Builder, Subcontractor or Supplier:
Please forward these instructions to the homeowner.
Therma-Tru® certified door systems and Therma-Tru® door systems that
require product approval (typically for coastal applications) may require
special assembly, components and installation. Always refer to the certified
system requirements and product approval assembly and installation drawings
on our website for these applications.
Building codes can vary by Jurisdiction, County and/or State. Always check
for any specific assembly or installation that may be required by Code in your
area.
Installation Instructions for Vented Sidelite Door
Systems
These installation instructions are designed to assist door installers who have
an understanding of carpentry principles, and know how to properly and
safely use power tools. The purpose of these instructions is to illustrate how to
install a Therma-Tru® door system using methods and materials that help
eliminate air infiltration and water related leaks. If the directions are closely
followed, the door system will have a long useful life with good resistance to
air and water intrusion problems.
These methods are "tried and true" They are used widely by builders and
remodelers who are serious about managing and keeping water outside the
home. Rather than eliminate any steps that may be unclear to you, please call
1-800-THERMATRU and ask for clarification. If you remain unclear, please
seek more professional assistance with the installation.
Required Tools & Materials: Tape measure, 6-foot and 2-foot level, framing square, at
least 20 feet of string or twine and push pins, several tubes of high-quality hybrid
polymer, elastomeric or polyurethane sealant (Therma-Tru recommends OSI QUAD
MAX sealant for its adhesion strength and long-term durability across various building
materials applications), caulking gun, step ladder, small pry bar, hammer, safety glasses,
gloves, utility knife, punch or brad nailer, tin snips, electric drill or screw gun, two screw
drivers (one Phillips and one flat-blade), composite or cedar shims, putty knifes, one stiff,
one flexible, exterior grade number 8 x 2-1/2" screws, self-adhesive flashing tape, j-
roller, rigid head flashing, closed cell low expansion polyurethane window and door foam
(Therma-Tru recommends OSI QUAD FOAM because it surpasses our requirements and
is available with a professional application gun, allowing multiple uses from one can of
foam), proper foam application gun, foam cleaner and a rigid Therma-Tru sill pan.
Exterior trim if needed.
The door unit is large, heavy and can be cumbersome to lift, move and position. Use
safe lifting techniques and a helper(s) to assist you with installation, in order to
prevent personal injury and damage to the unit, and to help facilitate proper
installation.
Read all instructions before starting.
Therma-Tru
Recommended Best Practices
®
Use Water Resistive Barrier and Flexible Flashing:
We recommend the use of a Water Resistive Barrier
(WRB) applied to the exterior sheathing (OSB or
other) and the use of an adhesive or flexible flashing
product to seal around the opening. The WRB should
be cut in the opening (follow manufacturer's
guidelines) with the head of the flap taped up, to be
sealed later in Step 13. The flashing should be applied
in an overlapping manner as shown, always working
from
the
guidelines).
bottom
up
(follow
manufacturer's
Use a Sill Pan:
We recommend you first "dry fit" the sill pan in the opening,
following the instructions furnished with the sill pan. Place the right and left
sill pan ends tight against the sides of the opening. Check the center section
for proper length and if necessary, cut with a hack saw or tin snips. Be sure to
allow 2 inches of overlap at the joints.
Note: Use only the PVC cement provided in the sill pan kit to glue the pieces together.
The sill pan must be sealed to the sub-floor using a high-quality hybrid polymer,
elastomeric or polyurethane sealant; Therma-Tru recommends OSI QUAD MAX, but do
not apply sealant to the bottom of the sill when using a sill pan.
Step 1: Check Door Unit.
Check width and height.
Measure size of frame (width and height), not
brickmould.
Remove cleats and packaging, but keep door
fastened closed with transport clip. Do not
remove the transport clip until instructed to do so
later in Step 9.
Step 2: Check and Prepare Opening.
Note:
If additional floor covering clearance is required, attach the shim board
to the sub floor. Be sure to caulk well under the shim board.
Is the opening square? Check all corners with a framing square. Double check
by comparing diagonal measurements. Fix any problems now.
Is the opening the correct size for the
door unit? Check it against the door
frame size now, before installation. The
opening should be frame height plus ½
inch, and frame width plus ½ inch to ¾
inch. Fix any problems now.
Are the framing and walls PLUMB? Use
a 6 foot level and check both sides of the
opening, both ways (front to back and
right to left). Fix any problems now.
Is the sub floor level and solid? Provide
a flat, level, clean weight bearing
surface so the sill pan or sill can be
properly caulked and sealed to the
opening. Scrape sand or fill as required.