How To Install A Hollow Metal Door Frame In A Concrete Wall

This is the instruction guide for installing a hollow metal door in masonry construction including CMU, block wall, and brick wall applications. Hollow metal steel doors are commonly found on block wall commercial construction, since steel doors are the best value for overall security and lowest cost of total ownership.

Step 1: Account For All Material

The door package will have included one or more of the masonry wall anchors (wire anchor, t anchor, or strap anchor) as illustrated below.

Masonry Wire Anchor
This type of anchor is typically made of 3/16" diameter wire and is about 10" long. The wire anchor is designed to lay horizontally, lodged between the door frame's rabbet and the backbend. The masonry wire anchor is designed to expand to fit wider door frame jamb depths.

Masonry T Anchor
This type of anchor is typically the width of the door jamb less 1/4" and is manufactured from 16 gauge steel. The length of the t anchor is approximately 10". Masonry T anchors are designed to lay horizontally, lodged against the door frame's backbend.

Strap Anchor
This anchor type is made of 16 gauge steel and is approximately 2" wide x 10" long. Strap anchors are usually slotted and connected to a spot welded tab attached to the back of the door frame.

Step 2: Move Frame Into Place

Carefully maneuver door frame into the location.

Step 3: Set Wood Spreader

Place the wood spreader at the sill of the door frame. Please note that a set up and welded door frame may have a spreader bar welded across sill already. Remove existing spreader bar and discard. Do not rely on existing spreader bar as accurate jig.

Step 4: Floor Knee

Shoot the floor knee to place the door frame in the correct position.

Step 5: Erect Frame Support

Use 2x4 wood stud braces as frame support. Notch braces to fit door frame and erect. Blocking is fastened to floor for brace support.

Step 6: Plumb Jambs

Adjust the door frames so that the door jambs are level.

Step 7: Level Head

Adjust the door frame so that the head of the door frame is level.

Step 8: Square Corners

Using a square adjust the door frame so all corners are square.

Step 9: Add Another Spreader

Insert another wood spreader at the center of the door frame.

Step 10: Erect Block Wall

Erect the block wall around the door frame. Be sure the masonry anchor is used for every 30 inches of jamb height. On the hinge jamb each anchor must be located immediately above or below each hinge reinforcement. On the strike jamb, anchors must be located directly opposite of the anchors on the hinge jamb. Refer to NFPA 80 or UL63 guidelines.




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