Installing Interior Steel Door?

Forum-  I live in an apartment where the elevator opens up directly into my apartment. It’s a small building (9 units), so it’s been ok up until now. But a couple of recent incidents have motivated me to install a steel door between the elevator and the apartment.  Does anyone have any recommendations or advice on this kind of work? Searches online and on Yelp have not revealed much to go on; and none of the contractors or handymen I’ve worked with before have any experience with this thing. Any help would be appreciated.  JP

jazzbeezy

in Doors 12 years and 10 months ago

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CuriousGeorge | 12 years and 10 months ago

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One bit of advice – you need to make sure that whoever installs this installs it with the proper maximum clearance from the elevator door.   We had a door that needed to be installed and then taken apart and reinstalled because there was too much space between the elevator door and door itself (got tagged with a building violation for it).  Apparently, the concern is that if there is too much space, a child could get trapped in the space between the doors.  Some years ago, this apparently happened an the child died.

Contractor | 12 years and 10 months ago

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you already have other existing panel doors somewhere adjacent to the elevator I’m sure. It would make sense to install a matching door at elevator entrance. Total privacy and all that. This is the way its done nowadays ( normally). And the door can be independently or otherwise alarmed if you want. I did one of these installations in 36th st Midtown  which included building an elevator shaft from basement to new bulkhead in a brownstone. If you want me to drop by and have a look at the situation give me a buzz. 917 886 9576\. john.

nyc_sport | 12 years and 10 months ago

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I and most people I know with elevators opening into apartment have steel swinging gates rather than doors. Mine was there when I bought the apartment, but any of the many places that make steel gates or security doors should be able to fabricate one rather easily, with a dead bolt and knob handle. The problem with an ordinary door is that most elevator doors are very wide, so if you want an outswing door you typically are going to need double doors or a door and an operable side light. Our gate is very simple box iron perimeter and center support, round steel vertical stiles, and mounted directly to the elevator frame.

nyflicka | 12 years and 10 months ago

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Here is a picture of what I am referring to:

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/500fe7ac9821d-processed-firedoor.jpg

stevecym | 12 years and 10 months ago

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look, I am not trying to land this job but I am telling you this so you can go back to one of your handymen and convice them to do this.  Most steel doors come with a door buck/frame.  that frame is made to the thickness of the wall and it sets over the sheetrock.  a few screws and some adjustment and you are done.  it is easier than making a wood door frame.  Also, know this:  if the manufacturer you go to makes both fire rated and non fire rated, chances are, they use the same door and put a lable on the one sold as fire rated (a contractor I know taught me this – LI Fire Proof sold him a non fire rated door and he took it back they put a lable on it).  What I am saying is, since you are not being told to get by the DOB, buy the unrated door for less money.   Back to installing this door, if you go read a little about this, you can probably tell a handyman how easy it is and convince him to do it. Steve http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/tinkerswagon

nyflicka | 12 years and 10 months ago

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Have you considered a Vintage style metal fire door? It might be the easiest thing to suit your needs since they slide and look pretty great as well. I know Olde Good Things sells them. I’m sure there are a lot of salvage places that would have them. Just a thought.