Securing Double Doors

Double door hardware is available in two styles. First, for exterior doors or in applications where privacy is desired, such as the master bedroom, one door is typically designated as “active” with some type of locking hardware. The other door is designated as “inactive,” and usually has a T-astragal attached for privacy and security. The inactive door is typically mounted with flush bolts (or alternatively, surface-mount bolts), which can be unlatched to open both doors wide. An extended flush bolt is recommended for tall double doors, over 7′ 0″ (or 84″) in height. This system lowers the flush bolt latch to a reasonable height, for easier operation. Sun Mountain provides flush bolts at no additional cost on pre-hung double doors, including an extended top flush bolt standard on all 7′ 0″ or higher pre-hung double doors.

For applications where privacy is not an issue, such as an entrance to a closet, neither door is designated as active and both doors are held closed with the use of ball catches or roller catches mounted on the tops of the doors. In this application, both doors can be easily and quickly opened or closed. Sun Mountain includes ball catch hardware at no additional cost on pre-hung doors designated as ball catch.