Instructions: Side entrance door measurement
During renovations and refurbishments, worn-out side entrance doors are usually replaced – sometimes for visual reasons but preferably to improve thermal insulation and security with modern building elements. In the case of new buildings, you have a free choice and can directly adapt the side entrance door to your needs. Here, the so-called precise dimension minus the installation clearance can be used for ordering the door. These are the dimensions of the pure wall opening. However, do not forget to take into account the installation clearance as well as the floor structure. For everything to work during installation, you must first take precise measurements:
What is needed?
- Pen
- Paper
- Metre measure
- Construction plan, if necessary
Sketch dimensions and model
First, roughly sketch the wall opening of the side entrance door to be able to enter all relevant information, including:
- Number of leaves and, if applicable, side panels and skylight.
- The desired door model.
- The direction of rotation and opening (DIN left or DIN right and direction of rotation inwards or outwards).
- Position of lock and door handle.
Tip from a professional: When planning, start from the inside view to determine the opening direction, for example. As a rule, side entrance doors open inwards.
Measure the width of the side entrance door
Measure the width of the wall opening from one reveals to the other. Repeat the process in two more places (top third, middle, bottom third). Select the smallest measured value and subtract the required installation clearance for the mounting material on the right and left. This value forms the side entrance door width.
Tip from a professional: The required installation clearance varies depending on the width and height of the door element. Take the appropriate values from the overview table.
Determine the side entrance door height
The height is determined by measuring from the floor to the top of the wall. Again, measuring and choosing the smallest value in several places is advisable. Then subtract the installation clearance at the top. What remains is the total dimension of the front door height.
Our tip: If you have a front door with a threshold, order an additional frame extension at the bottom. On the one hand, this can be used for floor construction, and, on the other hand, it can be recessed and screwed into the floor for more excellent stability of the threshold construction.
The installation gap refers to a narrow gap on both sides of the frame and the upper edge. This is needed for the mounting material or insulation of the side entrance door. Depending on the width and height, the required installation clearance may vary. The profile’s color also influences, as dark decors expand more than light ones. You can find the correct values in the table above.
To determine the order dimension, first, determine the width of the new side entrance door as described above. Subtract the installation clearance from it on both the left and right sides – the result is the order width. The height will be measured in the same way. The installation clearance is deducted only at the top because the door thresholds are usually set on pressure-resistant floors. Caution: If the finished floor has not yet been laid, its height must also be considered. For this purpose, you can configure frame extensions to the door element with it.
Side entrance door with masonry stop
Depending on the building conditions, we distinguish between two types of installation:
- Installation in the reveal
- Installation in the stop
In the latter case, there is an offset between the outside and the inside because a piece of the wall – the stop – protrudes into the actual wall opening. Thus, the door frame is partially hidden, and only the so-called mirror is visible.
Therefore, take the measurements described above from the inside and outside to determine the later visible frame width. If necessary, a frame widening is needed here so that the side entrance door also functions optimally. Feel free to contact our team of experts if you have any questions.
Tips for measuring the side entrance door:
- The measurement of the front door should be done by the installer who is installing it. Due to construction plans could be faulty or outdated.
- Always measure in several places and then choose the smallest value.
- Make sure that the door is opened in the right direction not to affect its functionality.
- Take into account the wall offset by taking measurements from the inside and outside.
- Enter the measured values in the construction plan and date them so that you can refer to them during subsequent conversions.