Determining Pressure Ratings For Doors (or Windows) With Alternate Components
Exterior doors exposed to weather are approved to withstand design pressures for a variety of conditions.
Sometimes, though, the door type you want to use doesn’t match the product approval.
This article explores how such a change is evaluated by an engineer to provide a certified pressure for permit.
Example of a Von Duprin panic device,
a common substation request for
door component evaluations
A service provided by Engineering Express®
Get FORTIFIED Certified
This topic also applies to the IBHS FORTIFIED program.
Learn more about how to attract more insurance companies & earn discounts on insurances for following the FORTIFIED process.
Part 1 - What Can And Can't Change In A Door (or window) To Be Certified
These are the door (or window) components that can generally be modified
- Door (or window) Sizes *
- Alternate Anchors (click for full article)
- Hinges
- Locksets
- Panic Devices (sometimes)
- Glazing Infill (sometimes)
In all cases, the overall design pressure rating will be the lowest pressure of all the combined components.
Click here to read about Allowable (ASD) and Ultimate design pressure considerations.
* In the case of door (or window) sizes, for large missile impact approved products, the size cannot exceed testing. An engineer would also need to review aspect ratio and the ‘inscribed area’ to determine applicability.
Items like panic and glazing infill also must meet other criteria such as fire, egress, safety, and other factors as determined by an engineer & the architect of record.
These are the door (or window) components that can generally CANNOT be modified
- Door (or window) Frame
- Door (or window) Internal Connections & Materials (maybe)
- Products Without Approval Or Testing
- Products Requiring Water Infiltration (click for full article)
Generally speaking, if it’s no longer the same door of if your door isn’t already approved, the process needs to start from the top in getting a Product Evaluation.
Let us take a look at your unique condition to determine applicability.
Part 2 - What Engineers Need To Perform The Evaluation
To submit a request for a site-specific evaluation approval, we need the following:
- Product Approvals or Testing For ALL Components being used
- A Floor plan of the proposed installations showing SIZES & PRESSURES of each door/window
- Desired deliverable - letter, shop drawing, other
Examples of Florida and Miami Dade Product approvals, common evaluations for door and window approvals.
Part 3: How Engineering Express Can Help
Submit Your Request For Revew Now
Engineering Express will review your request to see if we are a fit.
By completing the request form, we can ensure that we capture the necessary information (explained above) to provide the best price and delivery timeframe available.
Are you a client of ASSA Abloy? (Ceco, Curries, Corbin Russwin, etc).
Click Here to see our Brand Channel Page.
Last Update: February 9, 2026