entry door with sidelight installation help

[jimbob]

I'm having some trouble installing an entry door with sidelights. I can't get the door installed right. The door is in the frame, squared and shimmed so the frame is plumb and level. But when I operate the door it hits the top part of the frame. Both outside frames and the hinge side of the door is plumb but the side where the door closed is slightly out. The only thing I can think of is the frame has a bow to it but I made sure the bottom threshold is straight.

Thanks for the help.

[dhill]

It's difficult to determine exactly where the problem lies without putting a level on all sides. The door needs to be perpendicular level when attached to the support stud right to left and front to back. It could be that when you set the door, you pulled the frame out of square, but usually that accounts for too much spacing between the door and jamb, not too little. One corner could be lower than the other, and that sounds to me like what the problem is. I had a similar problem when setting a French door and I had to raise one side to take care of it.

[Dragon]

Sidelight doors should be banned. Worst idea anyone ever came up with. If you want sidelights, then put in separate units. That way you can shim your door properly.

Having said all that, is the unit square? Square means more than level ever will with a door. Is the door itself square? Don't assume, check it.

Instead of leveling check your distances to your corners as well if they are close, like in a foyer situation. Is the door recessed into the home? If so, check your distances top and bottom on both sides to your corners.

Don't assume the frame is level, check it. Leveling a door into framing that isnt looks bad.

And yes, as dhill said, shim up if necessary.