© 2008 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Fall 2008
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 62

TECHNICAL TIPS
DASMA’s Most Popular Technical Data Sheet

According to Web traffic statistics, DASMA Technical Data Sheet 161 (Connecting Garage Door Jambs to Building Framing) is the most downloaded of all 89 TDSs on the DASMA Web site.

“Wind load continues to garner an increasing amount of attention,” explains Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director. “The interface between the garage door assembly and the building framing is a critical aspect of wind resistance.”

Bridging the Gap

Hetzel says that the information in TDS 161 bridges the gap between garage door design and framing design. He believes that word may be spreading of the usefulness of this TDS.

TDS 161 contains 33 pages, mostly filled with charts for various types of framing, such as steel and wood, and various fasteners, such as lag screws, bolts, nails, etc. If, for example, 2x6 doorjambs have been attached to the building framing, the document helps the door dealer verify if the separate wood jambs are securely attached to the building structure.

How to Check the Jambs

“If you need to check the jambs,” explains Hetzel, “you need to know the positive wind load to the nearest 5 PSF, the door width in feet, the type of lumber used, and the type of fastener used.” TDS 161’s charts specify the maximum spacing between the fasteners in the jamb, according to the type of fastener used.

Hetzel urges dealers to review the notes and details mentioned in the charts. “This check ensures that the door jamb itself is properly anchored to withstand the specified wind load.”

TDS 161 is available for a free download at www.dasma.com. In all, 28 TDSs are available for commercial and residential garage doors, 33 for rolling doors, 26 for operators and electronics, and two for high performance doors. All Technical Data Sheets are located in the Publications section of the site.