double storefront doors on small shop

Installation procedures for aluminum storefront door systems, including glass setting, hardware mounting, and sidelite and transom integration.

This guide answers: Storefront Door Installation Rules for Aluminum Frame Assemblies

Aluminum Storefront Systems Overview

Aluminum storefront door systems are entrance assemblies designed for commercial retail, office, and institutional applications. These systems use extruded aluminum frames with glass or panel infill to create transparent, inviting entrances.

CDF manufactures storefront door systems at its Gallatin, Tennessee facility through a manufacturing partnership with Aldora. This in-house manufacturing capability allows CDF to control quality, lead times, and customization options across the full storefront product line.

Storefront Product Types

  • Single Storefront Glass Door: Standard single-leaf entrance for moderate-traffic openings.
  • Double Storefront Glass Door: Pair configuration for high-traffic entrances and wider openings.
  • Storefront with Sidelites: Single or double doors flanked by fixed glass sidelite panels for wider facade coverage.
  • Storefront with Transoms: Doors with fixed glass transom panels above for increased daylight and architectural appeal.
  • Storefront with Sidelites and Transoms: Full entrance systems combining operable doors with fixed sidelite and transom panels.

Pre-Installation Site Preparation

Successful storefront installation begins with accurate site preparation. The opening must be ready to receive the aluminum frame system.

  • Verify the rough opening dimensions match the approved shop drawings. Storefront systems require precise openings — measure width and height at multiple points.
  • Confirm the sill is level across the full width of the opening. A level sill is critical for proper door operation and threshold drainage.
  • Verify structural support for the storefront header, especially in wide openings or configurations with transoms.
  • Ensure electrical rough-in is complete if the installation includes automatic operators, electric strikes, or access control devices.
  • Protect surrounding finishes from construction debris during installation.

Aluminum Frame Installation

The aluminum frame forms the structural skeleton of the storefront system. Install the frame before setting glass or hanging doors.

  • Set the sill member first, shimming as needed to achieve level.
  • Install jamb members plumb on both sides of the opening.
  • Set the head member and verify the frame is square by measuring diagonals.
  • For configurations with sidelites, install intermediate vertical mullions at specified locations.
  • For configurations with transoms, install the horizontal transom bar at the specified height above the finished floor.
  • Anchor the frame to the structure per the engineered shop drawings. Typical anchoring uses screws into the rough opening framing at specified intervals.
  • Seal the perimeter between the aluminum frame and the rough opening with appropriate sealant to prevent air and water infiltration.

Glass Setting Procedures

Glass setting requires care to prevent breakage and ensure proper weathersealing. Follow the glass manufacturer's recommendations for handling and setting procedures.

  • Verify glass sizes match the shop drawings before removing glass from packaging.
  • Set glass on setting blocks positioned at the quarter points of the bottom rail.
  • Install edge blocks or spacers to center the glass in the frame channel.
  • Apply glazing tape or wet glazing sealant per the system manufacturer's specifications.
  • Install snap-in glazing beads or screw-applied stops to secure the glass.
  • Repeat for sidelite and transom panels, working from the bottom up.

For insulated glass units, verify the correct orientation (coating side) before setting. Improper orientation affects thermal performance.

Hardware Mounting and Door Hanging

Storefront door hardware differs from hollow metal door hardware in both type and installation method. Most storefront hardware is surface-applied to the aluminum stile and rail.

  • Install pivot or butt hinges per the hardware schedule. Storefront doors commonly use center-hung or offset pivots, or continuous gear hinges.
  • Mount the lockset or exit device per the manufacturer's template. Storefront lock preps are typically narrower than hollow metal preps.
  • Install the door closer, either surface-mounted or concealed in the header, per the schedule.
  • Hang the door leaf and adjust pivot points or hinges for proper alignment and clearance.
  • Install push/pull hardware, panic hardware, or automatic operator arms as specified.
  • Adjust the door for proper closing speed, latching, and alignment within the frame.

Threshold Installation

The threshold provides the weather seal at the bottom of the storefront door and must comply with ADA accessibility requirements.

  • Set the threshold at the correct height — ADA limits threshold height to 1/2" maximum, with a 1/4" maximum vertical rise.
  • Anchor the threshold to the sill using the manufacturer's specified fasteners.
  • Apply sealant beneath the threshold to prevent water infiltration.
  • Verify the door sweep or bottom rail contacts the threshold weatherstrip evenly across the full width when closed.

Fire-Rated Storefront Considerations

While most aluminum storefront systems are non-rated, some applications require fire-rated glazed assemblies. Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. Fire-rated storefront systems use special framing, fire-rated glazing, and listed hardware to achieve the required rating.

If a fire-rated storefront assembly is required, all components — framing, glass, hardware, and sealants — must be listed for the specified rating. Consult the system manufacturer's fire test listing for approved configurations and installation requirements.

How CDF Supports Storefront Installation

CDF manufactures storefront door systems in-house at its Gallatin, Tennessee facility through its Aldora manufacturing partnership. This allows CDF to offer single storefront doors, double storefront doors, configurations with sidelites, configurations with transoms, and combination entrance systems — all manufactured and quality-checked before shipment.

CDF also offers a Fast Track program for storefront orders that require accelerated production and shipment. Contractors can configure storefront assemblies through CDF's ProBuilder tool, which coordinates door, frame, glass, and hardware selections in a single online session.

A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies

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).

Configure Your Door Assembly

CDF's ProBuilder tool lets contractors configure storefront door systems — single doors, double doors, sidelites, transoms, and full entrance assemblies — in one online session. ProBuilder coordinates glass, hardware, and frame selections, and CDF manufactures the system at its Gallatin facility for shipment as a complete, ready-to-install unit.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What storefront door configurations does CDF manufacture?

CDF manufactures single storefront glass doors, double storefront glass doors, storefronts with sidelites, storefronts with transoms, and full entrance systems combining doors with sidelites and transoms. All are manufactured at CDF's Gallatin, Tennessee facility through the Aldora partnership.

What is the ADA threshold height limit for storefront doors?

ADA limits the threshold height to 1/2 inch maximum, with a maximum 1/4 inch vertical rise. Thresholds exceeding these limits must include a beveled transition. Verify local code requirements, as some jurisdictions enforce stricter limits.

Can storefront doors be fire-rated?

Yes, but fire-rated storefront assemblies require special framing, fire-rated glazing, and listed hardware. Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components must be listed for the specified rating.

Does CDF offer Fast Track for storefront orders?

Yes. CDF's Fast Track program provides accelerated production and shipment for storefront door systems. Contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com for Fast Track availability on your project.

How is glass set in a storefront system?

Glass is set on setting blocks at the quarter points of the bottom rail, centered with edge blocks, and secured with glazing tape or wet sealant. Snap-in glazing beads or screw-applied stops hold the glass in place. Follow the system manufacturer's specifications for glazing methods.

About CDF Distributors

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.