The steps in how to install a steel fire door consist of the following:
Locating and examing the door opening.
Removing the existing molding.
Inserting the jamb clips into the frame’s sides.
Setting frame into the opening.
Preparing and installing drywall.
We’ll go into detail for each of these steps.
Step 1: Locate and Examine the Rough Opening
First, you’ll need to examine the current door frame. Check the following things:
The floor’s conditions, since it may affect the mounting
The door frame’s width and height
The strike type, hinge size, and closure mounting.
When defining the frame’s width, you’ll need to use your measuring tape to check the width starting from the exterior side of the side jambs. Of this measurement, you’ll add half 0.5 inches more.
For the frame’s height, you should add to your measurement ¼ inches. Also, make sure that the floor is level. In case it isn’t, we suggest you add 0.5 inches or more to the header. That way, you’ll have space for you to level the frame properly.
Step 2: Remove Existing Molding
In case you’re replacing an existing door frame, you’ll need to remove it using the crowbar carefully. Pull the upper molding existing door. Then, repeat this step on the bottom and middle part of the molding. Do this until you completely remove all the frame.
For the hinges, use your screwdriver to remove them. Lastly, drill out the metal frame, including jambs and sills.
Step 3: Insert Jamb Clips into the Steel Frame’s Sides
After successfully preparing the door frame’s opening, you can proceed to the steel jamb clips. You’ll need a total of four jamb clips. When placing these clips, you’ll need to do so to the back of the steel frame’s sides.
For the bottom clips, place them 4 inches from the lower half of the frame. Next, for the upper half of the frame, put the clips 6 inches beneath the door’s header. Lastly, place the clips that are left at an equal distance between the lower and upper clips.
Step 4: Set Frame into the Opening
Now it’s time to place the frame to the rough opening. When you do this, bear in mind to use your hammer to bend the anchor ties. Also, try to center each side of the frame. Don’t forget to level the door’s top jamb horizontally.
Then, drill onto the hinge side the hollow metal door frame anchors, using two screws for each clip. Also, keep in mind that this step needs to be done directly opposing the strike side. In case you are installing jambs that exceed 6 inches, you’ll need to use three screws.
Lastly, you’ll need to attach the floor and ceiling jamb steel studs. Do this by placing these studs tightly against the frames.
Remember that for doors that are 30 inches or wider, you’ll have to place jamb anchors at the top of the frame as well! Additionally, when counting on doors that are 7 feet or higher, it’s best to use more clips of each frame side.
Step 5: Prepare & Install Drywall
Last but not least, you need to make sure that your door’s frame is all set up before covering the wall. Check if you placed everything correctly, making sure that the frame is level and straight. After all, steel frames aren’t as wooden frames since you can’t fix them afterward.
