If you are looking for a new market segment for locksmiths, here is one for you. Steel door frames often corrode at the bottom edge which is usually caused by a combination of salt, water and humidity. The answer until now has been a costly replacement of the entire door frame.
Door Innovation has developed kits which contain steel frame sections which can be ordered in either 4-inch or 21-inch lengths depending upon the frame corrosion damage. Jamb Patch models include:
- A 4" universal Jamb Patch kit containing two identical sections for both strike and hinge sides
- A 21" Universal Jamb Patch kit containing one section for the strike side
- A 21" Jamb patch kit containing one section with an included cutout for a butt hinge.
- Four different Jamb Patch kits with butt hinge cutout included.
Cutouts are available for use with LH or RH out swinging doors or LH or RH inswinging doors. If both bottom edges of the steel jamb are corroded, additional Jamb Patch kits are available which contain one 21" universal and one 21" hinge side section. Different Kits containing 21" sections for both sides of the jamb are available for use on inswinging or outswinging doors as required.
One satisfied Jamb Patch installer in Massachusetts, Castle Tower Solutions, alerted us to the Jamb Patch product. His E-mail stated, "Until the Jamb Patch was created, the locksmith could only recommend a door frame distributor who would probably be able to replace the frame. Now, with the Jamb Patch, a locksmith can actually offer the service of installing the Jamb Patch to renovate the existing frame. If the locksmiths are carrying the Jamb Patch kit on their truck, they might actually be able to complete the job at that time and pick up added revenue."
Installation of a Jamb Patch consists of cutting away the corroded area from floor to frame height of either 3" or 21" as required. Set the Jamb Patch in place and mark a pencil line along its top edge. Note: Always use heavy gloves and proper eye protection.
Use an angle grinder or electric saw and cut along the pencil line. Remove any caulking with a razor blade. Once the corroded area is removed, use a hammer and chisel to remove any leftover masonry in the open area.
Insert the Jamb Patch in place. A sleeve is located on the Jamb Patch. Slide the sleeve behind the existing door frame and tighten small screws to hold the existing frame and Jamb Patch in place. An anchor bolt is used to firmly fasten the Jamb Patch in place. Loosely tighten the anchor bolt. Insert shims as needed behind the Jamb Patch to align it with the existing frame, then firmly tighten the anchor.
Final Jamb Patch Instructions state, "Fill all joints with a material such as bondo. Sand the bondo to give your frame a smooth finish and to blend the old frame with the new Jamb Patch. Prime and paint the frame to make your opening look like new."
Door Innovation also offers Jamb Anchors which can be used to anchor loose door jambs to the floor.
Jamb Patch kits are not fire rated. Door Innovation advises that in most cases an exterior door is usually the one affected by corrosion and most exterior doors do not require a fire rating. If there is any question, consult the LAHJ before proceeding.
Jamb Patch products can be field adjusted to accommodate door frames of 1 3/4 X 4 1/2 or 2 X 4 1/2. Installation of a Jamb Patch usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. A video located on their website at: www.doorinnovations/jamb-patch shows the entire installation process.
For more information contact: Door Innovation, 810-227-7111, [email protected].
