Which type of door may be required by building codes to be constructed of tempered material that resists breakage?

• A. A fire door
• B. A panel door
• C. A glass door
• D. A metal door

Answer: (C)

Safety glazing requirements aim to minimize injury from broken glass in doors. Building codes often require that any door with glass or glass within a close proximity use tempered or laminated safety glazing. Tempered glass is heat-treated to be much stronger, and if it breaks it crumbles into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of serious cuts. Because a glass door involves exposed glass that could be struck and break, it is the type most likely to be required to use tempered material. The other door types—fire doors, panel doors, and metal doors—focus on fire resistance, structure, or security rather than glazing safety, so they aren’t singled out for tempered glazing.