Q: Hi- I’d like to install the Zero International Automatic Door Bottoms but have a question: I will have 3 doors that will be 32” wide, 1-3/4” thick solid core wood doors. I’d prefer to use a full mortise style door bottom like the Zero 364AA for the clean look, but am concerned about how much material needs to be routed out of the door to accept the full mortise, and if that would weaken the door. Have you experienced others putting the Zero full mortise door bottom in a 1-3/4” door, or would you recommend a semi-mortise installation using the Zero 366AA? And do you have 3 of either of the above units in stock? Thanks so much.
A: The Zero material is not in stock and is currently running several weeks to ship.
Having said that are you able to be patient for the lead time or shall I phrase my answer using a much more readily available product line?
Q: Hi- Thanks for the prompt response. Lead time of several weeks would be difficult - a month? Probably do-able. I’m in the framing time now. That said, I’d like to maintain the Zero level of quality, but if that may be available in another line (Pemko?) with shorter lead time, yes I’d be interested in your recommendations for that. Thanks! George
A: Since I am unable to commit to a four week lead time currently for products manufactured from Zero I'm going to direct your attention to the manufacturer by the name of Reese whose page within our website can be reviewed here:
Click Here
I would direct your attention to the link to their product catalog as seen here:
Download File
And then please navigate to page numbers 40 and 41.
When it comes to a mortise style mount (of which I would have no reservations about mortising the door and have no concern about compromising the integrity of the door, assuming that your door is not fire rated and assuming that the door construction would not be compromised as a result of mortising your mod of material that needs to be removed).
I think you would have exceptional success with the Reese part number 430A as seen in that catalog but also here:
Click Here
However if you were willing to semi mortise a unit to the door I would strongly urge you to review the Reese number 521C as seen on page 40 of the above mentioned catalog and then here at this link:
Regarding your question about which of the two would be preferential - my opinion is I would prefer to semi mortise the unit for the reason that it ought to be easier to mortise in terms of an installation perspective but also when you consider the line of defense from the exterior of the door versus the "elements" intruding I would prefer to have a semi mortise unit because that allows me to bring the seal right up to the face of the door rather than the underside of the door where by that time the water, moisture, elements and weather have already intruded a third of the way underneath my door. Not ideal.
This would be my logic for proceeding with a semi Mortise mount versus a full mortise Mount.
However the argument to have a full mortise version is that the hardware is thoroughly concealed when the door is in the closed position that makes it a very elegant possibility.
Regardless of the style that you ultimately select I would encourage you to add a drip cap to the exterior push side of the door to help drive water away which can be reviewed in the above-mentioned catalog link on page number 42 would be the Reese Model R199A as seen here:
Click Here
Reese is an exceptional company with exceptional quality and industry-leading Lead times they would not exceed one week to ship.
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Q: Thanks so much for the prompt reply and this detailed info. I was not aware of the Reese product, and am pleased to see that they offer such a varied product line. My use will be on internal doors specifically for a music project studio/control room situation to control airborne noise, if that affects your recommendations. I’ll peruse the info you’ve provided and will get back to you with any questions. Thanks again. Best regards, George O
A: Reese Enterprises, Inc. offers a wide variety of proven
soundproofing door seals. Used in conjunction with sound rated
doors, they will provide you with the sound reduction you
require
I would certainly suggest the Reese 521 as the (from page 40 pf the Reese catalog)
The Reese No. 521 Automatic Door bottom offers positive
sound control for all swinging doors up to 8 feet wide. Our
patented design combines low operating force with an
adjustable sealing bar. Used in conjunction with Reese No. 599
Head and Jamb Seal, it achieved an amazing STC Rating of 46!
The 599 mentioned above can be reviewed here:
Click Here