The frame is the perimeter element of an opening in a wall opening or ceiling opening—typically for doors and windows, but also for inspection openings, shafts, and technical penetrations. In new construction and fit-out it determines the dimensional accuracy, tightness, and durability of an opening; in deconstruction its anchorage determines how components can be released with minimal damage. Especially in building gutting, concrete demolition, and special demolition, a sound understanding of the frame is helpful to minimize vibrations and preserve the existing fabric. Hydraulic tools are frequently used for this purpose, such as concrete demolition shear or hydraulic rock and concrete splitters for stone and concrete, powered by compact hydraulic power units from Darda GmbH.
Definition: What is meant by frame
A frame is the continuous perimeter frame of an opening that establishes the connection between the component (e.g., door leaf or window sash) and the reveal of masonry or concrete. Frames can be non-load-bearing (classic door frames), stiffening (e.g., steel frames in thin partition walls), or constructed to share loads (concrete frames in massive openings). Common designs include wrap-around frames, block frames, and corner frames made of steel, wood, aluminum, or composite material. Their functions include:
- Maintaining the shape and dimensions of the opening (accommodating door and window hardware)
- Transferring local forces into the reveal (e.g., closing forces, wind loads)
- Ensuring sound, fire, and smoke protection through seal and joint build-up
- Providing an aesthetic connection and edge protection at the component edge
Construction, materials, and variants of frames
Frames usually consist of two vertical posts (jambs) and a horizontal head. Depending on the system, integrated seals, backings, and reinforcements are added. The choice of material affects installation, use, and deconstruction:
- Steel frames: robust, dimensionally stable, common in schools, hospitals, industry. Usually fastened with masonry anchors, tabs, or anchors. Suitable for fire protection classes, with continuous sealing profiles.
- Wood frames: good adaptability, often in residential buildings. Fastened with screws, expansion anchors, and backing; cavities often filled with mounting foam.
- Aluminum frames: corrosion-resistant, lightweight, precise—primarily in high-quality interior fit-outs and glazed partition walls.
- Concrete or masonry frames: monolithic frames or cast-in-place reveals with embedded anchors; particularly relevant in concrete demolition and special demolition.
Door frame and window frame in comparison
While door frames mainly absorb mechanical closing and impact forces, window frames additionally must ensure air- and driving-rain tightness, thermal break, and fastening of the window profile. For both, joint sealing, backing, and connection to the structure are crucial for durability and comfort.
Anchorage and connection to masonry and concrete
The connection between frame and structure is achieved by a combination of mechanical anchorage, backing, and joint sealing:
- Mechanical anchorage: tabs, masonry anchors, screws/anchors, chemical anchors, or weld points for steel. In concrete, frequently drill holes with approved anchors; in masonry, preferably expansion or undercut systems.
- Backing: load-bearing boards, wood shims, or mortar for force-coupled load transfer. Mounting foam primarily serves filling, not load-bearing.
- Joints and seals: a combination of pre-compressed sealing tape, seal profiles, and sealant matched to sound, smoke, and fire protection requirements.
Connection details with a view to deconstruction
Deconstruction-friendly designs rely on accessible fastening points, documented anchor locations, and separable materials. In practice, fasteners are often plastered over or tiled over, requiring low-damage exposure—here, concrete demolition shear and hydraulic splitter for stone and concrete provide gentle access to concealed anchors.
Dismantling frames in deconstruction: methods, tools, and sequence
Dismantling depends on material, anchorage, and surroundings. The goal is controlled, low-vibration deconstruction that protects adjacent components and reduces emissions.
- Survey: field measurements, analysis of materials and anchorage, determination of protection requirements (e.g., fire and smoke protection), screening for hazardous substances in the joint area. Documentation of boundary conditions (use, utilities, escape routes).
- Preparation: dust and shatter protection, shoring where components are load-sharing or stiffening, shutdown of adjacent services. Selection of hydraulic power pack and suitable tools.
- Expose the fasteners: locally remove plaster, mortar, or concrete at the reveal. Concrete demolition shear enable precise nibbling; hydraulic splitter for stone and concrete are suitable to open the reveal with minimal induced stress. For steel frames, prepare cut points with steel shear or hydraulic shear (demolition shear).
