Question about pre hung exterior door and tile

gta · 08-06-2012, 05:04 AM

I am planning on hanging a pre hung exterior door that goes from the house into the garage. The pre hung door has the threshold attached to the door frame.

Tile was installed on top of a concrete floor with the tile butted up against the old threshold, but the new threshold that comes with the door is slightly wider.

So, the new threshold goes over the tile a little, leaving a 1/4 void underneath. The tile is approx. 1/4 inch high.

Should I install the pre hung door on the tile and fill the void underneath the new threshold with quick setting cement or should I cut away the tile a bit and have it butt up against the new threshold?

**oh'mike** · 08-06-2012, 06:43 AM

Yes and no---

Install the door over the tile--but I suggest using a slice of 1/4" plywood---glued with builders adhesive (like PL premium)

The thin patching concrete might work,however it might not be flat---costs a lot and may chunk out if you add any screws to the threshold. Mike---

gta · 08-06-2012, 01:15 PM

Thanks for the reply

I was thinking about putting plywood underneath, but was unsure how to secure it to the concrete.

so the PL adhesive is strong enough to bind wood to concrete?

One other question, the door I am installing is a 30 by 80 fire rated door. The label says it can fit into a 32 1/2 by 82 1/2 opening. My rough opening is about 32 1/2 by 83, but the door has a hollow metal frame around it that is slightly wider than the specified dimensions.

The packaging says the frame is adjustable, but is a little confusing.

Have you installed fire rated doors before?

Can doors with hollow frames be shimmed like wood doors?

sorry for all the newbie questions.

**oh'mike** · 08-07-2012, 07:41 PM

That is a 'split frame',if I'm hearing you right---the inside of the jamb is removable---it's two halves---

Also possible you ordered the wrong frame and have a 'buck' type frame intended for installation before a block wall is built.

gta · 08-07-2012, 11:34 PM

after reading the instructions, the door has a split frame construction.

It says to shim the door underneath the threshold but not the frame itself. Is that normally how you would shim a metal split frame door for plumb, squareness etc..?

**oh'mike** · 08-09-2012, 08:10 AM

I don't install that type of door--I have only installed three and that was 26 years back--

Let's see if a commercial door worker can chime in----

gta · 08-16-2012, 03:48 AM

Okay.

I was able to install the door properly, checking for plumb, square, even door gap all around etc..

Now I have another issue.

The door threshold overhangs the concrete wall (not sure what to call it) that is part of the first floor of the house.

The builder of the house, some 20 + years ago, installed some makeshift stairs that are not very stable and because of the overhanging lip is actually posing a hazard now. The lip extends out about an inch or so

I would like to remove the stairs and rebuild them but I am not sure how to attach the stairs to the concrete wall or the concrete floor of the garage. I read somewhere to attach a piece of wood to the concrete with bolts then attach the stair stringer to it.

I am contemplating a three step design with one of the steps underneath the threshold overhang.

Any opinions? Ill try to post a picture later.

gta · 08-16-2012, 04:09 AM

**oh'mike** · 08-16-2012, 05:49 AM

Those stairs are in need of replacing---

There should be a top step ---much safer--if you have room---

Use Tapcon screws to add cleats or nailers to the face of the wall and the floor.