Installation Guide
Masonite
®
 is a trademark of Masonite International Corporation
HMD091430     Printed in USA 10/09
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIO DOORS
IMPORTANT: Read and understand the entire procedure before attempting to install the unit. Please note that this is a supplemental instruction. Installation 
instructions will also be attached to the purchased unit.
NOTE: Some dwelling designs/conditions may require special installation steps. Consult an architect, design professional and/or code official for additional guidance.
CAUTION: Wear safety glasses and gloves when installing the patio unit. Unit will be heavy. At least two people are needed for installation.
STEP 1. Select Patio Unit          STEP 2. Determine Rough Opening & Door Frame Size
 •  R.O.= Rough Opening
 •  Rough opening width is measured from the inside of the stud frame to the inside of the opposite stud.
 •  Rough opening height is measured from the sub-floor to the bottom of the header.
 •  Rough opening allows for room to shim on each side of unit.
 •  To measure the rough opening for a unit that is being replaced, remove interior casing and measure from
   stud to stud and from floor to header.
 •  Note: It is easier to reduce the R.O. size by shimming or adding wall studs than it is to enlarge a R.O.
 • 
2” x 4” or 2” x 6” construction simply refers to the width of lumber used to frame the rough opening.
 • 
Jamb is wider than framing lumber to allow the jamb to overlap the wallboard, panelling, siding etc.
 •
 Brickmould covers the gap between the rough opening and the door jamb on the exterior wall and
      door casing should be applied on the interior
 Required tools are as follows;
 level (24”), framing square, hammer, nail set, 3” galvanized finishing 
nails, 
wooden shims, wood filler, putty knife, caulking gun, exterior caulk, measuring tape and phillips
   screwdriver.
STEP 3. Prepare Rough 
Opening 
A solid level sub-floor is absolutely 
essential for proper door unit
installation. Do not proceed until the
sub-floor is both solid and level.
Clean and clear work area.
STEP 4. Prepare Door Unit.
Remove all packaging from door unit.
Some units may have a wood screw attached through the top of the header and into the top 
of the inactive door of a French unit. Remove this screw. Be careful when handling unit to 
prevent doors from swinging open.
STEP 5. Caulk Sub-Floor and 
Sill 
Variations in threshold designs may 
require that the caulk lines be applied 
directly to the bottom of the unit to 
ensure a weather-seal. Inspect the
bottom of the sill for any flat surfaces or sill grooves.
Apply caulk to sill bottom flat surfaces and grooves and 
also bottom of jambs.
Apply a triple bead of caulk along sub-floor where unit 
will be positioned.
STEP 6. Place Unit in Rough 
Opening 
Do not attempt to handle without
assistance.
From the outside of the unit, center the
prehung unit into the rough opening, sill first.  
Be careful not to disturb the caulking on the 
sub-floor or sill bottom.
The brickmold (not supplied with all units) 
should rest up against the exterior finished 
wall.
STEP 7. Shim and 
Fasten Unit 
Note: Units intended for 
installation in high veloc-
ity windstorm regions may 
require additional points of 
attachment.
Note: Install shims in the 
correct location and in the 
proper sequence.
Shim tightly at the bottom of the unit at points indicated.
Shim the top side of the frame as indicated.  Install shims until there is a 1/8” gap between 
the top of the door and the frame header. There should also be a consistent gap (1/8”) 
between the door and the vertical astragal (for French Door Units).
STEP 8. For French Units 
Only
Note: Most units do not have pre-drilled 
holes for the top and bottom flush bolts 
on the inactive door.
Close door firmly against frame
weatherstrip.
Slide top and bottom flush bolts up 
against header and sill.
Mark where bolts make contact with the 
header and sill.
Drill 3/8”diameter holes on the marks to 
receive bolts. (1-1/2” deep minimum)
.
STEP 9. Insulate and Install 
Hardware
Score shims with razor knife and snap 
flush with frame face.
Insulate any gaps between the frame and 
rough opening with fiberglass
blanket insulation. (Do not use
spray-in foam.)
Install interior/exterior trim around 
frame unit.
Install hardware according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Use long security screws to attach
deadbolt strike plate.
STEP 10. Caulk Doorway
Caulk all exterior corners and all around 
the brick or siding.
Caulk the sill on both latch and hinge 
sides from the edge of the sill crown 
along the edge where the sill and jamb 
or brickmold meet.
Caulk the front sill edge where the sill 
and the sub-floor meet.
Caulk the top corners where the header 
and jambs meet, starting at the
weatherstrip and working to the face of 
the brickmold.
Caulk the perimeter where the exterior 
trim meets the brick or siding trim.
If the door is center-hinged or has a 
sidelite, caulk around the mullions where 
the mullions contact the sill and header.
Masonite Helpline 1-800-663-Door (3667) 
9:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday - Saturday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, EST
  French Door  Center-Hinged Door
  Size:  R.O.  Size:  R.O.
  5’-0”  60”x80”  5’-0”  60-5/8”x80”
  5’-4”  64”x80”  5’-4”  64-5/8”x80”
  6’-0”  72”x80”  6’-0”  72-5/8”x80”
Note: For outswing units deduct 1-1/4” from the height. For sizes and designs not shown, consult store associate.


