Interior door frame installation issue

QuestionEdit

Thank you for your advices in previous email regarding "T-Braces" issues. The builder finally had to fix it. :o)

I have another questions for you. The house is in the processing and the phase 2 finished. It was installed with sheetrock and the interiors doors. The problem is when I stopped by the house last week, I saw all the interior door frames (door cases) were installed inside the door structure with big gaps on 2 sides and the top of the door cases. These door cases only hold with some pieces of woods inserted between 2 sides of the gaps. Please see the photos in this link for more details: www.dzidzom.com/Homes/8.DOOR_FRAMES_Issues.

However, I understand that the there are gaps existing between the structural wood frame and the door frame (door case) and these gaps allows you to insert the door frame into the structural wood frame. However, these gaps have to be filled in full after the door cases inserted. I believe the door cases cannot be installed like that way which the door cases are only be hold and nailed in the structure frames with only few pieces of wood inserted into 2 sides of these gaps between the door cases and the structure-door-frames. As you see in the photos, the top of the door cases also is empty with a big gap around 2 inches and nothing holding the door cases to the structure frame of the house.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from your earliest respond.

Sincerely, Duke

AnswerEdit

Duke,

  I could not open the pictures. The builder is correct - the rough door opening is usually 1 -2" larger than the door. The door frame will be further stabilized by the trim that will be applied later. Since I cannot see the pictures it is difficult for me to comment any further.

QuestionEdit

I'm building a new house in Houston, TX area. My house in the processing after phase 2 finished. It was installed with sheetrock and the interiors doors. The problem is when I stopped by the house last week; I saw the door frames (door cases) were installed inside the door structure with big gaps on 2 sides and the top of the door cases. These door cases only hold with some pieces of woods inserted between 2 sides of the gaps. Please see the photos in this link for more details: www.dzidzom.com/Homes/8.DOOR_FRAMES_Issues.

However, I understand that the there are gaps existing between the structural wood frame and the door frame (door case) and these gaps allows you to insert the door frame into the structural wood frame. However, these gaps have to be filled in full after the door cases inserted. I believe the door cases cannot be installed like that way which the door cases are only be hold and nailed in the structure frames with only few pieces of wood inserted into 2 sides of these gaps between the door cases and the structure-door-frames. As you see in the photos, the top of the door cases also is empty with a big gap around 2 inches and nothing holding the door cases to the structure frame of the house.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from your earliest respond.

Sincerely, Duke

AnswerEdit

Your construction superintendant is correct. Every door installation starts with a rough opening and then the door frame is set into that rought opening. Once the sides of the frame are level, wood shims are installed to secure the frame to the structural wood. You do not need to fill in the resultant gap entirely, just enough to provide structural stability to the door. Usually this is done in about 3 or 4 locations along each side of the door. How stable you need to make the door installation can depend upon different variables such as how heavy the door is that will be hung. But the simple answer to your question is that you do NOT need to fill in ALL of the space. Just a few shims to provide structural stability is standard construction practice. If you need a code reference, ask an architect.