THE OVERLOOKED DANGER OF DOOR THRESHOLDS: Why Small Steps Matter in Multifamily Housing A CLOSE CALL IN THE GARDEN During a visit to my parents’ home, I witnessed a moment I’ll never forget. My father, who loved tending his backyard garden, stepped through the sliding door—a threshold just ¾” high—and tripped. I rushed over to find him face down, his arms pinned beneath him, his head mere inches from an upturned iron rake. He was spared serious injury that day, but the incident left a lasting impression.
WHY THRESHOLDS MATTER—ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS As people age, their gait often changes—they don’t lift their feet as high as they once did. Even modest thresholds can become significant trip hazards. According to Thom Disch in his book Stop the Slip, “Falls are the #1 reason for emergency room visits every year, almost four times more frequent than auto accidents.” The CDC reports that in 2023 alone, over 41,000 retirement-age Americans died as a result of falls.
THE CHALLENGE OF COMPLIANCE IN MULTIFAMILY HOUSING
Despite the clear risks, achieving proper threshold heights in multifamily housing (MFH) is not always straightforward. Developers and property managers must contend with variations in floor elevations, the complexities of retrofitting older buildings, and the need to balance weatherproofing with accessibility. You might think that threshold heights can be adapted as needed, but this is a persistent industry myth. In reality, all primary and secondary thresholds in MFH projects are subject to strict, non-negotiable regulations. Failing to comply can expose property owners to significant penalties and liabilities.
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