Why Are Valcour Doors So Heavy?

Students living in Valcour Hall at Champlain College have no choice but to notice how the doors to their rooms are both loud and hard to close, which has made some students wonder why they are so heavy.

The immense weight of the doors is an issue at other dorms on campus, particularly in upperclassmen dorms. The extra effort students have to use to close the door completely is beyond what a normal door requires.

While the issue appears trivial, it can be annoying for students trying to sleep. In the morning or the night when one roommate is trying to sleep, the other can be wide awake and has to slam that incredibly loud door shut just to get in and out of the room.

According to the Facilities Physical Plant Assistant Director Lisa Martinez, “The doors in Valcour are fire rated. They were required by building codes. They are heavy, and can therefore be loud. If there are any particular concerns, the closures may be able to be adjusted.”

Heavy doors are one of the necessary precautions Champlain College has undertaken to mitigate the spread of fire should that circumstance arise. It is a safety precaution.