I have very good success with almost every door I’ve tried to hang, but have run into something that has me stumped. I was hoping someone else has found a solution; I’m working on a house that includes three doors with two venting sidelites per door. The problem is the latch-side mullion has nothing to keep it in line. It moves around with the changes in humidity and temperature – sometimes binding on the door and somtimes the sidelite. I’ve become so desparate that I even tried screwing through the top and bottom of the mullion into the rough opening to try to tension it. Nothnig has worked. To add to that, each door acts differently. Has anyone else solved this problem?
Thanks,
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Greetings berferdt,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
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bump
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
I quit.
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why..
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I think you are saying "mullion" when you mean "mull." The regional and local variations of window/door terminology make it difficult at times.
The mull - the back to back jambs that run vertically between a door and a side light - needs to be thicker than the usual 2- pcs of 3/4" jamb, often corrugated nailed to each other. They will move laterally, especially on the latch side of the door. If this is the case you have before you, I'll bet this is work made by either a cheapo (Chinese)or new to the trade type. If so, your only option will be to fix the sidelight in the closed position and try to seek redress from the seller.
The mull between a fixed sidelight and door needs to be laminated at 1-1/2" thick, minimum, with some stout mull covers in and out. If the sidelight is hinged or tilting or anything else, then the jamb needs to be made as a box beam, and net about 2 to 3 inches in width. This will make it stiff enough to quit moving about with wind and weather. The species may also come into play. Poplar and Red Oak move like crazy, and Quartered White Oak or Honduras Mahogany are stable.
Dave S Acorn Woodworks, Inc.
http://www.acornwoodworks.com
You are correct - the terms differ greatly, even in various carpentry texts.
These items were purchased by the homeowner as part of the big job because she was so enamored with the venting feature. I think she bought them from either a big blue or orange box. The liturature that came with them says they are US made.
I'm sure fixing the latch side would be a punchlist item. My latest thought is finding a way to bury some 1x1x1/8" angle iron in it in an attractive way . . . maybe both sides of the door would be enough symmetry to disguise it.
A suggestion, I've never tried this, so take it for what it's worth: Take the perforated angle iron you can find at the home center and screw it to the mull, screws flush. Rip thin veneers of hardwood and either glue it to the iron using PL Premium or brad nail thru the iron perforations.
Good luck.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.