Expert: Roger Zona - 1/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: My closet doors are bifold aluminum doors from ceiling to floor and need to be replaced. They are falling off the tracks...

Would it be best to special order doors or have the drywall brought down and use standard doors?  Any suggestions on who to call to install new doors and where to go to buy new doors?  Thanks. Linda Walker

ANSWER: Hello Linda,

I know exactly what you are experiencing.  Your existing doors were probably standard height which hasn't changed.  New doors may vary slightly by different manufacturers but there is a screw adjustment that allows you to fit the door to the opening.

Assuming you have a standard ceiling height of 8 feet, you should be able to buy ready made doors.  Custom doors would be expensive.  Several types doors also are available - full louvered,
partial louver, flush, paneled, and mirrored.  (Mirrored are much heavier!) I assume your doors are standard because you stated they are made of aluminum.  Wood doors can be cut or planed to fit openings but metal doors usually are fixed and cannot be adjusted other than raising or lowering the entire door.  Do you have a floor track? Some models don't require a floor track but rather depend on a pivot pin next to the door jamb.  

I am in Florida and we use bi-fold doors extensively for wardrobe type closets.  I buy doors from a specialty supplier which you can find in the Yellow Pages under "Doors" and also "Doors - Repairing and Installing".  Home Depot and Lowe's offer a selection of standard sizes and can order special sizes.

Let me know how you complete your project.

Roger
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: EACH DOOR IS 7'5" TALL AND 36" WIDE.  DO YOU SUGGEST CUSTOMER ORDERING THEM OR BRINGING THE DRYWALL DOWN TO THE STANDARD SIZE?  CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANYONE IN BOYNTON TO CALL TO DO THE JOB?  THANK YOU SO MUCH. LINDA

Answer
Hi Linda,

You are correct - your doors are an unusual height.  The normal is 6'-8" or 8'-0".

Call Gary Jenkins in Delray Beach:  Cell #573-5721 or evenings 276-1933
I am his partner in Jenkins Contractors, Inc.  We currently are working on the remodeling of a beauty parlor in downtown Delray but he can meet you to determine how much work is involved and an estimate cost for the labor.  The door costs will depend on the style and type selected.

I suspect the cost of custom doors will be more costly than lowering the header to accept a standard door.

Be sure and tell him I asked you to call.  I will also be in contact with him.

Thanks for the quick response.

Roger
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