For this assignment, we are to study on a site chosen by our group, and each member are to choose a key element that is crucial in the construction of the building. We are to choose from Foundation, Structure, Flooring, Roof, Staircase and Openings. The site that our group chose was a double-storey house that is located in Saffron Hills, Denai Alam, Shah Alam, this house so happens to be my new house that I currently live in.
I chose openings as my key element for this assignment, as I am quite curious to see how the inner workings on the doors and windows that many of us would probably just ignore and go on with our daily lives.
What is an opening?
An opening is a access port that is found throughout a building with the function as a passageway for light and air to pass through the building. There are two types of openings that is definitely found in almost any building which is door and windows.
Doors
Flush door that is often used in interior spacing
A door is defined as an open able barrier or as a framework of wood, steel, aluminium, glass or a combination of these materials secured in a wall opening. The most common door that I have identified in my house is a flush door. The entrance however is an engineered timber door, which is much heavier and offers better protection.
Functions of a door
A door has many functions besides being a an access point to enter and exit the building, it also is a:
- Connecting link between internal spaces of a building
- Allows light and ventilation throughout the room
- Can be a control of the atmosphere of a room by enclosing it and opening, which creates differences in air pressure between rooms, effectively heating or cooling the room.
- Acts as a barrier of noise from spreading out.
Cross section of the door
After a thorough inspection of the interior doors of the house, I discovered that that it is a hollow-core type of door. Why? This is because the door is extremely lightweight, doesn't offer good sound insulation and gives a hollow impression when knocking on the surface.
Components of the door
Stiles and Rails are the horizontal and vertical reinforcement structure that acts a a frame of the door.
Rebate is basically a stopper for the door to prevent it from swinging onto the opposite direction, not needed if there is a built-in stopper.
Jambs is the vertical portion of the door frame where the door is secured. Besides that, the jambs is responsible to bear the weight of the door.
The internal portion of the door is a cardboard core structure, as it is lightweight and has low cost.
When is the door installed?
The door is often installed just before the flooring of the building is completed, as the door jambs can effortlessly be manipulated by undercutting the jambs to offer better floor clearance. This also ensures that the installation of the doors or unwanted accidents doesn't damage the flooring finishes. Then, the flooring hardwood can just be slided underneath the jambs.
How to install doors?
Step 1: Trim off the excess drywall so it is able to fit the door.
Step 2: Check whether the floor it at level, if not, we are going to need to add shims to the level.
Step 3: Determine the placement of the shims by marking it on the jambs
Step 4: Modify the door if necessary, such as if it the door is too long.
Step 5: Attach the shims to the frame by nailing it in place.
Step 6: Place the shutter inside the building and adjust its position so that it is plumb and can swing easily.
Step 7: Secure the jambs on the frames.
Step 8: Check the sides and the top of the door so it fits nicely and ensure that it is still leveled.
Step 9: Install the door by screwing the hinges onto the jambs.
Step 10: Check whether the door opens and closes like it should and make small adjustments if necessary.
Materials that can be used on the doors
Door Frames
- Timber
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Concrete
Door Shutters
- Timber
- Plywood
- Glass
- Metal
Windows
Casement windows
The most common type of windows that can be found in most residential buildings in Malaysia are the casement windows. Casement windows are windows that are basically hinged at the sides, making the user push the glass outwards to open the window. The concept of how it works is very similar to a hinged door, except that it opens or closes with a lever inside the window.
Cross section of window
There isn't much differences of a window when compared to a door, as both have jambs, stiles and mullions which basically makes the window a mini version of a door. However, the casement window has two hinge assembly at the bottom which allows its smooth movement, compared to none on a door.
How to install a window?
Step 1: Place the window at the rough opening to check whether it fits. There should be a 1/2 inch clearance between all sides. If it is too small, add plywood strips to the framing. If it is too large, you are gonna have to modify the frame.
Step 2: Install moisture sealing tape around the entire frame.
Step 3: Mark and drill the holes for the hinges of the window.
Step 4: Put two 4-inch shims made from 1/2-by-1-inch lumber on the sill and position them about two inches from the corners. Check whether they are level using a spirit level. Predrill an 1/8-inch hole in each one and secure it to the sill with finish nails.
Step 5: Caulk the flanges of the window.
Step 6: When it is certain the the frame is in the ideal position, install the window by driving screws through the pilot holes into the frame of the house.
Reflection:
I have learnt so much on the characteristics of the above types of windows, knowing information that most of the public will not know. I also now have a deep understanding on the procedure of installation of both the doors and windows. Not only that, now that I researched about the various types of opening and its unique characteristics, I am now able to identify the necessary type of opening that is needed as not all buildings have the same characteristics, hence requiring different types of openings in the building.
