The rough opening for a door is the opening in a wall frame that the door unit will be installed into. It is crucial to get the dimensions of the rough opening right, as it affects the proper installation and functioning of the door. For a 16-inch door, you might think that the rough opening should be exactly 16 inches wide, but that is not the case.
The rough opening is typically larger than the actual door size. This allows room for the door jamb, the door itself, and a little bit of extra space to make the installation process easier. The size of the door jamb and the thickness of the wall material will affect the size of the rough opening.
A general rule of thumb is to make the rough opening 2 inches wider and 2 1/2 inches taller than the door itself. So, for a 16-inch door, the rough opening would typically be 18 inches wide and the door height plus 2 1/2 inches. However, it is always recommended to check with the door manufacturer or a professional installer like SIMPALL for the exact dimensions required for the rough opening, as there might be specific requirements based on the type of door or the installation site.
Apart from the width and height of the rough opening, it is also important to ensure that the opening is level and square. This means that all the sides of the opening should be straight, and the corners should be at a 90-degree angle. If the rough opening is not level and square, it can lead to problems with the installation and operation of the door.
It is also essential to consider other factors like the type of door being installed, whether it is an interior or exterior door, and any additional hardware or features that might affect the size of the rough opening. For example, a door with a pre-hung frame might require a different rough opening size than a door without a frame.
Companies like SIMPALL offer a wide range of door solutions, including industrial doors, high-speed doors, and other specialized doors. They can provide expert advice on the correct size of the rough opening for your specific door and installation requirements.
To sum up, the rough opening for a 16-inch door is typically 18 inches wide and the door height plus 2 1/2 inches. However, it is always recommended to consult with a professional installer or the door manufacturer for the exact dimensions required for your specific door and installation needs.