How to Avoid the “Red Tag”

© 2001 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Fall 2001
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 44

Technical Tips
How to Avoid the “Red Tag”

To a dealer, a “red tag” is not a welcome sight, especially when it’s a tag that says a garage door is not in compliance with local codes.

Al Mitchell, the new chairman of the DASMA Commercial & Residential Garage Door Technical Committee, offers a few tips on how to avoid this embarrassing situation.

1. “Know the code.” It’s hard to meet the applicable code requirements for garage doors if you don’t know them. Mitchell notes that DASMA has created helpful guidelines based on common building codes to help understand specific applications of code requirements to garage doors. For example, TDS-155 contains Wind Load Guides based on various codes and standards used throughout the U.S., and TDS-157 outlines foam plastics requirements.

2. “Provide the proof.” When you sell a door, make sure that each door includes evidence that the door complies with the code. Wind load data is particularly important, according to Mitchell. Drawings and labels should be consistent, and they should show numeric values for each door.

3. “Compile a file.” Mitchell recommends that you ask the local building department to create a master file for door designs that are frequently sold in your community. This convenient file helps both the garage door industry and the building code community, as it streamlines future permitting and helps ensure consistency in installed products.

4. “Respect the inspector.” Coordinate the inspection process with the building department. Mitchell says all parties should understand the inspection process. You should particularly know who makes sure that inspections are requested and performed in a timely manner.

Mitchell believes that widespread adoption and enforcement of model building codes may result in increased permit activity. Consequently, manufacturers, dealers, and installers should keep up with local requirements and trends.

The industry, he says, “is working to ensure that consumers are not inconvenienced when their new garage door is installed.”