Pivoting entrance doors are a great feature in the home, but they are significantly different to your typical door unit and therefore require a number of additional considerations to ensure they meet the client’s expectations.
In the first of several posts on the topic, I’ll look at the two mechanisms to control the panel and the sill options for these.
The opening action of a pivot door panel means that it will not work with a standard rebated outer frame, but relies on wool pile seals to provide much of the units weathering. Therefore serious consideration is required for the protection these should have.
There are two options for the mechanisms required to control the panel.
 Floor Spring |
 Transom Closer - Sill Frame |
 Transom Closer - Pivot Bearing |
The Floor Spring mechanism is rebated into the sill with a pivot bearing at the head and allows a typical 1400mm max panel span.
The Transom Concealed Closer mechanism is housed at the head with a floor pivot at the sill that can be applied without rebating the sill which allows a very minimal look to be achieved. Alternatively a rebated drained sill frame can be applied to provide some protection. A typical 1100mm max span can be achieved.
Pivot Door Jambs
The panel load is taken at the sill for both floor spring and transom closer.
Double wool pile seals provide the perimeter airseal to the panel.
Magnum 50 Commercial Door and Architectural Series Door panels are both ideal for pivot doors.
If sidelites are required, the sill frame is typically rebated to suit the minimal look and for consistency it is advisable to continue the sill frame through the door opening also.
June 8, 2010 at 8:11 pm
What is the durability of the wool seals to this pivot door. My only concern is the draft getting through.
[Reply]
Rob Campion:
June 11th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Hi Shirley,
The durability of the weatherpile is somewhat dependant on the material it is in contact with ie painted surface vs masonry where the masonry will obviously wear the weatherpile reasonably quickly. In regards to the air leakage, if you applied a glazed aluminium panel there would be two weatherpile seals to the panel perimeter providing a continuous airseal and therefore minimal air leakage.
[Reply]
June 10, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I want to use a pivot spring for a main entry door of 1200 wide x 2350 tall. Is that within acceptable size limits. There will be an 800 wide sidelight next to it so will use the full aluminum frame. How do you treat the gap between the frame and the slab.
[Reply]
Rob Campion:
June 11th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Hi Chas,
The door size you propose is within the limitations of the floor spring mechanism (ref Dorma BTS80 EN6). I’m unsure what gap you are refering to and ask that you send a detail through to apl.techinfo@aplnz.co.nz and I’ll take a closer look.
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June 24, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Hi Rob, what is the weight limit for this system? Would it be suitable for outdoor use, e.g for dividing an outdoor room?
[Reply]
Rob Campion:
June 28th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Hi Anton
The Dorma pivot door components allow for panel weights up to 300kg which exceeds the max glazed panel size/weight. Typically 1400mm is the max glazed panel width. The system is designed for external applications although if moisture is penetrating from both sides a sill frame is not recommended as it may trap moisture.
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