Aluminum storefront doors are an excellent choice for your business. They offer a clean, modern look and create an inviting entry for your customers. Our commercial glass doors arrive at your location with glass and some hardware pre-installed for a simple and smooth installation. Below, our door experts guide you through installing CDF’s storefront doors.
If you prefer a video tutorial, check out our How to Install a Storefront Door video below.
Step-by-Step Installation Instructions
Step One: Measure the Rough Opening
Measure the height and width of your rough opening and verify that the finished floor and threshold conditions are correct.
Step Two: Assemble the Frame And Threshold with Pivot Hardware
Check each frame component for any defects or damage. Then, lay out the head, side jambs, and threshold in their correct positions.
Starting at the top of the frame and moving from one corner to the next, screw the pieces of the frame together. Begin with the screw nearest the floor before moving to the top screw. Remember not to fully tighten the screws until all the pieces are properly put together.
Once you've attached the head to the side jambs, it’s time to attach the pivot hardware and threshold. First, you will attach the hinge pivot to the frame jamb. Then, on the opposite side, attach the threshold clip.
When the pivot hardware has been secured to the side jambs, attach the threshold. Finally, snap the backing plates into place for added strength and durability.
Step Three: Set the Frame in the Opening
Now that your frame has been completely assembled, it’s time to set the frame in the opening. Use shims for temporary support. Ensure there is adequate support beneath the bottom pivot hinge. Too little support can cause pivot failure.
Step Four: Check that the Frame is Square and Plumb
Use a level to check that the frame is square and plumb by placing it against each side jamb and the frame head. Use shims as needed to maintain alignment. We recommend using the longest level you have available.
Step Five: Install Anchors in Frame Stop
Install 1–2 anchors at the top of the frame, starting on the hinge side. Once those anchors have been screwed in, use your level to check again that your frame is square and plumb, as the anchors can pull the frame out of alignment.
Next, add the bottom anchors.
Step Six: Seat Door onto Pivot Hinges
Ensure you have placed a shim underneath the bottom pivot pin. This is an important step because the bottom pivot pin is designed to help hold the weight and move the door. However, these pivot pins cannot hold the full weight of the door on their own.
Tip: You can adjust the bolt on the bottom pivot to adjust up or down. This can help to create space if the door is too tight at the top or reduce an oversized gap.
Once you’ve ensured your bottom pivot pin has a shim in place, you can seat the door on the bottom pivot. Then, move on to the top pivot. The top pivot acts like a plunger. Depress the pivot on the top of the door, then, when it is properly aligned at the top, release and allow the pivot to pop into place.
Step Seven: Check Swing & Clearances and Install Snap-in Frame Stops
When the door is in place on both the top and bottom pivots, open and close the door to check the swing. Then, close the door and check the reveal on the top and sides. If the reveal on each side is even, it’s time to install the frame stops.
Install the top frame stop first, then the sides. Ensure that the gasketing faces the doors. Use a rubber mallet to tap the stops into place.
Step Eight: Finishing Hardware and Inspection
Now that the door and frame are completely set up and in place, it’s time to finish installation by adding hardware. Thankfully, CDF pre-installs most hardware for you, so this part is easy. Only the door sweep and closer need to be installed onsite.
Complete installation with a final operational inspection.
What's Next?
You’ve completed your storefront door installation! We hope it was a smooth and easy process. We hope you keep us in mind for your next commercial door project.
We offer several commercial entry door options, including our storefront doors, steel doors, and metal building doors. You can get an instant, online quote for a tailored commercial entry door package with our ProBuilder.
Have you seen our glass options? We have a selection of glass options, including bronze or gray tinted, insulated, and Low-E glass.
