Masonite provides resources for the installation and care of its doors, encompassing both preparation and specific procedures. These resources aim to ensure proper installation for optimal performance and to maintain warranty compliance. The documentation details procedures for both standard and specialized door types, including those designed for energy efficiency and coastal environments. Proper installation involves careful attention to shimming, screw placement, and sealant preparation.
Door Specifications and Resources
Masonite offers downloadable manuals containing specifications, use, and maintenance information for its doors. These resources are intended to assist in selecting the correct door unit for a specific application and to facilitate a smooth installation process. The documentation emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements, stating “Measure twice. Choose once.” These manuals cover product construction, delivery, storage, handling instructions, building code compliance, and warranty information.
Preparing for Installation
Prior to installation, inspection of doors with AquaSeal technology is recommended. This technology incorporates a silicon-based sealant around the perimeter of the door panel and glass. The documentation advises inspecting the sealant for wood particles or chips. If present, these particles should be removed using either a soft to medium bristle brush or a rag with mineral spirits. This preparation ensures proper adhesion of paint or stain. The documentation notes that some paint and stain products may require additional coats to achieve adequate coverage and color matching on the sealant, and suggests using a cotton swab or thin brush for application.
Installation Procedures: Side-Hinged Doors
Installation instructions are specifically provided for side-hinged door units. A key step involves removing plastic covers from the bottoms of the jambs, loosening Phillips screws, adjusting strikers, and then retightening the screws. Plastic strips may require trimming during this process.
Proper shimming is critical for ensuring a correctly installed door. The documentation instructs shimming at the top of the frame behind both the latch-side and hinge-side jambs. The goal is to maintain a consistent 1/8" gap between the top of the door slab and the frame header. The door should operate freely with only the shims providing support.
A caution is included regarding door operation: the door panel should not be opened more than 30 degrees until 2-1/2" screws are installed at specific points (Points B, C, D, E & F in Figure 20, as referenced in the documentation).
Addressing Threshold and Flush Bolt Issues
The documentation addresses potential issues with the threshold and weatherstrip block. If a gap exists between these components, it indicates the hole for the flush bolt may not be deep enough. To rectify this, the documentation instructs shimming tightly behind the vacant hinge screw hole in the bottom hinge until the flush bolt slides freely into the clearance hole in the sill. Securing the door involves driving a 2-1/2" installation screw through the hinge and jamb into the stud. If the flush bolt still does not slide freely, further shimming and tightening of the screw are recommended.
Specialized Door Types and Considerations
Masonite offers a range of specialized doors designed for specific needs. These include solid core interior doors, designed for sound reduction, and coastal/impact-resistant doors.
Solid Core Interior Doors
Solid core interior doors are designed to reduce sound transmission, creating quieter spaces within a home. These doors are particularly suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, and other areas where sound isolation is desired. They also offer a substantial, high-quality feel.
Coastal and Impact-Resistant Doors
For coastal regions prone to hurricanes, Masonite offers products designed to withstand high-velocity winds. The Hurricane-Lite™ frame, while resembling a standard frame, meets High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) code requirements. These frames feature standard window cut-outs that accommodate impact-rated glass, simplifying assembly without compromising aesthetics. Florida product approvals are available for review at www.floridabuilding.org.
Energy Efficiency and ENERGY STAR® Compliance
Masonite emphasizes energy efficiency, noting that energy-efficient choices can save families approximately one-third on their energy bills. The company works with the ENERGY STAR® program to provide energy-efficient door options. When installed correctly, Masonite doors can meet ENERGY STAR® requirements, which vary by region. Charts detailing these requirements are available through Masonite resources.
Warranty Information
Masonite provides comprehensive warranties for its doors, varying based on the application (interior, exterior, or entry systems with sidelites or transoms). The company states it has established a large base of satisfied customers over its 80+ years in the building products business and aims for complete customer satisfaction with its products. Detailed warranty information is available for download.
Conclusion
Masonite provides a range of resources to support the proper installation and maintenance of its doors. These resources cover preparation, specific installation procedures for side-hinged doors, and considerations for specialized door types such as solid core, coastal/impact-resistant, and energy-efficient models. Adhering to the provided instructions is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, warranty compliance, and long-term satisfaction with Masonite products.