Frame Anchoring Checklist for Commercial Doors
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
What happens if I use the wrong anchor type for the wall construction?
The frame will not be adequately secured. Wire anchors in steel stud walls cannot engage the studs properly. Compression anchors in masonry cannot develop sufficient holding force. The result is frame movement that causes door binding, hardware misalignment, and potential fire rating failure.
Can I use wood shims in a fire-rated frame?
No. Wood shims are combustible and are not permitted in fire-rated frame installations. Use steel shims between the frame and wall. After alignment, fill any remaining gap with fire-rated grout or sealant.
What is the minimum number of anchors per jamb?
Three anchors per jamb is the minimum for standard 7-foot frames with 32-inch spacing. The first anchor must be within 6 inches of each corner. Taller frames, heavier doors, and high-frequency openings require additional anchors.
Do I need to grout a steel stud frame?
Steel stud frames are not grouted in the same way as masonry frames. However, the void between the frame and the stud wall should be filled with insulation or sealant to prevent sound transmission and meet fire rating requirements if applicable.
How long should grout cure before hanging the door?
Follow the grout manufacturer's recommendation. Most cementitious grouts require a minimum of 24 hours before the door is hung and operated. Hanging the door before grout has cured can shift the frame and compromise alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
CDF fabricates frames with factory-installed anchoring systems matched to your wall construction. Configure your frame assembly at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder to ensure the correct anchor type is included.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Configure Your Door Assembly
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
CDF fabricates frames with anchoring systems matched to the wall construction specified during order. ProBuilder specifies the correct anchor type — wire anchors for masonry, stud anchors for steel stud, compression anchors for drywall — so the frame arrives with the right anchoring hardware factory-installed and ready for field attachment.
CDF Frame Anchoring Support
Fire-rated frames have additional anchoring requirements specified in the frame manufacturer's listing. These requirements must be met for the fire rating to be valid. Fire-rated assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings.
• Verify anchor type is approved in the frame manufacturer's fire listing
• Verify anchor spacing meets the listing requirement (often more stringent than standard recommendations)
• Verify steel shims are used — wood shims are not permitted in fire-rated frame installations
• Verify fire-rated sealant is applied at all frame-to-wall joints
• Verify grouting (for masonry) completely fills the void behind the frame
• Document the anchoring method and spacing for inspection records
Phase 5: Fire-Rated Frame Anchoring Requirements
Masonry frames require grouting; all frame types require perimeter sealing for fire, smoke, and weather performance.
• For masonry installations: grout all cells adjacent to frame anchors from the bottom up
• Fill the frame-to-masonry gap with grout — do not leave voids behind the frame
• Allow grout to cure per manufacturer's recommendation before hanging the door
• For all frame types: apply perimeter sealant between the frame and wall surface
• For fire-rated frames: use fire-rated sealant or caulk at all frame-to-wall joints
• Verify sealant provides continuous coverage with no gaps or voids
Phase 4: Grouting and Sealing
The frame must be plumb, level, and square before anchors are fully tightened. Adjusting after final anchoring is extremely difficult and often damages the frame.
• Check plumb on both jambs — maximum 1/8 inch deviation over the full height
• Check level on the header — maximum 1/8 inch deviation across the width
• Measure diagonals inside the frame — must be within 1/16 inch of each other
• Verify the frame is not twisted by checking the face plane on both jambs with a straightedge
• Shim as needed between the frame and wall to achieve alignment — use steel shims for fire-rated frames
• Verify the frame width at three points (top, middle, bottom) — must match the door width plus required clearances
• Tighten anchors progressively — do not fully tighten one anchor before others are engaged
Phase 3: Alignment Before Final Anchoring
Anchor spacing affects the frame's ability to resist operational forces without deflection. The following are standard spacing requirements.
