doors-frames-hardware

# Doors, Frames & Hardware - Field Reference Guide Quick reference for construction PMs and field supervisors managing door/frame/hardware installations on commercial and institutional projects. ## Quick Reference Tables ### Frame Gauge Selection by Application | Application | Minimum Gauge | Typical Gauge | Notes | |-------------|---------------|---------------|-------| | Interior office | 16 ga | 16 ga | Standard commercial | | High traffic interior | 14 ga | 14 ga | Schools, hospitals | | Exterior | 14 ga | 14 ga | Galvanized required | | Fire-rated (20-90 min) | 16 ga | 16 ga | Per labeled assembly | | Fire-rated (3-hour) | 14 ga | 14 ga | Verify with label | | Heavy abuse | 12 ga | 12 ga | Detention, industrial | ### Door Gauge Selection by Application | Application | Face Gauge | Typical Core | Notes | |-------------|------------|--------------|-------| | Interior standard | 18 ga | Honeycomb | Most common | | Interior high-traffic | 16 ga | Polystyrene | Schools, healthcare | | Exterior | 16 ga | Polyurethane | Insulated, galvanized | | Fire-rated 20-45 min | 18 ga | Varies | Per labeled assembly | | Fire-rated 60-90 min | 16 ga | Mineral/Steel | Per labeled assembly | | Fire-rated 3-hour | 14 ga | Steel stiffened | Per labeled assembly | ### Fire Rating Quick Reference | Rating | Max Door Size | Max Glass | Typical Location | |--------|---------------|-----------|------------------| | 20-minute | 4'-0" × 10'-0" | 1296 sq in | Corridor/smoke | | 45-minute | 4'-0" × 10'-0" | 100 sq in | 1-hour wall | | 60-minute | 4'-0" × 8'-0" | 100 sq in | 1-hour wall | | 90-minute | 4'-0" × 8'-0" | 100 sq in | 2-hour wall | | 3-hour | 4'-0" × 8'-0" | None | 3-4 hour wall | *Note: Glass area limits vary by assembly. Verify with specific label.* ### Hardware Function Quick Reference | Function | Key Outside | Thumb Inside | Typical Use | |----------|-------------|--------------|-------------| | Passage (F75) | None | None | Closet, mechanical | | Privacy (F76) | Emergency | Turn | Restroom, private office | | Storeroom (F86) | Key always | Free egress | Storage, janitor | | Classroom (F84) | Key to lock/unlock | Free egress | Classroom | | Office (F82) | Key to retract | Turn | Private office | | Entrance (F81) | Key when locked | Turn locks/unlocks | Main entry | | Asylum (F83) | Key always | Key always | Secure areas | ### ADA Hardware Requirements | Requirement | Standard | Notes | |-------------|----------|-------| | Hardware height | 34" - 48" AFF | Operable parts | | Opening force (interior) | 5 lbf max | Excludes closers | | Closer sweep time | 5 seconds min | From 90° to 12° | | Door opening width | 32" clear min | 36" preferred | | Threshold height | 1/2" max | 1/4" max vertical | | Lever return | To within 1/2" of face | Prevents snagging | ### Hardware Finish Cross-Reference | BHMA | US Equiv | Description | Common Use | |------|----------|-------------|------------| | 626 | US26D | Satin chrome | Most common interior | | 630 | US32D | Satin stainless | Healthcare, food service | | 605 | US3 | Bright brass | Decorative | | 613 | US10B | Oil rubbed bronze | Decorative | | 625 | US26 | Bright chrome | Decorative | | 652 | - | Powder coat | Match door color | ## Critical Dimensions ### Standard Door Sizes | Type | Width | Height | Notes | |------|-------|--------|-------| | Single door | 3'-0" | 7'-0" | Standard interior | | Single door | 3'-6" | 7'-0" | Equipment, accessible | | Single door | 3'-0" | 8'-0" | Commercial standard | | Pair equal | 6'-0" | 7'-0" | Two 3'-0" leaves | | Pair unequal | 5'-0" | 7'-0" | 3'-0" + 2'-0" typical | ### Frame Dimensions | Component | Standard | Notes | |-----------|----------|-------| | Frame depth | 4-5/8", 5-3/4", 6-3/4" | Match wall thickness | | Rabbet depth | 5/8" | Standard single rabbet | | Stop width | 2" typical | Standard frame profile | | Face width | 2" typical | Standard frame profile | | Throat opening | Door width + 1/4" | Typical clearance | ### Door Clearances | Location | Clearance | Notes | |----------|-----------|-------| | Hinge jamb | 1/8" | Standard | | Strike jamb | 1/8" | Standard | | Head | 1/8" | Standard | | Undercut (interior) | 3/4" | For carpet | | Undercut (fire door) | 3/4" max | NFPA 80 limit | | Meeting stile (pair) | 1/8" each leaf | With astragal | ## Installation Sequence Overview ### Typical Opening Installation Phases **Phase 1 - Frame Rough-In:** 1. Verify