Tolerances for fitting outside doors.

[Beau]

Made a new front door for the neighbours and unsure how much to allow for expansion. The wood is lovely and dry now but this is a Southwest facing door on Dartmoor so it's going to get a hammering from the rain. The Aquamac 21 seal recommends a 3mm gap but presuming this does not allow for expansion. Plus the paint is going to have some thickness.

How much extra would you take off the width if any?

 

[Woody2Shoes]

Hi,

Someone who knows what they're talking about will be along in a moment, but in the meantime, what's the door made of? What design/pattern of door is it?

I'm a bit confused about the Aquamac - shouldn't that normally be installed at 90 degrees to the face of the door i.e. the 3mm gap is between the outer face of the door and the inner face of the frame rebate (assuming inward opening) - or have I misunderstood?

If it were me, I'd allow about 3mm gap all round and consider taking a 3 degree bevel off the closing stile.

Cheers, W2S

 

[RobinBHM]

I use aquamac 21, but use it as a compression seal, so does not affect door tolerance.

I usually aim for 3mm at sides and top, bottom depends on threshold arrangement.

You could machine out the hinges deeper than required and fit shims which could be removed if the door swells. Coastal ironmongery actually supplies stainless shims for 100mm hinges.

Relief on the door is a good idea.

 

[ColeyS1]

Kinda depends how big your stiles are. If you're having 8 inchs stiles it'll likely need a larger expansion gap. 4 inch stile you could allow less. I've generally found a 2mm gap all the way around is sufficient for properly sealed timber.

Coley

 

[Beau]

Hi,

Someone who knows what they're talking about will be along in a moment, but in the meantime, what's the door made of? What design/pattern of door is it?

I'm a bit confused about the Aquamac - shouldn't that normally be installed at 90 degrees to the face of the door i.e. the 3mm gap is between the outer face of the door and the inner face of the frame rebate (assuming inward opening) - or have I misunderstood?

If it were me, I'd allow about 3mm gap all round and consider taking a 3 degree bevel off the closing stile.

Cheers, W2S

When the seal is used in the wiping way you need the 3mm gap. Can have less gap when used in compression which I would do if making the frames but the old frame is staying put so got to fit to whats there.

Will bevel the lock side.

Door is outward opening.

The door is made of southern yellow pine and to be painted.

Will post a pic at some stage.

Think I will go for 3mm on hinge side and 4mm on lock side. 3mm at the top plus whatever the bottom needs to clear the rough granite step. Stiles are 100mm ish

 

[skipdiver]

Leave a penny for the painter.

 

[Woody2Shoes]

Leave a penny for the painter.

Very nice. I'm afraid it reminds me of the plasterer who left a jobbie for the plumber! :lol: :roll:

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

3mm all round. If you want a compression seal use Aquamac 63 instead