Step 1:
Measure and prepare the opening to make a rough opening that is 1 inch wider and ¾ inch higher than your new Belisle door. Make sure that the rough opening is square and plumb.
Step 2:
Install the door unit directly on the floor and make sure it is centered in the rough opening with ½ inch on each side between the door jamb and the opening. Do not apply any caulking between the door sill and the floor.
Step 3:
Install shims under the sill at each end to lift the sill by a ¼ inch and make sure that it is level. Once the sill is leveled, center the door unit in the opening and install additional shims between the jamb and the opening on each side of the door frame at approximately 6 inches from the bottom of the unit.
Step 4:
Center the top of the door unit in the rough opening. Make sure that the door frame is plumb and level both ways: 1) from left to right, 2) from front to back. Install additional shims between the jamb and the opening on each side of the door at approximately 6 inches from the top of the unit.
Step 5:
Check that the door frame is square by measuring the two diagonals. The two dimensions should be identical (1/16-inch difference is acceptable). Check that the door operates smoothly, and step back to check if the gaps between the sash(es) and the jambs are consistent on the entire perimeter. If the door is not operating properly or if the gaps are uneven, readjust the shims until the door operates smoothly and the gaps between the sash(es) and the door frame are consistent.
Step 6:
For doors that are 84 inches high or less, install an additional shim at center (between top and bottom shims) on each side of the door between the jambs and the opening. For doors that are higher than 84 inches, install two additional shims equally spaced at center (between top and bottom shims) on each side of the door between the jambs and the opening.
NOTE: When installing shims at center, make sure that the jambs remain plumb (not bowed towards left or right).
For double French doors, install shims under the sill at center; for doors with vertical posts, always install shims under each post.
NOTE: When installing shims under the sill, make sure that the sill remains level (not bent). Also, never install shims at the top of the unit between the head jamb and the opening. The door should never support any weight other than its own.
Step 7:
Use 3 ½-inch #8 screws to screw through the door jambs (behind the Q-Lon weather-stripping) at shim locations only, into the studs (2x6 or 2x4 wall). Repeat this last step at each shim location.
NOTE: Steel angles will be provided for installation of fixed doors or doors with fixed sidelites. If possible, replace one standard hinge screw with a 4-inch #10 screw on the top hinge.
Step 8:
Use low-expansion spray foam insulation to insulate under the door sill. For the sides and at the head, you can use the same foam insulation but we suggest using fiberglass insulation.
Step 9:
Cut the excess of shims that extend on the interior/exterior of the house. Install interior/exterior trim or casing.
Finishing and maintenance:
If you have purchased your doors unfinished or primed only, you must finish them with stain or paint within 30 days after delivery. Please see Belisle’s limited warranty. For maintenance, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (e.g., Sikkens, Benjamin Moore, etc.).
Never apply stain or paint over weather-stripping or hardware components; this may impair the product's performance.
Clean and lubricate hardware regularly. Use only a proper lubricant. Inspect the weather-stripping regularly and replace it if necessary.
Surface condensation:
To avoid excess condensation, make sure that there is sufficient ventilation in front of the door and maintain relative humidity at an acceptable level. The following table shows suggested relative humidity levels at a 68oF (20oC) interior temperature with different exterior temperatures. By keeping the humidity level at the suggested figure, you will help reduce the risk of surface condensation.
|
Exterior temperature |
Max. interior humidity level |
|
-22°F (-30°C) or less |
15% |
|
-22°F to -11°F (-30°C to -24°C) |
20% |
|
0°F to 10°F (-18°C to -12°C) |
30% |
|
10°F to 21°F (-12°C to -6°C) |
35% |
|
21°F to 32°F (-6°C to 0°C) |
40% |