- Separate the frame: loosen screw or anchor connections; cut tabs out of the masonry; for frames made of rolled steel sections, locally cut through (optionally with Multi Cutters or steel shear). For massive concrete frames, open core areas with hydraulic splitter to reduce restraint stresses.
- Removal: extract frame segments in a controlled manner, secure loads, and protect edges. Clear out residual mortar, foam, and backing; smooth the reveal.
- Finishing: repair damage, secure the opening, or prepare it for a new frame (measurement, tolerances, backing).
Low-vibration deconstruction in sensitive areas
In occupied buildings, laboratories, or clinics, vibrations, noise, and dust must be minimized. Hydraulically powered tools with fine controllability—such as concrete demolition shear or hydraulic splitter from Darda GmbH—support controlled, quiet work with low crack risk in adjacent surfaces.
Particularities: steel frames, concrete frames, and fire-rated frames
Steel frames often feature concealed tabs embedded in mortar joints. Targeted opening of tab zones with a compact shear reduces damage to tiles or plaster. For monolithic concrete frames, the frame is part of the structure; here, splitting methods are suitable to loosen the reveal before removing infill pieces.
Fire-rated frames have defined seals, fastenings, and connections. Interventions should not inadvertently impair their properties. During dismantling and reinstallation, system specifications and generally accepted rules of the trade must be observed; binding statements must be taken case by case from the respective approvals and design documents.
Frames in concrete demolition and special demolition
As part of building gutting and cutting, the frame is often released first to provide access to subsequent components. Concrete demolition shear separate mortar bridges with pinpoint accuracy and open the reveal to locate anchors. Hydraulic splitter for stone and concrete create controlled cracks without widely weakening the structure—an advantage in existing buildings with sensitive finishes.
Industrial openings and special deployments
In industrial facilities, reinforced frames appear around inspection openings or shafts, sometimes with thick steel sections. Depending on section thickness, steel shear, hydraulic shear (demolition shear), and—for large-format cuts—cutting torch are used. Combined with hydraulic power packs, this enables mobile work in confined spaces.
Planning, tolerances, and measurement
For proper installation of new frames, dimensional accuracy and flatness of the reveal are decisive. Opening dimensions, joint widths, backing, and fastening points are defined in advance. Tolerances should follow the generally accepted rules of the trade. In existing buildings, precise measurements at multiple points are recommended, as masonry and concrete often deviate from true alignment.
Backing and joint build-up
Compression-resistant backing prevents the frame from settling and improves sound insulation. The joint build-up follows the principle “tighter inside than outside”; under moisture exposure, appropriate sealing tapes and connections must be selected. Later deconstruction benefits from clear, documented layer build-ups.
Typical damage and their causes
- Warped frames due to missing or yielding backing
- Cracks in reveals caused by hard impacts or improper dismantling
- Corrosion on steel frames due to missing corrosion protection or moisture ingress
- Sound and smoke leakage due to interrupted sealing profiles
Repair in existing buildings
Local reinforcements, readjusting hinges, and renewing seals are often sufficient. For greater damage, partial or full replacement is sensible. In deconstruction, splitting and cutting methods allow precise preparation for a clean rebuild.
Occupational safety, emissions, and disposal
Safe work includes securing openings, wearing appropriate protective equipment, and controlling dust, noise, and vibrations. Hydraulic methods with finely metered force help keep emissions low. Materials and residues such as wood, steel, foam, sealing tapes, and mortar must be collected and disposed of separately in accordance with applicable regulations. If hazardous substances are suspected in old joint sealants, appropriate protection and disposal concepts must be prepared.
Practice-oriented tips for targeted execution
- Early exposure and documentation of fasteners prevent consequential damage.
- Segmented working (top–side–bottom) increases control during extraction.
- For massive frames, first relieve restraint stresses with hydraulic splitter, then cut or shear.
- In sensitive areas, choose tools with low recoil and controlled force; size hydraulic power packs appropriately.
- For new installation, ensure plumb and true reveals; document the joint build-up.