6.7.11 Installation
Doors and windows shall be correctly located and securely fixed. Issues to be considered include:
- construction tolerances
- workmanship and fixing
- hanging doors and opening lights
- general ironmongery
- door hinges
- window boards
- bay windows.
Construction tolerances#
Construction tolerances for structural openings, doors, and windows should be in accordance with chapter 9.1 A consistent approach to finishes.
Workmanship and fixing#
Doors and windows should be installed plumb and square within the structural opening in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The completed installation should be without twist, racking or distortion of any member so that they operate correctly.
Wherever practical all four sides of the frame should be secured as follows:
- corner fixings should be between 150mm and 250mm from the external corner
- fixings should be a minimum of 150 mm from the centre line of a mullion or transom
- there should be a minimum of two fixings on each jamb and sill, with intermediate fixings at centres no greater than 600 mm.
Notes
1. The number and spacing of fixings at the head depend upon the frame width and frame material.
2. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed.
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.
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 7.
Table 7: Summary of appropriate hinges for different door types
| Type of door | Hinges |
|---|---|
| External | 1½ pairs x 100mm |
| Internal door | 1 pair x 75mm |
| Fire door | In accordance with the door manufacturer's recommendations |
| Airing or cylinder cupboard | 1½ 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.
Last updated: 2nd January 2024