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David Axt
Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 06:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Anybody have an opinion on grouting door frames?
David E. Wiemer AHC
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - 11:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

When the wall conditions are applicable to grouting frames, this practice will greatly increase the life of the frames, provided that the inside of the frame is protected from rust by an appropriate rust protector. Of course, if the frame is to receive electric hardware such as electric strikes, electric hinges, conduit, etc, this must be coordinated prior to installation of the frame.
gerard sanchis
Posted on Saturday, August 18, 2001 - 08:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

What kind of option are you looking for, and what is your objection to grouting frames?
David Axt
Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 12:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

My concerns about grouting door frames is the following.

1. Grouting does not improve fire rating of the frame.

2. Grouting does not improve the frame's anchorage to the wall.

3. Grouting slightly improves durability. This can also be improved by specifying a thicker gage.

4. Grouting decreases the "ringing" of the frame when the door is slammed. This can also be improved by using dense fiberglass batt insulation.

5. Gouting increases the possiblity of the frame rusting.....especially if the Contractor uses a gypsum base products such as Structolite.

I would like to know what others have experienced.
Thanks.
Gerard Sanchis (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 08:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

David,

The only time we grout solid, other than a door in CMU and sometimes in concrete wall, is for acoustical reasons. In this case we call for pre-grouting the frame with a dry gypsum plaster/sand mix (not lightweight aggregates) prior to installation.

As for the deterioration of the frame in contact with water, you can call for the frame to be pre-painted on all surfaces prior to grouting; an asphalt-based paint would be best. That should be anough to take care of the rust for an interior frame.
Anonymous
 
Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 12:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

see technical article by Ed Storer on this in an issue of the specifier . Huge failure of steel frames "grouted" with gypsum based product. Happened in a new elementary school, both interior and exterior frames. Bacteria within frame produced acidic excrement that went through frames and removed paint. All frames were required to be replaced.

Recommendation is that frames NOT be grouted - absolutely no need to do so. Acoustic improvement is not a scientific fact (more perception than anything) and durability issue is not a proven fact either (again, perception more than anything).

Follow D. Axt alternatives to grouting frames as listed in his posting for better and less expensive installation.

anon

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