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Entry Transom Retrofit

| Posted in Construction Techniques on April 17, 2004 04:13am

Been asked by a customer to retrofit some transoms above cased openings in there house. Got some silly questions, as I can’t find any install details. Nope, havn’t searched the Taunton archives.

Would you remove all finished trim in casing, set transoms, notch casing, reinstall?? Want to know the right way, trying to break into interior remodeling market and don’t want to look like a hack!!

Don’t post here often, lurk frequently, I’ve learned a lot just by visiting. You guys/gals are the best.

Best Regards

 

Reply

Replies

  1. MojoMan | Apr 17, 2004 05:07pm | #1

    This job may be a little more complex than you imagine. First, most openings are spanned by headers to carry the loads from above. You may have to re-frame the walls above the opening. This means working inside already finished walls. Then you have to patch both interior and exterior finish. The interior casing is the least of your challenges. Don't jump into this one until you're sure you understand the entire process.

    Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

    1. nwilhelm1 | Apr 18, 2004 02:10pm | #2

      Thanks MOJOMAN. I've found a supplier that can produce these transoms to match finished dimensions of existing trim. This would allow attachment of transom(s) to trim with 2.5" 15ga finish nails  throughhead of transom and maybe a pocket screw or two through bottom rail on either side.  

      Above being said, I'm concerned with finished appearance. As stated above, don't want to look like a hack.

      TIA for any thoughts.

      Berst Regards

      1. DustynLefty | Apr 22, 2004 12:44am | #3

        Watch out for electric wires over the header also - open it up carefully!  You may want to replace all the door trim rather than trying to re-use some of it, and also make a custom spacer between the top of the door and the bottom of the transom.  I've only done one of these, which is how I found out about the wiring, so I'll defer to anybody on trimming them out.

        D&L

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