Rediframe vs. Hollow Metal Door Frames

Rediframe vs. Hollow Metal Door Frames

When it comes to selecting steel door frames, it sometimes seems that the only choices are welded-on,knock-down hollow metal frames. While hollow metal is the frame of choice for openings in masonryconstruction, projects such as hotels, motels, casinos, assisted living facilities and offices with drywallstud partition walls have another steel frame choice. Rediframe steel door frames offer an excellent alternative totraditional hollow metal frame on these type projects.

The greatest difference between hollow metal and Rediframe Steel Door Frames lies in the method of installation. Welded hollowmetal frames are installed free standing and the wall built to them. Knock-down hollow metal drywall frames install after the walls are built, but only have compression anchors to plumb the frame and floor anchors toattach the frame to the wall. Doors must be set to the frame and all adjustments made to the door. By contrast,Rediframe installs after the walls are built and are anchored through the gypsum board directly into the studs,which affords a strong and durable framing system. Rediframe is installed using the door a template, thuseliminating the need to shim doors to correct clearances.

Since Rediframe is installed after the walls are built, the installer has the option of installing the frames aftertape, paint or wallpaper. The frames may also be installed before or after the carpet or floor covering is laidgiving the contractor greater flexibility in scheduling the project. When door frames have to be replaced due to tradedamage, they can be removed quite easily.

This difference in installation methods can also mean a time and space savings. Since hollow metal frames areinstalled prior to the walls, the frames must be on the jobsite early. Rediframe is shipped to the job individually cartoned and palletized. Rediframe takes up less room than traditional welded frames. If the project has multiple stories, it is much easily to lift an entire skid of Rediframe to the appropriate floor than individualwelded frames.

Rediframe steel door frames are supplied with a finished coat of paint, eliminating the need for jobsite finished when compared to prime or unfinished hollow metal frames. The feature allows for a reduction in the overall job cost and eliminates the time required to finish the frames. By eliminating the need for field painting, no firelabels will be removed or painted over, and no extra cost will be incurred to have the frames field labeled.Rediframe can be provided standard factory colors or supplied in any custom color. This flexibility allows for the door frames to match any decor direct from the factory.

Rediframe offers several trim options that drastically change the appearance of the frame assembly. Steel, aluminum, S56 and wood trim are all options. When using painted wood trim and doors to match, it becomes very difficult to tell that it is a steel door frame, giving it a warm wood look, but with a 90-minute fire rating.

Rediframe steel frames are manufactured from lighter steel (18- or 20-gauge) than hollow metal frames and, because of this, are sometimes perceived to be weaker. The strength advantage of Rediframe is in the design, not gagethickness. The frames are engineered to sleeve the wall with a high number of fasteners (every 12" on average)so that the Rediframe becomes as strong as the wall construction itself.

The use of Rediframe gives the designer an opportunity to create a different took withoutcompromising the integrity of the opening. The use of this type of frame also allows the contractor greaterflexibility in job scheduling and eliminates the need for costly jobsite painting. Overall, Rediframe steel door framesoffer many benefits for those involved in a drywall construction project.

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