2026 energy codes

Major 2026 Energy Code Updates: Door Specifications

The 2026 energy code introduces stricter requirements for how commercial doors are designed, tested, and specified.

The infographic titled “Major 2026 Energy Code Updates: Door Specifications” highlights the key changes in commercial door requirements driven by new energy codes for 2026.

It features five major update areas

  • U-Factor and thermal tightening
  • Mandatory vestibules and revolving doors
  • Expanded air leakage and infiltration testing
  • Climate zone adaptation
  • Demand-response-ready components.
Door & Window Certification

Your 2026 Guide to Door & Window Certification

Today’s commercial projects demand more from doors and windows than ever before—better performance, cleaner documentation, and guaranteed compliance. This infographic breaks down the essential certifications that help construction teams make smarter, faster, and more accurate product decisions.

EPD / HPD Transparency

EPDs and HPDs provide clear documentation about material makeup and environmental impact, helping project teams meet transparency and green-building requirements.

LEED v4.1

Doors and windows support LEED credits through energy efficiency, recycled content, low-emitting materials, daylight performance, and high-quality glazing.

Division 8 Compliance

Division 8 ensures all door, frame, hardware, and glazing specifications are met, making submittals, estimating, and installation smoother for GCs and project teams.

Energy Star Certification

Energy Star–rated products offer superior insulation, reduced thermal transfer, and verified NFRC glazing performance to help projects meet strict energy codes.

WELL Building Standard

WELL-aligned doors and windows improve daylight, comfort, and indoor quality, supporting healthier environments across offices, healthcare, and educational spaces.

Cradle to Cradle (C2C)

C2C certification confirms that door and frame materials are recyclable and responsibly sourced, helping projects achieve sustainability and circular-economy goals.

Door openings

Mastering Door Handing & Swing Direction: Identify Your Door Type Easily

Infographic – Door Handing And Swing Direction Made Simple

  • Door Handing: Refers to which side the hinges are mounted and the side toward which the door swings.
  • Swing Direction: Indicates whether the door opens inward (inswing), outward (outswing), or swings both ways (double-acting).
  • Understanding door handing and swing direction helps to identify door type for accurate installation, safety, and space planning.
Door Hand Type
Description
Common Use
Left Hand (LH)
Hinges left, swings inward
Typical interior door
Right Hand (RH)
Hinges right, swings inward
Typical interior door
Left Hand Reverse (LHR)
Hinges left, swings outward
Exterior/outward swinging door
Right Hand Reverse (RHR)
Hinges right, swings outward
Exterior/outward swinging door
Left Hand Double Acting
Hinges left, swings both ways (in/out)
Commercial kitchens, corridors
Right Hand Double Acting
Hinges right, swings both ways (in/out)
Commercial kitchens, corridors
Door And Hardware Specifications

Steps to Smarter Door And Hardware Specifications

Infographic – Steps to Smarter Door and Hardware Specifications

Steel Metal Door

Steel Metal Door Thickness Explained

Infographic – Steel Metal Door Thickness Explained

Gauge is a measurement of steel thickness. The principle is simple: the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel metal door. A lower gauge will make stronger and more durable doors.
 
For a quick check, see these standard sizes:
14-gauge: about 1.6 mm
16-gauge: about 1.3 mm
18-gauge: about 1.2 mm
20-gauge: about 0.9 mm
 
It’s crucial to match the gauge to your specific use. High-traffic entries, for instance, require thicker steel for durability, while interior closets can make do with thinner sheets. The same principle applies to fire-rated doors, which can range from 14 to 22 gauge depending on the desired fire resistance.
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