosing the right closer requires balancing ADA requirements (a maximum of 5 pounds of force to open doors) with fire safety regulations, especially for fire-rated doors. Specialized closers like cam action models maintain barrier-free access while ensuring secure closure in fire-rated areas, such as stairwells. Consulting with a professional is essential to guarantee compliance and optimal performance for your specific needs.

Types of Door Closers: Finding the Right Fit

When selecting door closers, it's essential to match the type of closer to the door's specific application and environment. From light-duty closers for low-traffic doors to heavy-duty options for high-traffic areas to specialized options for stairwells and exterior doors, each closer serves a unique purpose in ensuring proper functionality and safety.

Mounting Options for Door Closers

In addition to choosing the right type of closer, the mounting method is equally crucial. How a closer is mounted can greatly impact its performance, durability, and visual appeal. Some options to consider include:

Each mounting option serves specific needs, and it’s important to consider the door’s location and function to make the right choice.

Pre-Installation and Efficiency

To save time and reduce waste, Unified offers pre-installation services for standard and parallel arm mounts, allowing us to install the closer body and strap arms before the product reaches the job site. This helps streamline the construction process, ensuring doors are ready for installation upon arrival.

The Unified Difference

At Unified, our expertise goes beyond simply supplying door closers. We focus on understanding the specific application, usage, and regulatory requirements to ensure our clients receive the best product for their needs. By thoroughly reviewing specifications and addressing potential issues, we streamline the process and eliminate unnecessary products, creating more efficient solutions.

Selecting the right door closer involves careful consideration of the building’s unique demands. With a wide range of options, from standard models to specialized solutions, our team ensures that every project benefits from the ideal door closer selection, installation, and long-term performance.

If you're looking for the right door closer for your next project, contact Unified today to learn more about our comprehensive solutions.

Ensuring Accessibility: The Importance of ADA Compliance in Building Design

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is more than just a set of guidelines—it's a comprehensive law established to ensure accessibility and safety for those with disabilities. At Unified, we are deeply committed to upholding these standards, ensuring that every project we undertake meets the requirements set forth by ADA regulations.

Understanding ADA Compliance

ADA compliance is crucial in making environments accessible to all individuals, regardless of physical limitations. This involves meticulous attention to various aspects of building design:

Entry Features: Ramps, accessible thresholds, and door surfaces must be designed to facilitate easy movement. For instance, ADA guidelines specify that the bottom of front-entry doors must have a minimum of 10 inches of flat surface to accommodate wheelchairs.

Clearance and Maneuverability: ADA specifications require clearances for doorways and openings that accommodate wheelchairs, making navigation through buildings easier and more independent for individuals with disabilities.

Reach and Accessibility: The placement of handles, knobs, lights, and operational controls must be designed to be within reach for all individuals. This includes considerations for the height and depth of these controls to ensure they can be used comfortably from a seated position.

The Unified Difference

At Unified, our approach to ADA compliance is informed by decades of industry experience and a deep understanding of both the nuances and the value of these regulations. We don't just aim to meet the minimum standards; we strive to ensure that our projects set benchmarks for accessibility and functionality.

Expert Oversight: Our team of experts meticulously reviews building plans and works closely with architects and designers to ensure every aspect of the design is ADA compliant.

Municipal Collaboration: We engage with local municipalities and regulatory bodies to ensure that our projects are inspected rigorously and meet all necessary compliance standards.

Aesthetic and Functional Balance: We believe that ADA compliance does not have to compromise aesthetic appeal. Our projects demonstrate the ability create beautiful, welcoming spaces that are accessible to everyone.

Continuous Education and Adaptation: Unified is dedicated to continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring we remain well-versed in the latest ADA regulations and capable of implementing compliant solutions with precision and efficacy.

Unified's dedication to ADA compliance is part of our broader commitment to social responsibility and community support. We understand the profound impact of our work on daily lives, and we take pride in our role as leaders in promoting accessibility through thoughtful, inclusive design. By choosing Unified, you partner with a team that's passionate about making spaces accessible and functional for everyone.