installing french door
Furnished by the National Retail Hardware Association (NRHA)
Patio doors are one of the most popular features in any home. This
brochure describes the basic procedures for installing prehung French
and swinging patio doors, and for sliding patio doors. This is always
a two-person job. Keep in mind that the procedures may vary for
different brands of systems. Wherever those instructions differ,
always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
In this document you will find information about:
Types of French & Patio Doors
Installation
FIG. 2 - A swinging patio door.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIG. 3 - A French door pair.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIG. 4 - Before settling the unit in the opening, run a series
of heavy beads of caulking on the floor to seal the threshold/sill.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIG. 5 - Shim directly behind the hinges on the hinge side. On
the latch side, shim at the top, bottom, and both above and below
the latch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIG. 6 - The width of the gap at the top of the doors will tell
you whether a French door pair is square or not.
INSTALLATION
To install a prehung French or patio door, first unpack the new
door unit. There may be skid boards or other framing attached to
protect the system during transit. Remove any protective materials;
if the unit has prehanging clips to keep the door aligned and closed,
do not remove them.
Swinging Patio Door (two-panel prehung unit, center hinged)–Run
beads of caulking along the floor where the threshold/sill will
rest. From the outside, center the bottom of the unit in the opening
and tilt it up into place.
Adjust the unit so the face is plumb, then secure the inactive-side
jamb to the wall framing temporarily with two 3"-long drywall
screws, placed about 6" below the head jamb and above the sill.
Go inside the house and shim and check the gap along the top of
the active door. It should be even along the entire width of the
door from the hinge jamb to the latch jamb. If the gap is too wide
above the latch jamb, drive a shim under the sill directly beneath
the latch jamb until the gap is even. If the gap is too narrow above
the latch jamb, drive the shim directly beneath the hinge jamb.
Once the gap is even, recheck to make sure the unit is plumb.
Then shim the latch jamb, checking it with a straightedge as you
work to make sure you don't drive the shims too far and bow the
jamb. Shim about 6" below the top of the unit, 6" above
the sill and both above and below the lock.
Be careful not to allow the unit to be twisted; the inside edge
of the jamb should be flush with the interior wall surface at all
points. DO NOT SHIM ABOVE THE HEAD JAMB.
|
