Doors, windows and glazing

6.7.4Installation

Doors and windows shall be correctly located and securely fixed. Issues to be taken into account include:

  1. workmanship and fixing
  2. hanging doors and opening lights
  3. general ironmongery
  4. door hinges
  5. window boards
  6. bay windows.

Workmanship and fixing

Window and door frames should be fixed:

  • solidly, level and plumb
  • using door/window cramps, or plugged and screwed
  • at maximum spacing of 600mm and within 150mm of the top and bottom (alternative locations and fixings are acceptable where they provide the same structural stability)
  • using packers at fixing points where required.

Internal door frames and linings should:

  • match the thickness of the wall, partitions and finishes
  • be blocked off walls wherever possible, to allow for full architraves
  • be securely fixed, to prevent curling.

Timber trim should be:

  • sufficiently wide to mask joints
  • fixed to minimise movement and shrinkage.

Architraves should be:

  • parallel to frames and linings
  • accurately mitred, or scribed, to fit neatly and tightly
  • fixed with an equal margin to each frame member
  • fixed securely.

When fixing components:

  • nails should be punched below the surface of the timber with holes stopped
  • damage should be avoided.

Hanging doors and opening lights

Opening lights and door leaves should:

  • hang square within the frame or lining
  • fit neatly with minimum gaps.

A ventilation grille, or a gap at the bottom of the door may be required for ventilation, in accordance with building regulations.

Where a standard flush door is reduced in height, the bottom rail should be replaced where necessary.

General ironmongery

Hinges and other ironmongery should be:

  • housed neatly and flush with the surface
  • supplied with a full set of matching screws.

Locks should:

  • turn easily
  • not be fitted in mortises too tightly
  • have keyholes which are properly aligned.

Door hinges

To reduce twisting, doors should be hung on hinges in accordance with Table 1.

Table 1: Door hinges

Type of doorHinges
External1½ pairs x 100mm
Internal door1 pair x 75mm
Fire doorIn accordance with the door manufacturer’s recommendations
Airing or cylinder cupboard1½ pairs x 75mm

Window boards

Window boards should:

  • have a flat and level top surface
  • be fixed close to the frame and adequately secured against twisting and other movement, particularly any back slope towards the frame
  • be of a moisture resistant grade where MDF is used.

Bay windows

Bay windows should be:

  • adequately supported and secured to the structure, to prevent sagging or twisting
  • properly linked to DPCs at reveals.