• Maximum anchor spacing: 32 inches on center (typical for standard-weight frames)
• Heavy-weight frames or high-frequency openings: maximum 24 inches on center
• First anchor: within 6 inches of each corner of the frame
• Minimum three anchors per jamb for standard 7-foot frames
• Additional anchors required for frames taller than 7 feet — add one anchor per additional 32 inches of height
• Verify anchor locations do not conflict with hardware preps (hinge reinforcement, strike reinforcement)
Phase 2: Anchor Spacing Verification
The anchor type must match the wall construction. Using the wrong anchor type results in inadequate holding force and frame movement. The following summary identifies the correct anchor for each wall type.
Masonry Walls (CMU or Brick)
• Wire anchors (masonry wire anchors) — embedded in mortar joints during wall construction for new construction
• T-anchors or strap anchors — for frames installed after masonry is complete
• Verify anchor extends minimum 2 inches into the masonry joint
• Grouting is required in the cells adjacent to each anchor location
Steel Stud Walls
• Steel stud anchors (tab anchors) — welded or screwed to the steel stud
• Verify stud gauge is adequate for the anchor type (minimum 18-gauge for standard doors, 16-gauge for high-frequency)
• Verify stud spacing aligns with anchor locations
• Use additional studs or backing where anchor locations fall between studs
Drywall (Existing Walls / Retrofit)
• Compression anchors — expand behind the finished wall surface
• Through-wall anchors — bolt through the full wall assembly
• Verify the wall substrate behind the drywall can support the anchor load
Phase 1: Anchor Type by Wall Construction
The frame anchoring system transfers all door operational forces — opening, closing, slamming, wind load — into the surrounding wall structure. Incorrect anchor type, inadequate spacing, or poor installation causes frame movement that leads to door binding, hardware misalignment, and failed fire inspections.
This checklist covers anchor type selection by wall construction, spacing requirements, alignment verification, and fire rating compliance.
Why Frame Anchoring Is Critical
Anchor type selection, spacing requirements, and verification steps for commercial door frame installation.
This guide answers: What Must You Verify When Anchoring a Commercial Door Frame?
Frame Anchoring Checklist for Commercial Doors
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
What happens if I use the wrong anchor type for the wall construction?
The frame will not be adequately secured. Wire anchors in steel stud walls cannot engage the studs properly. Compression anchors in masonry cannot develop sufficient holding force. The result is frame movement that causes door binding, hardware misalignment, and potential fire rating failure.
Can I use wood shims in a fire-rated frame?
No. Wood shims are combustible and are not permitted in fire-rated frame installations. Use steel shims between the frame and wall. After alignment, fill any remaining gap with fire-rated grout or sealant.
What is the minimum number of anchors per jamb?
Three anchors per jamb is the minimum for standard 7-foot frames with 32-inch spacing. The first anchor must be within 6 inches of each corner. Taller frames, heavier doors, and high-frequency openings require additional anchors.
Do I need to grout a steel stud frame?
Steel stud frames are not grouted in the same way as masonry frames. However, the void between the frame and the stud wall should be filled with insulation or sealant to prevent sound transmission and meet fire rating requirements if applicable.
How long should grout cure before hanging the door?
Follow the grout manufacturer's recommendation. Most cementitious grouts require a minimum of 24 hours before the door is hung and operated. Hanging the door before grout has cured can shift the frame and compromise alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
CDF fabricates frames with factory-installed anchoring systems matched to your wall construction. Configure your frame assembly at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder to ensure the correct anchor type is included.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Configure Your Door Assembly
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
CDF fabricates frames with anchoring systems matched to the wall construction specified during order. ProBuilder specifies the correct anchor type — wire anchors for masonry, stud anchors for steel stud, compression anchors for drywall — so the frame arrives with the right anchoring hardware factory-installed and ready for field attachment.
CDF Frame Anchoring Support
Fire-rated frames have additional anchoring requirements specified in the frame manufacturer's listing. These requirements must be met for the fire rating to be valid. Fire-rated assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings.
• Verify anchor type is approved in the frame manufacturer's fire listing
• Verify anchor spacing meets the listing requirement (often more stringent than standard recommendations)
• Verify steel shims are used — wood shims are not permitted in fire-rated frame installations
• Verify fire-rated sealant is applied at all frame-to-wall joints
• Verify grouting (for masonry) completely fills the void behind the frame
• Document the anchoring method and spacing for inspection records
Phase 5: Fire-Rated Frame Anchoring Requirements
Masonry frames require grouting; all frame types require perimeter sealing for fire, smoke, and weather performance.
