Steel Lintel - Garage

[SabreOne]

I am replacing a rear garage door with a sliding glass door (two storey house). Is it ok to dril a couple of fixings into the steel lintel for fixing the new sliding door frame, or should I only fix on the sides?

[intertd6]

The sides for fixing, generally windows or door frames are never fixed or packed at the head.
regards inter

[SabreOne]

The sides for fixing, generally windows or door frames are never fixed or packed at the head.
regards inter
Cheers inter,

Just to clarify, fix sides and bottom, then simply infill with a header timber leaving 5mm or so for movement?

[PeteV]

not necessarily true inter, most aluminium sliders will have a fixing at the head to stop the head from bowing when doors are open... in response to the original question, fixing into the lintel should be fine. hope this helps!

[stevoh741]

agree with petev

[intertd6]

Cheers inter,

Just to clarify, fix sides and bottom, then simply infill with a header timber leaving 5mm or so for movement?
That would be correct, because its a retrofit the frame would be a minimum of 10mm smaller than the opening. I have never fixed a door or window frame at the head unless it was specified & in that case it would be usually in a commercial or non standard width situation where the opening had its own independant head. In your case the head infill should be alongside the frame to allow for movement & cover the gap.
regards inter

[PeteV]

i still believe you have it wrong inter. i would be fixing the head with packers to avoid the "smile" appearance. hope this helps!

[SabreOne]

Gents,

I appreciate your opinions (bit like a tennis match though!!!), but I did ask.

Petev, would the frame of the fixed panel be sufficient to avoid the "smile"? I understand what you're saying, although as it's not load bearing the only thing it's supporting is the top doortrack.

Happy to be corrected, but also like to understand.

Cheers
Sabre

[PeteV]

glass is not structural and shouldn't be load bearing any thing. the frame itself will bow and needs to have fixings. this is as per every slider i have ever installed, and seen installed. hope this helps!

[intertd6]

glass is not structural and shouldn't be load bearing any thing. the frame itself will bow and needs to have fixings. this is as per every slider i have ever installed, and seen installed. hope this helps!
Can you just pop in a detail of a installation guide, showing this please. It will clear up any confusion.
regards inter

[stevoh741]

I also fix at head and every one I have seen also has head fixed. There should be a gap between the head and lintel that is packed out and fixed. Will sag if not fixed.

[PeteV]

i'll have a dig around at work tomorrow. i really don't know why i should have to prove industry standard though... hope this helps!