Replies

1. 
   Patrick | Jul 29, 1999 02:13am | #1

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   Here's the way I set French doors. First I prepare the opening. This means checking the floor for level and the sides for plumb and making the necessary adjustments,(i.e. shims to bring the floor level, adding material to trimmers to create
   proper rough opening width, etc.)Once the opening is fairly plumb and level and the rough opening is acceptable I remove the doors from the jambs and set the unit in place. I center and set the theshhold and fasten it making sure it's sealed and flashed properly, well supported and dead level. Next I level and set the jamb of the fixed side of the unit. I usually set exterior door jambs with screws. I then hang the fixed door and check and adjust it for proper swing and clearances to the jamb set. When it looks good, I hang the active door and shim and set it to the fixed door and rest of the opening. I usually do not use screws for setting the head jamb, especially on new construction as header deflection and general settling can push the jamb down to the doors and bind them. I usually set the head jamb with unshimmed finish nails and rely on the interior and exterior casing to hold it in place. Since you're doing a retro-fit it,s not as big an issue.
   That's the way I do it. I've found that most experienced carpenters have their own unique process when it comes to hanging doors that takes shape after an extended period of experimentation.
   I'm sure you'll get a lot of response. Good luck
   and may your rough opening be plumb and level to begin with.

2. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 1999 05:24am | #2

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   Bill,

   You install them like any other doors. The question might be have you installed any other doors?

   Joseph Fusco

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3. 
   Bill_G. | Jul 30, 1999 06:26pm | #3

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   Yes, I've installed a few, but not so many that I'm all that confident with it. Most of what I have installed have been interior doors and I didn't need to be concerned with thresholds and making sure it's sealed from the weather. Bill

4. 
   Guest_ | Jul 31, 1999 03:55am | #4

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   Bill,

   It would take to long to type so here's a link to help get you through. Good luck

   Joseph Fusco

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1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 02, 1999 09:04am | #6

   *A couple of points I've found helpful:Worry about flashing a lot, esp. with a French door. If it is not protected by overhang, assume water will penetrate everywhere and consider how it will be escorted out again without damaging the building. Wrap the framing with rubberized asphalt splines, such as Weatherwatch or Ice&Water Shield, use a proper cap, and pay CLOSE attention to sealing the threshold. I was careless with my first and boy was I surprised to see water streaming under the threshold in the first storm. A soldered metal pan sloped to daylight beneath the threshold sounds like the wisest protection. Don't rely on caulk.Also, if you can, use screws to attach the jamb to the framing, remove the shims, then blow low-expansion foam into the gap to seal it. The screws permit some adjustability and resist the foam's tendency to push the jambs in. The shims just get in the way at this point.Just my 2¢...

5. 
   Bill_Getz | Aug 02, 1999 09:04am | #5

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   I need some advice on installing French Doors, I've never done it before and need to know if there are any easy tricks to getting it in place. They will be going in a walk out from a basement bedroom where there currently is a set of sliding doors. Thanks for you help. Bill