When it comes to first-rate safety and protection for your businesses, you can never go wrong with a steel door frame. Being among the best materials for frames, steel door frames offer proprietors an affordable and environmentally friendly solution. That’s why today we’ll show the expert’s way in how to install a steel door frame.
Metal frames bring all sorts of pros to your firm. Some of these include:
- Resistance against harsh climate
- Being easy to fix
- Fire and pest resistance
- Long-lasting results
For these and many more reasons, you should count on a metal door frame for your business.
When you install a commercial door frame, you can do so before and after framing the wall. However, we’ll show you the proper way to install these frames to existing stud walls.
Before getting started with the process, you need to get the proper tools to set hollow metal door frames. The materials you’ll need for this project are:
How to Install a Steel Door Frame Materials:
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- Hammer
- 1.5-inch tapping screws
- No. 2 cross-head screwdriver
- Steel door frame (make sure it counts on jamb clips)
- 6 hollow metal door frame clips (3 anchors per side)
- 4-Foot level
- Crowbar
Follow These 5 Steps in How to Install a Steel Door Frame
Metal studs are perfectly straight and easy to install. However, it’s always best to leave this job to those who count on plenty of experience for this task. That way, you can ensure you’ll get fantastic results.
The steps in how to install a steel door frame consist of the following:
- Locating and examing the door opening.
- Removing the existing molding.
- Inserting the jamb clips into the frame’s sides.
- Setting frame into the opening.
- Preparing and installing drywall.
We’ll go into detail for each of these steps.
Step 1: Locate and Examine the Rough Opening
First, you’ll need to examine the current door frame. Check the following things:
- The floor’s conditions, since it may affect the mounting
- The door frame’s width and height
- The strike type, hinge size, and closure mounting.
When defining the frame’s width, you’ll need to use your measuring tape to check the width starting from the exterior side of the side jambs. Of this measurement, you’ll add half 0.5 inches more.
For the frame’s height, you should add to your measurement ¼ inches. Also, make sure that the floor is level. In case it isn’t, we suggest you add 0.5 inches or more to the header. That way, you’ll have space for you to level the frame properly.
Step 2: Remove Existing Molding
In case you’re replacing an existing door frame, you’ll need to remove it using the crowbar carefully. Pull the upper molding existing door. Then, repeat this step on the bottom and middle part of the molding. Do this until you completely remove all the frame.
For the hinges, use your screwdriver to remove them. Lastly, drill out the metal frame, including jambs and sills.
Step 3: Insert Jamb Clips into the Steel Frame’s Sides
After successfully preparing the door frame’s opening, you can proceed to the steel jamb clips. You’ll need a total of four jamb clips. When placing these clips, you’ll need to do so to the back of the steel frame’s sides.
For the bottom clips, place them 4 inches from the lower half of the frame. Next, for the upper half of the frame, put the clips 6 inches beneath the door’s header. Lastly, place the clips that are left at an equal distance between the lower and upper clips.
Step 4: Set Frame into the Opening
Now it’s time to place the frame to the rough opening. When you do this, bear in mind to use your hammer to bend the anchor ties. Also, try to center each side of the frame. Don’t forget to level the door’s top jamb horizontally.
Then, drill onto the hinge side the hollow metal door frame anchors, using two screws for each clip. Also, keep in mind that this step needs to be done directly opposing the strike side. In case you are installing jambs that exceed 6 inches, you’ll need to use three screws.
Lastly, you’ll need to attach the floor and ceiling jamb steel studs. Do this by placing these studs tightly against the frames.
Remember that for doors that are 30 inches or wider, you’ll have to place jamb anchors at the top of the frame as well! Additionally, when counting on doors that are 7 feet or higher, it’s best to use more clips of each frame side.
Step 5: Prepare & Install Drywall
Last but not least, you need to make sure that your door’s frame is all set up before covering the wall. Check if you placed everything correctly, making sure that the frame is level and straight. After all, steel frames aren’t as wooden frames since you can’t fix them afterward.
Why Should You Count on Commercial Steel Door Frames?
Just as we stated at the beginning of this article, steel door frames grant the ultimate protection for your business. Not only that but also they’re durable, long-lasting, and enhance the look of your place.
This type of frame usually works best for those firms that need safety and security at all times. Some of the most common businesses that use most metal door frames include warehouses, industrial buildings, and even shopping malls!
The best part of hollow steel frames is the fact that they’re a fantastic affordable option! It doesn’t matter if you count on small or large business, you can be sure that you’ll have security, durability, and versatility around the clock.
Get Your Door Framing Done Right Today
When you install the door of your business, you can always rely on professionals. That way, you can be sure that you’ll have a proper steel door installation. As a matter of fact, you can be sure that they know from tip to tail the steps in how to install a steel door frame.
In need of professional commercial installation for your hollow door frames in Chicago, IL? Click here and learn how our team can help you out!