Relevant building code for exterior doorway threshold safety (Montgomery County MD)

[RedTailHawk]

I have tried Google but no luck as I am probably describing it wrong. Basically I am trying to find if there is any a building code or other statue that can help me make the case that the front door Home Depot installed at my mother's house is unsafe. I can't find any local building code for residential exterior doorway or step safety.

Background: My mother had the local Home Depot put in a new front door. The new door was installed such that the top of the metal threshold plate is higher than the concrete stoop it sits on but the plate is not as wide as the stoop. The result is that there is no level place to put your foot going out the door unless you turn sideways. About 4" of the metal threshold extends outside the door then there is over an inch drop to the concrete stoop. The concrete stoop extends several more inches out then you step down to the porch. The previous doorway had a more level threshold where you had level footing until you stepped down to the porch.

This is a particular problem for us as my mother is in her 80's and many of her visiting friends are elderly and frail. Ideally I'd like to make the case that the doorway as installled is unsafe and that Home Depot should fix it. If we can't get home depot to fix it I think we will need to build a cover for the concrete stoop to make it level with the metal door threshold which will be a pain and not look as nice.

TIA

[Anonymous]

office of comsumer affairs is a good starting point.

[Anonymous]

i dont understand

what did the prior door do

[Anonymous]

I a confused. All doors come with thresholds if they wew preassembled. The only way to get around it would be to get a wood slate door and they have no insulation. If you picked a problem door, it is not a bad install but bad door choice.

[Anonymous]

Can you post a picture? I don't understand the problem.

[Anonymous]

I am also concerned that someone 80 years old would be living alone in a house

[Anonymous]

Can you get a building inspector to come out?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like the landing area is the problem here. All exterior doors will have a bottom that sits on top of a concrete base...and a 1 inch overhang is about right. The theory is you don't want water being blown under the door into the home.

If you do call an inspector, it is possible they will require that the stoop/porch be fully brought up to code, which may be a large job. But it also might mean it is safer for everyone, young and old.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if I understand your question, but the building code in Montgomery County requires that a threshold for a door can be no taller than 1 1/4". You can measure the threshold that was installed, but in all likelihood it probably meets code. No door threshold would be manufactured that wouldn't meet code. If the threshold height is a problem for your mom, you can try to see if they can install a low profile, handicap threshold that might be easier for her to get over.