The ADA requires every business and public building to provide barrier-free access for all visitors, employees, and patients. RCI Doors™ assesses, installs, and upgrades commercial doors across the Triad and Charlotte metro areas to meet every requirement — keeping your business compliant and your doors open to everyone.
Failure to comply can result in large fines, with the first violation fine at $75,000 and subsequent violations fined at $150,000.
Key ADA Compliant Door Features
Every compliant commercial door must meet federal specifications.
- Automatic Door Operators
Push-button or motion-activated, eliminates manual force entry. - Lever & Loop Hardware
One-hand operable handles; no gripping or twisting required. - Low-Force Door Closers
Hydraulic closers calibrated to less than 5 lbs with ADA-compliant timing. - Wide-Clear-Opening Frames
We widen frames to achieve the required 32″–36″ of clear passage. - Accessible Thresholds
Beveled thresholds 1/2″ or less to eliminate trip hazards for mobility devices.
ADA Compliant Door Services
- ADA Doorway Assessments
- Automatic Door Installation
- Accessible Door Hardware Solutions
- Braille Signage Installation
- Door Force and Closing Speed Adjustments
Maintenance & Longevity
- Annual Doorway Assessments
Force, speed, width & hardware checks - Closer Calibration
Temperature & wear cause drift over time - Hardware Inspection
levers, pulls, corrosion & looseness - Operator Testing
Sensors, motors, and backup power - Threshold Checks
Settling can push a compliant door out of spec
Expected Service Life
- 10-15 yrs
Commercial door closers - 15-20 yrs
Automatic door operators - Building life
Lever hardware and pulls
Not sure if your doors are compliant?
We’ll assess your facility at no cost.
Common ADA Door Applications
ADA compliance applies to virtually every facility that serves the public:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum door width required by ADA?
ADA standards require a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches for accessible doorways. In most cases, this means installing a 34” or 36” door, since the door itself and its hardware reduce the actual usable opening. A 36” door is typically recommended because it reliably provides the full 32” of clear space once the door thickness and frame are accounted for.
At RCI Doors™, we help customers select and install door systems that meet ADA accessibility requirements while also fitting the demands of commercial environments such as entrances, loading areas, and other high-traffic spaces.
Do interior doors have to be ADA compliant?
Yes. The ADA applies to any door used by the public or by employees, not just building entrances. This includes doors to restrooms, conference rooms, corridors, break rooms, offices, and other shared spaces within a facility.
At RCI Doors™, we help businesses evaluate their entire facility—not just exterior entrances—to ensure interior and operational doors meet ADA accessibility standards while supporting the safety and functionality commercial spaces require.
What hardware is NOT ADA compliant?
Round door knobs are one of the most common ADA compliance issues because they require gripping and twisting, which violates the ADA’s requirement for one-handed operation without tight grasping. Thumb-turn deadbolts and any hardware that requires two hands to operate can also create compliance problems.
Instead, lever handles, push/pull plates, and other accessible hardware are the recommended alternatives because they allow doors to be opened easily with one hand or even an elbow. At RCI Doors™, we help businesses choose commercial door hardware that supports ADA accessibility while standing up to the daily demands of high-traffic facilities.
How often should ADA compliance be checked?
At a minimum, ADA door compliance should be checked once a year, and again after any renovation, remodel, or change in how a space is used. Over time, door closers can drift out of adjustment, hardware can loosen, and buildings naturally shift — meaning a door that met ADA requirements last year may no longer be compliant today.
At RCI Doors™, we help businesses inspect, adjust, and maintain their commercial doors and hardware so they continue to meet ADA accessibility standards and operate safely in everyday use.