
Steel Frame Fitting Process for Existing Openings
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Fitting a custom steel frame into an existing opening starts with accurate on-site measurement of the opening and the wall around it, followed by a written drawing and specification. The frame is then built in our Tel Aviv factory, finished, and installed in the wall once the client approves the plan.
Why Accurate Measurement Comes First
Old walls are rarely square, level or the same size on every floor. That is why a steel frame is never built from the original plans alone. Our team visits the site and measures the opening at several points: width at the top, middle and bottom, height on both sides, and the depth of the wall where the frame will sit.
We also check the surrounding structure, such as the lintel, the sill and the condition of the plaster, because these affect how the frame is anchored. Photos and notes taken during the visit help us avoid surprises later.
Planning the Drawing and Specification
After measurement we prepare a drawing that shows the exact outside dimensions of the frame, the profile sizes, the anchor positions and the opening direction if the frame carries a gate or door. The written specification lists materials, finish and fixing method in plain language.
Nothing goes into production until the client approves both the drawing and the specification. Changes at this stage cost little, while changes after production are far more difficult.
Production in the Factory
Once approved, the frame is cut, welded and assembled in our workshop on Rival Street. Building the frame indoors lets us control the welds, the squareness and the alignment far better than working on a balcony or in a stairwell.
- Cutting profiles to the drawn lengths
- Welding the corners and checking diagonals
- Fitting anchor plates and fixing points
Finishing: Galvanizing and Powder Coating
Steel that will stand outdoors or in damp areas needs protection. Depending on the design, we use hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion resistance and powder coating for the colour and final look. The finish is chosen together with the client, based on where the frame will be located.
Finishing is done after welding so that the coating covers the whole frame, including the joints.
Installation in the Existing Opening
On installation day the frame is brought to site and set into the opening. We confirm it is plumb and level, then fix it to the wall using the anchors planned in the drawing. Gaps are filled with suitable mortar or sealant so the frame is held firmly and water does not collect behind it.
Where the wall is weak or uneven, we discuss reinforcement with the engineer before fixing, rather than forcing the frame into place.
Checks After Fitting
Once the frame is fixed we check that the opening and any moving parts operate smoothly. Gates and doors are tested for free movement and latching, and the finish is inspected for damage that may have happened during transport or fitting.
Any touch-ups are carried out at once so the protective coating stays intact over time.
Frequently asked questions
Do you measure the opening before making the frame?
Yes. We always visit the site and measure the opening at several points, because existing walls are seldom perfectly square or level.
Can a steel frame be fitted into an old wall?
In most cases yes, provided the wall and the surrounding structure are sound. We check the condition of the wall and the lintel before fixing, and agree on any reinforcement with the engineer.
Where is the frame built?
Frames are produced in our factory at 37 Rival Street, Tel Aviv, and then transported to site for installation.
Do I need to approve the drawing before production starts?
Yes. Production begins only after you approve both the drawing and the written specification.
Common mistakes to avoid
Relying on the original plans instead of measuring the opening on site often leads to a frame that does not fit. Skipping the approval of the drawing can also result in changes that are costly to make after production.
Our recommendation
Measure the opening at the top, middle and bottom, and check the wall depth before ordering, then let the frame maker confirm everything on site. Keep the finished frame protected until the day of installation.
Summary
A good steel frame fitting depends on careful site measurement, an approved drawing, factory production with proper finishing, and a secure installation that is checked after fixing.
Related guides
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- Bolting Versus Welding Steel Frame Connections On Site
- Final Inspection Checklist After Steel Frame Installation
- Leveling and Plumbing Custom Steel Frames During Installation
- Handover Documentation for Custom Steel Structures
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Send us photos and the approximate size of your opening, and
עוד מדריכים ודפים בנושא
- Bolting vs Welding Steel Frame Connections On Site
- Steel Frame Leveling and Plumbing During Installation
- Steel Frame Assembly Process: Step-by-Step On Site
- Steel Frame Installation Process: What to Expect On Site
- Foundation Anchoring Steps for Steel Frame Installation
- Steel Frame Unloading Process: Safe On-Site Handling Guide
- Transporting Custom Steel Frames Safely to Site
- Preparing Your Site Before Steel Frame Delivery
- Factors That Affect Steel Frame Lead Time in Israel
- Steel Frame Production Timeline: From Inquiry to Installation