• For masonry installations: grout all cells adjacent to frame anchors from the bottom up
• Fill the frame-to-masonry gap with grout — do not leave voids behind the frame
• Allow grout to cure per manufacturer's recommendation before hanging the door
• For all frame types: apply perimeter sealant between the frame and wall surface
• For fire-rated frames: use fire-rated sealant or caulk at all frame-to-wall joints
• Verify sealant provides continuous coverage with no gaps or voids
Phase 4: Grouting and Sealing
The frame must be plumb, level, and square before anchors are fully tightened. Adjusting after final anchoring is extremely difficult and often damages the frame.
• Check plumb on both jambs — maximum 1/8 inch deviation over the full height
• Check level on the header — maximum 1/8 inch deviation across the width
• Measure diagonals inside the frame — must be within 1/16 inch of each other
• Verify the frame is not twisted by checking the face plane on both jambs with a straightedge
• Shim as needed between the frame and wall to achieve alignment — use steel shims for fire-rated frames
• Verify the frame width at three points (top, middle, bottom) — must match the door width plus required clearances
• Tighten anchors progressively — do not fully tighten one anchor before others are engaged
Phase 3: Alignment Before Final Anchoring
Anchor spacing affects the frame's ability to resist operational forces without deflection. The following are standard spacing requirements.
• Maximum anchor spacing: 32 inches on center (typical for standard-weight frames)
• Heavy-weight frames or high-frequency openings: maximum 24 inches on center
• First anchor: within 6 inches of each corner of the frame
• Minimum three anchors per jamb for standard 7-foot frames
• Additional anchors required for frames taller than 7 feet — add one anchor per additional 32 inches of height
• Verify anchor locations do not conflict with hardware preps (hinge reinforcement, strike reinforcement)
Phase 2: Anchor Spacing Verification
The anchor type must match the wall construction. Using the wrong anchor type results in inadequate holding force and frame movement. The following summary identifies the correct anchor for each wall type.
Masonry Walls (CMU or Brick)
• Wire anchors (masonry wire anchors) — embedded in mortar joints during wall construction for new construction
• T-anchors or strap anchors — for frames installed after masonry is complete
• Verify anchor extends minimum 2 inches into the masonry joint
• Grouting is required in the cells adjacent to each anchor location
Steel Stud Walls
• Steel stud anchors (tab anchors) — welded or screwed to the steel stud
• Verify stud gauge is adequate for the anchor type (minimum 18-gauge for standard doors, 16-gauge for high-frequency)
• Verify stud spacing aligns with anchor locations
• Use additional studs or backing where anchor locations fall between studs
Drywall (Existing Walls / Retrofit)
• Compression anchors — expand behind the finished wall surface
• Through-wall anchors — bolt through the full wall assembly
• Verify the wall substrate behind the drywall can support the anchor load
Phase 1: Anchor Type by Wall Construction
The frame anchoring system transfers all door operational forces — opening, closing, slamming, wind load — into the surrounding wall structure. Incorrect anchor type, inadequate spacing, or poor installation causes frame movement that leads to door binding, hardware misalignment, and failed fire inspections.
This checklist covers anchor type selection by wall construction, spacing requirements, alignment verification, and fire rating compliance.
Why Frame Anchoring Is Critical
Anchor type selection, spacing requirements, and verification steps for commercial door frame installation.
This guide answers: What Must You Verify When Anchoring a Commercial Door Frame?
Frame Anchoring Checklist for Commercial Doors
Kimber Brinkley
Internet Sales Training Supervisor
Kimber Brinkley focuses on commercial door installation fundamentals, hollow metal frames, and specification accuracy. With extensive manufacturer training, she emphasizes proper rough openings, anchoring systems, and hardware coordination to ensure doors install correctly from the start. Her expertise helps teams anticipate jobsite challenges and improve overall commercial door system performance.
