There are numerous modern doors, like pivot doors, that offer practical benefits in the architectural industry. Pivot doors are visually appealing yet functional. This door elevates any area by providing unique engineering and stylish blends. What made it better was the customization of a large selection of styles to suit any space. This is why guests will surely admire the door before walking through it.
This in-depth guide article will provide you with everything you need to know before you install a pivot door. Let’s dive into the things to consider when choosing and installing a pivot door and the steps on how to install a pivot door.
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Things to Consider When Installing a Pivot Door
The pivot door goes beyond providing a structural elevation of the space. They stand out while providing the functionality you need. Thus, there are many things to consider before installing a pivot door because it is an investment.
Door Type
First and foremost is the type of pivot door you will use. Pivot doors are among the modern innovations in doors, making them known for their grand design statements. One of the most popular pivot door type options is the glass pivot door, which comes in a variety of designs ranging from single glass panels to multi-panel doors. This door type has a thin glass pane, which weighs a little yet is easy to open. There is also an insulated glass option, like low-emission glass, that prevents fogging.
Interior pivot doors and commercial pivot doors are also popular options. Interior pivot doors are suitable for home spaces because they elevate the look of the space and make the interior and exterior of the home uniform. The only concern with this type is that it needs to be sealed, so heat transfer wouldn’t be much of a concern. In contrast, commercial pivot doors are heavy-duty, which makes them suitable for commercial spaces like high-end retail markets. The glass panels placed on the pivot door are thick, leading to heightened security.
Size
One of the characteristics of pivot doors is that they’re usually larger than a normal door. The standard size of a pivot door in the US is between 80 inches in height and 30 to 36 inches in weight. You can also follow a size guide to be sure. Thus, you must consider that your doorway can support the pivot door you will install.
Material
The material of the door influences not only the aesthetic of the space but also its performance and maintenance needs. For instance, wood pivot doors may not be an excellent material for areas that are often exposed to rain. This is because they would be prone to warping.
Opening
Another thing to consider is that the angle and opening of the door are perfectly measured. This is why you need to make sure that there is enough space for the pivot door to open and close without any obstruction.
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Install a Pivot Door
Installing a pivot door is as easy as installing an aluminum door, especially if you follow the proper guide. You can easily install pivot doors after deciding on the style, attaching the top pivot, and integrating the pivot system. Although the installation process would vary depending on the hardware, the general process is simple to understand.
Guide 1: Prepare
Before installing a pivot door, preparing the required equipment and supplies is crucial. Some of the items you need to have with you are:
- Pivot Door Hardware Kit
- Screwdriver
- Measurement Tape
- Laser Guide
- Drill Screwdriver Level
- Pencil Shims
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
You should also check the area where your door will be installed. Check the doorway opening to see if it is straight, level, and square. If not, you must make adjustments by trimming the sides. This is to ensure that the pivot door fits perfectly in the doorway opening.
Guide 2: Mounting the Floor Plate
Mounting the pivot system and top pivot inside the door should be the first step before installing the pivot door. The pivot system, which holds the door in place, is where the floor plate attaches. To ensure the floor plate and ceiling plate, you can use a laser guide to estimate the placement.
For this reason, ensure that the milling needs to be done at the sill in the right place before mounting. Then, four 8-mm-deep holes must be drilled using the appropriate drill size and type to insert the 8-mm pins. Usually, the drill size and type are 8 mm for aluminum and 7.5 mm for wood. If the floor is made of porous material or needs fixation, install the floor plates with 30mm pins.
Additionally, when mounting the floor plate, you can use a rubber hammer to position the plate once the glue to the bottom and holes are added. You can use various floor plates, depending on the door’s needs and your preferences.
Guide 3: Mounting the Ceiling Plate
After mounting the floor plate, the next step is to mount the ceiling. The ceiling plate will secure the door’s position. Hence, it is usually made of a sturdy material like steel. To do this step, you should first position the placement using a point laser. Then, you should drill a hole for the tube top at the top of the ceiling plate. If you want to save more time, you can also pre-drill the screw. After doing the process, you should cover the top of the plate with glue and attach it to the ceiling. If you think that it needs more security, you can add more screws.
Guide 4: Mounting the Door
Mounting the door should be an easy step since you only need to lift the oval spindle and insert it into the floor plate notch to mount the door. However, you must keep in mind that it needs to be turned into an open position using an axle wrench. Then, you can fix the floor and ceiling between the doors by unscrewing the pin in the top pivot. If you notice that there are spaces between the pivot door, around 280 mm, you should use a hexagon guide. The top pivot is also stretched by turning the adjustment screw in the bottom hole at the top of the door.
Guide 5: Install the Handles
The handles are one of the most important components of a door. You can install the handles by fitting and screwing them on the door. However, most door manufacturing companies provide a manual on how to install the handle. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed.
Guide 6: Adjust the Door
After ensuring the door is perfectly installed, you should make any necessary adjustments. You should first adjust the screws at the bottom and top sides of the door to refine its open-close movement. You can also adjust the placement of the screws to see if they are perfectly aligned with their surroundings. After doing so, check if the door swings freely and if it doesn’t have friction by opening and closing it.
Conclusion
A distinctive and fashionable choice for residential and commercial spaces is pivot doors. This door is a popular option due to its versatility and practical advantages. One of which is its maintenance, similar to aluminum doors, which don’t need much upkeep but will last a long time. Even though they do cost more compared to other door options, you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth.
If you’re looking for the best pivot door on the market, Mannlee is the right choice for you. Feel free to contact us so we can assist you with all your door needs!