What is an astragal?

An Astragal is an applied molding attached most commonly to the meeting edge of doors to:

1. Protection against weather conditions
2. Minimize the passage of light between the doors
3. Retard the passage of smoke, flame or gases during a fire
4. Add security to the lock and/or strike

Astragal applications:

1. Pairs of Doors - Astragal is attached to the vertical meeting edge of one leaf of a pair of doors
• This is the most common astragal application
• Can be attached to the active or inactive leaf depending on application and function
• Required on 3 hour pairs of doors
2. Double Egress Applications - Astragals are used on some double egress applications.
• Can be attached to either leaf since both leafs are active.
• Required on 3 hour pairs of doors
3. Dutch Doors - Astragal is attached horizontally to the bottom edge of the upper (top) leaf of the dutch doors
• Required on fire rated dutch doors
• The astragal serves as a coordinator
4. Flush Transom Panels - Astragal is attached horizontally to the bottom face of the flush transom panel
• Required on fire rated 1 3/4" thick flush transom panels when used in transom frame without transom bar. Astragal could be specified to minimize light or sound transmission
5. Single Doors - Astragal is attached to the vertical lock edge of the door overlapping the frame face
• This application is for security purposes
• Only supplied when specified

 Astragals can interfere with hardware applications and door functionality:

1.  Pairs of Doors:
• A coordinator is required if the active leaf has self latching locking devices
• Coordinators are not required on Double Egress applications.
• Overlapping astragals are not permitted in pairs (swing in same direction) with double vertical rod application
• Auto Operators do not function properly when used when the doors are equipped with astragals.
2. Dutch Doors - usually do not interfere with hardware applications.
3. Flush Transom Panels:
• Vertical Rod strikes may create issues