Doors, General Information

08/27/2016 · HT024

Exterior doors are typically 1 ¾” thick and are constructed to withstand the elements. They provide protection and insulation between the inside and outside temperature differences. Exterior door frames include weather stripping and some type of a sill to maintain energy efficiency.

Exterior doors are constructed of strong materials such as steel, fiberglass, or wood. They are engineered to withstand harsh weather elements and provide protection from intruders.

Interior doors are thinner, typically 1 ⅜” thick. The purpose of an interior door is to divide the space into different rooms. Most interior doors are constructed of wood and can either be a solid slab door or a hollow core door.

Framing for your walk through door is not difficult if you remember one very important construction rule: rough opening size is different than the actual door size. A door that’s 36 inches wide and 80 inches tall will actually need a 38 by 81 ¾ inch rough opening framed. In most situations the rough opening will be 2 inches wider and 1 ¾ inches taller than the actual door size, but check with your door manufacturer for their recommendations. Once you know your door rough opening size, follow these steps to frame the opening:

• •  Choose the location for the door – an existing vertical framing member should be used as the jamb for one side of the door.

• •  Locate the 2 by 3 inch tubular door header material and attach an angle bracket to the top of each end. The header should fit between the main vertical framing members of your building.

• •  Mark the bottom of the header height on the vertical framing members, hold the header in place on the marks, and secure the brackets into the framing members.

• •  A piece of 2 by 3 inch tubular steel will be used as the other vertical jamb for the door. Attach an angle bracket to the top of the jamb so that it can be attached to the bottom of the header just installed and a flat bracket to the bottom that will be attached to the inside of the building’s bottom rail.

• •  Mark the rough opening width for your door on the header and bottom rail. It’s best to locate the door so that a foundation bolt isn’t in the opening. Hold the jamb in place on your marks, plumb it with the level, and secure it at the brackets.

Once the header and jambs are in place, you can install your door as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using a little caulk under the threshold while setting the door can often prevent water intrusion during a heavy rain.