Starter's Guide to The Main Hollow Metal Door Frame Details


Hollow Metal Door Frame Details


When counting on your own business premise, it’s best to have a high-security door that’ll bring aesthetic value as well. Hollow metal doors can bring you precisely that! For this reason, today we’ll go over which are the main hollow metal door frame details.

Why Should You Invest on a Hollow Metal Door Frame?

The type of door that you choose for your business will play a big role in the image you portray to your clients. That’s why you’ll want to choose a door that’ll last you a long time without having to do much maintenance. By choosing hollow metal doors, you are projecting an image of professionalism to your customers.

Here are five advantages of hollow metal doors have that  all business proprietors must know:

  • High security
  • Long durability
  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Low cost
  • Energy efficiency

Let’s check out each of these benefits into more detail:

High Security

First, there is no stronger door or frame that you can choose than hollow steel. Hollow metal doors have high impact resistance. Also, metal enhances your building’s security level. Thus, this type of door does a better job of absorbing and dispersing impacts, which lessens the chances of cracking, denting, etc.

In fact, if you want a bulletproof door, then this door type is your best bet. You can be sure that any valuable stock you have will be safe at all times with a hollow metal door. 

Long Durability

Second, hollow metal doors will last a long time without any damage. Weather? No match against this door. They are built to resist hot and cold temperatures, high or low humidity, and more.

Generally speaking, this type of door can last you up to 30 years or even longer! Not only that, but they also require little to no maintenance.

Aesthetic Appeal

Believe it or not, metal doors are very attractive. These doors have a variety of finishes and designs available for both doors and frames. You can choose the finish that best suits your building, whether it’s for an interior door or an exterior one. 

Even more, hollow metal door frames count on more options. Also, hollow metal doors grant your premise a neat and clean look at all times. With this door type, you can add your business premise consistency and uniformity. 

Low Cost

When compared to other styles, this door type has a relatively low cost. They are actually cheap enough that many businesses can afford to install numerous doors throughout each high-security building.

Not only that, but hollow metal core doors can outlast aluminum and wood doors as well. This longer life expectancy ofter results in a much better long-term investment. 

Energy Efficiency

Lastly, hollow metal doors are incredibly energy-efficient. These doors count on excellent insulating properties that can help you keep energy costs low. Not only that, but you won’t also have to worry about any warm air entering your premise.

Which Are the Hollow Metal Door Frame Details to Keep in Mind?

Now that you know the main reasons to opt for a commercial hollow metal door, proprietors must know the standard specs for them. 

Hollow metal frames can fit any type of stud walls, no matter if it’s wood studs, steel, or masonry.  However, keep in mind that each wall condition and type can bring different requirements when installing them. That’s why here we’ll briefly go over each specification.

Fire Rated Hollow Metal Details and Requirements

Metal Door NFPA Requirements

More likely than not, you’ll want to have a door frame and a stud wall that’s fire rated. In most cases, when you have a fire-rated door, it probably counts on a polyurethane honeycomb core that grants it insulating properties as well.

If you want excellent fireproof protection, then you’ll want to have both doors and frames that follow some standard requirements.

Firstly, a fire-rated door must follow the qualifications stated in NFPA 80. These requirements go over the installation, testing, inspections, and maintenance of the doors. 

Additionally, you’ll want to know the weather stripping type you’ll be applying to your hollow metal doors. That way, you can make sure that the gasketing type won’t bring any problems when it comes to fire hazards. 

Lastly, bear in mind that fire-rated hollow metal frames need 9.5mm diameter bolts.

Rough Opening Hollow Metal Door Frame Details

Rough Opening Hollow Metal Door Frame Details

Following fire-rated materials, proprietors must be aware of the hollow metal door frame details when it comes to rough openings.

When installing these types of frames, it’s a good rule a thumb to leave a clearance of ¼ inches around the frame. This clearance measure comes from the ± tolerance doors have regarding width and height. In other words, by using this measurement, frames can fit without much problem.

Additionally, professionals must use this measurement only for doors that are greater than 3/16 inches large on all sides for the frame. That way, they can ensure that the frames can align properly to the walls.

When counting on 2-inch face frames, you’ll want to have between 2.125 inches to 2.375 inches for clearance. Moreover, when having smaller face frames ranging between 1.5 to 1.75 inches, you’ll need to have a 2-inch clearance area. 

Lastly, during the installation, you must make sure to seal completely any gaps. This gasketing material must match the premise’s safety control. Also, keep in mind that when calculating a door’s opening height, professionals must take into account the finish floor height as well.

Base Anchors Details for Block Walls, Stud Walls, and Existing Walls

Lastly, you must keep in mind the different types of hollow metal frame anchors. Because you can place a  hollow metal door anywhere, you must know which is the right anchor when installing it.

 Generally speakings, there are 5 types of base anchors you should keep in mind:

  • Steel stud 
  • Universal stud
  • Existing masonry 
  • Wood stud
  • Wire masonry

Steel, wood, and universal anchors are the general option when it comes to stud walls. These anchors usually come with the door frames. Wire and existing masonry anchors, on the other hand, are for masonry wall anchors. These anchors tend to depend on the type of wall you’re placing the frame.

Now that you know the basics behind the hollow metal door frame details, it’s time to install your doors today! 

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