Steel Door Frame Installation in Masonry Construction

Steel Door Frame Installation

in Masonry Construction

This manual provides step-by-step instructions for the installation

of a steel door frame in masonry construction. It is a companion
piece to the SDI video How to Install Steel Door Frames in Masonry
Construction. Please watch the video for a demonstration of all
steps in this process. To view the video, scan the QR code below or
visit the SDI website at www.steeldoor.org.

Link to video.
Steel Door Institute

Frame Installation: Masonry Construction

Regardless of the type of building project, secure openings require proper frame installation.
This manual will walk you through the three phases of the installation process for a steel door
frame in masonry construction.

Prepare: Select the right materials and tools for this project.
Install: Set the frame plumb, level & square; complete frame
installation. At least a 2-day process with masonry construction. 
Verify: Test the door to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Locate the frame at the door opening location. Verify that the frame
numbers match those of the opening location.
2. Compare the handing and size of the frame to the drawing.

3. Check the hardware schedule. Contract your distributor if information

does not match.
4. Verify that the proper hardware reinforcements are installed on the
frame. Also verify the hinge size, strike type and closer mounting.
5. The floor finish will affect the way the door should be installed.
Determine if the floor finish will be:
• Concrete
• Carpet
• Wood
• Tile
As shown in the image below, we are using a 4-1/2” hinge, an ASA
strike and both regular arm and parallel arm closer reinforcements. Wire
anchors work in a variety of masonry applications and will be used in
this installation as well.

NOTE: Some wood and tile finishes, such as quarry, are up to 3/4” thick.

Steel Door Frame Installation in Masonry Construction

 Steel Door Frame Installation in Masonry Construction

EXPERT INSIGHTS:
√√ Before setting the frame, always verify that the floor conditions
match the drawing that you are using.
√√ Circumstances may call for mounting the frame directly to the
concrete.
√√ You may be installing the door frame prior to floor installation. It’s
critical that you know the specifications of the floor that will be laid,
so that the door will not drag or have too large of a gap when the
installation is complete.

6. Adjust the frame to match the floor finish thickness. Frames are
provided with adjustable base anchors that allow you to adapt to floors
that are up to 1-3/8” thick.

CAUTION: Not all floor anchors are adjustable. We recommend that you
contact your job supervisor and verify the floor anchor requirements of the
finish flooring. SDI manufacturers may provide either adjustable or fixed
anchors.

7. The frame may be shipped already welded or it may ship KD

(knock down).
Pre-welded frame 8. Install base anchors to the frame using the screws provided.
Pre-welded frames are transported to the job site using a shipping bar
to prevent the frame from twisting in transit. This bar is not to be used
as a spreader bar to set the frame.

EXPERT INSIGHTS:
√√ Some assembly is required with KD frames, but it is minimal.
√√ Note that each slot has an associated tab.
Spreader bar √√ The most important tab connection is at the rabbeted part of the
frame; those tabs should be bent in an outward postion.

9. Stand the frame up in the wall line at the proposed location.

EXPERT INSIGHTS:
√√ The shipping bar comes welded from the factory.
√√ It is important that it is properly removed by grinding off. Do not
bend or twist off.
Stand the frame up
in the wall line 10. Place the spreader, that has been precisely cut to the door opening
specification, between the hinges and strike jambs at the floor.
Steel Door Institute

CAUTION: Check the spreader to ensure that it has been cut squarely and
accurately. This will help align the jambs as they are anchored to the floor,
which is critical to proper installation.

Place spreader between hinges

and strike jambs

Step 2: Setting the Frame Plumb, Level & Square

11. Attach the base anchors to the floor on each jamb, using a concrete
screw or drive pin anchor.
12. Check to ensure the frame has not moved away from the layout lines.

13. Verify that the head of the frame is level.

14. You may need to adjust the base anchors to achieve a level head and
Attach base anchors
to floor
proper floor clearance.

EXPERT INSIGHTS:
√√ Throughout any frame installation, it is important that the frame is
continually checked to be plumb, level and square.

15. Shim the bottom of the jamb with a flat washer or a fender washer if
needed.
16. Recheck for level accuracy after you make every adjustment. With the
frame in place, the jamb should be temporarily braced.
17. If your installation requires electrical components, now is the time to
install conduits or flex cable for low voltage wiring.
18. Install a piece of tie wire around the frame 48” from the finished floor.
Twist the wire tight. This creates inward tension to hold the spreader in
place.

Steel Door Frame Installation in Masonry Construction

 Steel Door Frame Installation in Masonry Construction

19. Place another spreader in between the hinge and strike jambs. This
mid-frame spreader is important for keeping the frame straight and in
alignment.
20. Check the frame for plumb, level and square accuracy. Bend the anchor
ear around the stud to hold the anchor in place.
21. As the mason begins to lay the block, the courses should be brought up
evenly on both sides of the doorframe.

CAUTION: Be sure not to push the frame out of plumb with the block.

Bring the courses 22. Fill the jambs with mortar evenly up both sides. Lightly tap the frame to
up evenly
settle the mortar.
23. At the third course, or approximately 24” from the floor, lie in a wire
anchor on the hinge and strike jambs. Then check the frame again to
be sure it is still plumb, level and square in all directions. Make any
necessary adjustments.

24. Continue laying the block, filling the jambs with mortar evenly up both
Lay a wire anchor at
the third course
sides and lightly tapping the frame to settle the mortar as you go.
25. At the sixth course, or approximately 48” from the floor, lay in another
anchor on the hinge and strike jambs. Then check the frame again
to be sure it is still plumb, level and square. Make any necessary
adjustments.

26. Continue laying the block, filling the jambs with mortar evenly up both
sides and lightly tapping the frame to settle the mortar as you go.
27. After laying 8 or 9 courses, the masonry should be allowed to set
overnight. Leave the spreaders and temporary back bracing in place
overnight. Before leaving the site for the day, clean any mortar out of
the hinge pockets and strike reinforcements. Also clear any mortar
droppings away from the base of the frame.

Leave the spreaders Step 3: Completing the Installation (Day Two)

in place overnight
28. Begin day two of your installation by removing the back braces. Be very
careful not to damage the doorframe. The spreader should remain in
place if at all possible. When using wood stud anchors, bend the ears
tightly against the stud.

29. Evenly fill the jambs with mortar on both sides and lightly tap the frame
to settle the mortar.
Steel Door Institute

30. At the next course, or approximately 72” from the floor, lay in another
anchor on the hinge and strike jambs. Again, check the frame to be sure
it is plumb, level and square. Make any necessary adjustments.

EXPERT INSIGHTS:
√√ Any time you fill a head more than 42” in length with mortar, you
will need to insert a vertical brace to prevent sagging. The brace
stretches from the bottom of the head down to the floor.
√√ Shim the vertical brace as needed to maintain a level head on the
frame.

31. Continue laying the block and filling the jambs with mortar evenly up
both sides. Lightly tap the frame to settle the mortar and continue up to
the top of the frame. The head will now need to be filled with mortar.
32. Lay the lentil over the frame.

Tap the frames to

settle the mortar Step 4: Verification
33. Check that the frame head is still level and that no sagging has taken
place. If it is level, your frame installation is complete.
34. The frame installation is now complete and ready for the next stage of
construction.

The procedures described in this document are only guidelines. Please follow
all applicable building codes, standards and accepted practices specific to your
geographic location.

For more information, visit www.steeldoor.org.

Steel Door Frame Installation in Masonry Construction