Hello Everyone,
I need to replace a door and its metal framed door jamb. The jamb has its own casings that appear as one piece and I can not see where it is to be disassembled. There are no obvious marks where the jamb is nailed or screwed into the framing either. The hinges are also integrated onto the jamb so I know it is not attached through there.
Any suggestions as to how I disassemble this door frame (aside from cutting it out would be appreciated. BTW: This frame is at least 30 – 35 years old
On a related note, one side of the door frame has stucco and drywall on the other side that runs up to it (but it does not appear behind it) This door is a transition between a common area and the car port in an apartment building and will be replaced with a 90 minute fire rated door. When looking at some of the firerated doors, there appear to be different frame options (i.e. Stanleys had some for masonry and drywall, etc) Any suggestions of what would be the best suited frame to minimize stucco and drywall damage, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Tark
Replies
You are probably going to have to cut out the old one. For a new door I would use a 3 piece knock down jamb with the fire door. A comercial door shop should be able to get you one with a jamb thick enough to slide over the drywall and stucco.
It sounds like the existing frame is a commercial welded hollow metal frame. You're right. there's no way to take it apart. It was probably installed while the wall was being built, before the sheetrock and plaster were installed, which means it will be a bear to remove without damaging the wall. There are probably tabs like masonry brick anchors that tie the metal frame to the wall, and they are not designed to come apart.
For the replacement frame, contact a commercial door distributor and tell them what you need (90 min) and the wall construction and thickness. There are hollow metal frames available that come in three pieces and are designed to be attached to a wall after it is built.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
ELCID72/charlesc,
Thank you both for your responses. I was afraid that I'd have to cut it out, but wanted to see if there another way. Thanks,
Tark
just hope the hollow jamb isn't filled with concrete ...
adds some time to the demo work.
don't be too surprised if it is .....
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
What is "wrong" with the frame that just changing the door would not solve?
Bill,
The frames have been beat up over the years. Pervious owner used a sledge hammer to "straighten" the frame when the doors would not close square. The hinges that were welded to the frame are tearing away, causing the door closing problems. I thought of cutting out the old hinges and replacing them, but it would look like a hack job and thought better of it.
Thanks for responding,
Tark
In that case it makes sense to replacement.
I though maybe it was just a style issue.