The 2021 international Building Code (IBC) has a new requirement that will impact EXIT doors and their exterior landings. Most states have NOT adopted this edition of the IBC, so this is just a heads up of what’s to come. The new section (1809.5 .1 Frost protection at required exits) states:
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1809.5 .1 Frost protection at required exits Frost protection shall be provided at exterior landings for all required exits with outward-swinging doors. Frost protection shall only be required to the extent necessary to ensure the unobstructed opening of the required exit doors. |
Frost protection is now required for EXTERIOR LANDINGS at ALL required means of egress doors.
Where frost protection is required, landing areas immediately adjacent to egress doors must be provided with the same frost protection systems as that of the building being served by the exits.
This protection is designed to prevent concrete landings from heaving, thereby compromising the normal operation of required egress doors. Such heaving actions can render an egress door entirely unusable, creating an untenable situation.
Multiple conditions contribute to concrete heaving, making it impossible to predict when and where such heaving may occur. Section 1809.5.1 is intended to provide heave protection only for the area of a landing immediately adjacent to exit doors and only for the area required to allow the door to swing open at least 90 degrees from a closed position. The remaining portions of a larger patio or sidewalk need not be provided with frost protection.
Doors that do not swing-for example, a revolving door at a lobby entrance will not require frost protection.