rough opening dimensions 2. Install frames in masonry/studs 3. Brace and plumb frames 4. Grout hollow metal frames in masonry 5. Protect frames during construction **Phase 2 - Door Installation:** 1. Verify frame square and plumb 2. Check hardware prep locations 3. Install hinges on frame 4. Hang door, check gaps 5. Adjust hinge screws as needed **Phase 3 - Hardware Installation:** 1. Install locksets/exit devices 2. Install strikes, adjust 3. Install closers, adjust 4. Install stops, holders, coordinators 5. Install thresholds, weatherstripping **Phase 4 - Final/Punch:** 1. Final adjustment of all hardware 2. Touch-up paint 3. Remove protective film 4. Final keying 5. Fire door inspection ## Key Coordination Points | Milestone | Coordinate With | Critical Items | |-----------|-----------------|----------------| | Frame delivery | Framing contractor | Wall type verification | | Frame set (masonry) | Mason | Grout timing, anchors | | Frame set (drywall) | Drywall contractor | Embedment depth | | Door delivery | GC/flooring | After wet work complete | | Hardware rough | Electrician | Electrified openings | | Hardware finish | Low-voltage | Access control devices | | Final keying | Owner | Key schedule, cores | ## Common Field Issues | Issue | Cause | Solution | |-------|-------|----------| | Door won't latch | Strike misaligned | Adjust strike, check frame | | Door drags on floor | Hinge sag | Shim hinges, replace if worn | | Fire door gaps too large | Frame out of square | Adjust frame before drywall | | Closer won't hold open | Back-check too strong | Adjust back-check valve | | Electric strike won't release | Wrong voltage/wiring | Verify 12V vs 24V, polarity | | Door swings wrong way | Frame installed backwards | Reinstall frame (costly) | ## Reference Documents Detailed technical information in reference files: - [Hollow Metal Frames](references/hollow-metal-frames.md) - Frame types, anchoring, preparation, fire-rated - [Hollow Metal Doors](references/hollow-metal-doors.md) - Construction, gauges, cores, labels - [Wood Doors](references/wood-doors.md) - Construction, cores, fire-rated, finishing - [Specialty Doors](references/specialty-doors.md) - Fire, smoke, acoustic, blast, automatic - [Finish Hardware](references/finish-hardware.md) - Hinges, locks, exits, closers, keying - [Electrified Hardware](references/electrified-hardware.md) - Electric strikes, maglocks, integration - [Fire-Rated Assemblies](references/fire-rated-assemblies.md) - NFPA 80, labels, inspections - [Installation Procedures](references/installation-procedures.md) - Step-by-step installation - [Coordination & Sequencing](references/coordination-sequencing.md) - Scheduling, trade coordination - [Code Compliance](references/code-compliance.md) - IBC, ADA, NFPA requirements - [Safety Hazards](references/safety-hazards.md) - Material handling, tool safety - [Specifications & CSI](references/specifications-csi.md) - Division 08, key sections ## Related Skills - **construction-safety-management** - General safety and OSHA requirements - **vdc-bim-coordination** - Opening coordination in BIM models - **procore-project-management** - RFI, submittal, and daily log workflows - **schedule-management-cpm** - Sequencing and schedule impacts - **quality-control-closeout** - Fire door inspections and punch lists ## Emergency Quick Answers ### "Fire door won't close completely" 1. Check floor/threshold for obstructions 2. Verify closer arm not binding 3. Check for hinge sag causing drag 4. Inspect coordinator on pairs 5. Verify astragal not damaged (pairs) 6. **Never prop open, block, or disable** ### "Lockset not working" 1. Check strike alignment (most common) 2. Verify latch throw adequate 3. Check door gaps at strike jamb 4. Verify correct function ordered 5. Test key cylinder separately 6. Check for paint in mechanism ### "Need to field-modify fire door" 1. **Stop - very limited modifications allowed** 2. Only label holder can authorize 3. Field prep for surface hardware may be OK 4. Adding/enlarging vision lite = **not allowed** 5. Cutting door for undercut = **not allowed** 6. Document everything, get written authorization ### "Access control not working" 1. Verify door position switch recognizing closed 2. Check power at electric strike/maglock 3. Verify fail-safe vs fail-secure wiring 4. Check request-to-exit sensor 5. Verify credentials programmed 6. Coordinate with low-voltage contractor