Our clear-cut explanation of Level Plumb Square & True.
We hear these words used all the time, but have you ever taken the time to really think about what they mean?Equally important, these terms can have a major impact on your next door or window installation.Take a read below to make sure your fenestration terminology is up to par.
1.LEVEL
The best way to describe LEVEL is to imagine a straight line that is perfectly horizontal.Take a look at the picture above, the dotted green line represents LEVEL.If a door or window is installed out of LEVEL, it will tend to rub on the jamb and it will be hard to get the reveal (spacing between the door and frame) to line up.If the reveals don’t line up, the sash will not seat up properly with the weather-strip seals. As a result, you risk losing the Energy STAR rating your door or window came with.
2.PLUMB
To visualize what PLUMB represents, look at the dashed green line above.PLUMB is the term used to refer to a perfectly vertical line, thus why the clever tool used to find PLUMB is called a plumb-bob.If a door or window is installed out of PLUMB, it will cause a host of issues. Such as:sagging open in the corner, unwanted opening or closing doors, and binding during operating.
3. SQUARE
The definition of SQUARE is a 90 degree corner.A speed square, framing square, and T squares are all good examples of tools used to find SQUARE on a jobsite.Installing a door or window SQUARE involves being both LEVEL & PLUMB at the same time. This is important to prevent: binding during operation, springing open on the corners and again to insure proper sealing between the sash and frame.Take a look above for a visual explanation of SQUARE.
4. TRUE
By far, the most forgotten term of a door installation. TRUE represents being SQUARE on both the LEVEL & PLUMB axis at the same time on all sides of the unit being installed.The picture above describes TRUE.A door or window can be installed perfectly LEVEL, PLUMB & SQUARE on one side, but if the other side’s aren’t LEVEL, PLUMB & SQUARE, the unit will not be TRUE and will create many of the problems mentioned above.
These terms are hard to differentiate at first, but by gaining a good understanding of LEVEL, PLUMB, SQUARE & TRUE you are sure to get better results out of your next installation.
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One thing has stood out clearly to us in our combined 15 years of experience in both the sales and installation of residential/commercial doors…. the lack of accurate door installation happening in the field. This installation process has been virtually the same since pre-hanging started in the 1960’s and yet it’s not uncommon to find a poorly installed door on most jobsites. It’s time to take a new look at this.
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Door Installation 101
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In this article, we want to go over the different ways you can measure a prehung door. Depending on the application, you’ll need to know how and what to measure so you can order the correct replacement door from the Lumberyard.
Has this ever happened to you? You’ve tried to do everything right, taking your time to find level & plumb perfectly. Even shimming properly at each hinge location, but no matter what you try – the door frame will not line up correctly with the slab.
Let’s trouble shoot some of the possible causes below:
We hear these words used all the time, but have you ever taken the time to really think about what they mean? Equally important, these words can have a major impact on your next door or window installation. Take a read here to make sure your fenestration terminology is up to par.
It’s not that big of a deal… is it?
This is a question that most people don’t think about before beginning a door installation, but it might be the most important step to take. Installing a door with a level door sill is like building a house on a level foundation, you have to start right to end right.
Make your purchase with the comfort of knowing that your order is backed by our 100/100/100 guarantee: 100% replacement if you are not 100% satisfied in your first 100 days. Guaranteed. This gives you plenty of time to check your items for accuracy, high-quality, and to try for yourself, family and friends. If for any reason you need to exchange an item, just contact our Customer Service department and you're done!
* JenTra exchanges are subject to proof-of-purchase.
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Every tool is 100% guaranteed to be produced and manufactured right here in the good ol' USA! Quality, Innovative, and Made in the USA -- You have our promise. No compromise.
When you make your purchase from JENTRA door levels, you are helping more than just yourself! For example: our tools are made and assembled in the USA, the box it shipped in was made in the USA, our website is hosted by a US company, the shipping providers are all from the USA, the people who built our building are US citizens, etc...As you can see, buying one tool or maybe even two that are Made in USA affects many jobs in many different industries.
We each can make a difference -- keep it Made in USA!
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ProSales Magazine
One of the largest publications available to the pro construction trade.
“…reduces installation-related callbacks and warranty claims.“
