To measure your door opening for a security door, you need to take precise measurements of the width, height, and note the door swing direction.
Measuring for a security door requires careful attention to detail to ensure a proper fit. Here's a straightforward guide:
Essential Measurements You Need
Before purchasing a security door, gather the following measurements:
- Width: Measure the opening from jamb to jamb at three points.
- Height: Measure the opening from the sill (bottom threshold) to the top jamb.
- Swing Direction: Determine if the door opens to the left or right from the outside.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
Follow these steps for accurate measurements:
1. Measuring Width
This is a critical step for ensuring the security door fits correctly within the frame.
- Measure the top, middle and the bottom of the door opening.
- Take a measuring tape and measure the distance between the inside edges of the door frame (the door jambs).
- Perform this measurement at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom of the opening.
- The smallest of the three measurements will be your rough opening width. This is the width you should use when selecting a security door, as the door must fit within the narrowest part of the frame.
2. Measuring Height
Measuring the height ensures the door fits vertically.
- Measure from the top surface of the sill (the bottom piece of the door frame) up to the underside of the top door jamb.
- Measure in at least two places (e.g., left and right sides) to check for consistency.
- Use the shorter of the two measurements if they differ slightly, though significant differences might indicate a frame issue.
3. Determining Door Swing
Knowing the swing direction is essential for ordering a security door with the hinges on the correct side.
- Stand outside the door opening, facing where the security door will be installed.
- Observe which side the existing main door hinges are on, or which side you would like the new security door's hinges to be on.
- If the hinges are on your left, it is a Left-Hand Swing door.
- If the hinges are on your right, it is a Right-Hand Swing door.
4. Record Your Measurements
It's helpful to write down your measurements immediately to avoid errors. You can use a simple table like this:
| Measurement Type | Location | Measurement (Inches or Centimeters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | Top | ||
| Middle | |||
| Bottom | |||
| Rough Width | Smallest | Use this value for door width selection | |
| Height | Left Side | ||
| Right Side | |||
| Rough Height | Smallest | Use this value for door height selection | |
| Door Swing | From Outside | Left Hand Swing or Right Hand Swing |
Using the smallest width and height measurements ensures the security door will physically fit into the opening without needing modifications to the frame. Always double-check your measurements before ordering.
