9.1.4 Doors and windows
Doors and windows shall be installed to appropriate tolerances, including openings in walls and external openings viewed from the inside.
Internal openings in walls should:
- be flat along the length of sills and window boards, with a maximum deviation of ±3mm in every 2m
- have level heads and sills, a maximum of 3mm from level for openings up to 1.5m, and 5mm where longer
- have plumb reveals, a maximum of 3mm from plumb for openings up to 1.5m high, and 5mm where higher
- be level within 3mm across the sill measured from the frame (tiled sills, in bathrooms, for example, may be intentionally laid sloping away from the window)
- be square with the window, with a maximum deviation of ±5mm for reveals up to 250mm deep.
Window frames should not be distorted in the opening, and a maximum from plumb of:
- 3mm when up to 1.5m in height
- 5mm where larger.
Internal doors#
Internal doors and frames should always be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, not be distorted in the opening, and:
- frames should be within 5mm of plumb over the height of the frame and not out of plumb in two directions
- the gap between the door and head or jamb should be a maximum of 4mm (for double doors, the gap at the meeting stiles should be within 4mm) and uniform
- distortion across doors should be limited to a maximum of 5mm in height, and 3mm in width
- the gap between the underside of the door and unfinished floor should be between 10mm and 22mm. The ventilation requirements for the building need to be taken into account when determining the gap beneath internal doors.
Fire doors#
Fire doors should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The tolerances in this clause are without prejudice to satisfactory performance for ventilation and fire resistance.
External doors#
External doors and frames should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, not be distorted in the opening, and:
- frames should be within 5mm of plumb over the height of the frame and not be out of plumb in two directions
- distortion across the door should be limited to a maximum of 5mm in height and 3mm in width.
Last updated: 2nd January 2024