IS 1081:1960 provides comprehensive guidelines for the proper fixing and glazing of metal doors, windows, and ventilators made from steel and aluminium. It addresses installation techniques to ensure durability, weather tightness, and structural integrity, covering various types of surrounds including masonry, timber, and steelwork. This code is essential for engineers, architects, and construction professionals involved in metal fenestration to achieve quality and longevity in building envelopes.
Overview
IS 1081:1960 provides comprehensive guidelines for the proper fixing and glazing of metal doors, windows, and ventilators made from steel and aluminium. It addresses installation techniques to ensure durability, weather tightness, and structural integrity, covering various types of surrounds including masonry, timber, and steelwork. This code is essential for engineers, architects, and construction professionals involved in metal fenestration to achieve quality and longevity in building envelopes.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 1081: Scope Summary & Key Specifications
Scope:
Covers recommended methods for fixing and glazing metal doors, windows, and ventilators, focusing on installation, materials, and workmanship.
Fixing Materials (Table 7.1):
| Surround & Fixing Method | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated outside | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick not rebated (plain jambs) | 63 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts/nuts |
General Conditions (Appendix A):
Important Note (Clause 11.2.5):
Paint shall not be applied on working parts (pins, hinges) to avoid impeding free action.
flowchart TD
A[General Contractor] -->|Provide holes in steel/RC| B[Fixing Contractor]
B -->|Cut holes in masonry| C[Fixing & Glazing]
C -->|Fix units & grout| D[Make good]
A -->|Provide scaffolding| B
B -->|Leave clean surfaces| E[Completion]
This concise summary captures the scope, fixing materials, and key responsibilities per IS 1081.
IS 1081: Definitions & Fixing Materials Summary
| Surround & Method of Fixing | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | 38 mm (1½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated outside | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick NOT rebated (plain jambs) | 63 mm (2½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (per Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm (5/16 in) galvanized bolts with hex nuts |
flowchart TD
A[Fixing to Surround] --> B[Wooden Frame Rebated]
A --> C[Concrete/Stone/Brick Rebated]
A --> D[Concrete/Stone/Brick Plain Jambs]
A --> E[Direct to Brick/Masonry]
A --> F[Steelwork]
B -->|38 mm x No.10 Galv. Wood Screws| G[Fixing Material]
C -->|Same as B| G
D -->|63 mm x No.10 Galv. Wood Screws| G
E -->|Slotted Steel Adjustable Lugs| G
F -->|Standard Clips + 8 mm Galv. Bolts| G
This concise table and diagram summarize IS 1081 fixing specifications for doors/windows/ventilators.
IS 1081: Types of Openings – Key Points & Specifications
| Opening Type | Typical Clearance (mm) |
|---|---|
| Externally Rendered | 10 to 15 |
| Fair-faced | 5 to 10 |
flowchart LR
A[Opening Type] --> B[Masonry]
A --> C[Timber]
A --> D[Steelwork]
D --> E[Frame flange overlaps steel surface]
B --> F[Allow clearance for rendering/fair-faced]
C --> F
Ensure:
IS 1081 - Materials for Fixing Doors, Windows, and Ventilators
| Surround & Fixing Method | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated on outside | 38 mm (1½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete, stone, or brick work rebated outside | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete, stone, or brick work not rebated (plain jambs) | 63 mm (2½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (see Fig. 10 in IS 1081) |
| Steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm (5/16 in) galvanized bolts with hexagonal nuts |
flowchart TD
A[Fixing Surround] -->|Wooden frame rebated| B[38 mm x No.10 Galv. Wood-screws]
A -->|Plugs in concrete, rebated| B
A -->|Plugs in concrete, not rebated| C[63 mm x No.10 Galv. Wood-screws]
A -->|Direct to masonry| D[Slotted Steel Adjustable Lugs]
A -->|Steelwork| E[Standard Clips + 8 mm Galv. Bolts]
This table and procedure ensure secure, corrosion-resistant fixing per IS 1081 standards.
IS 1081: Handling of Doors, Windows and Ventilators
| Surround & Method of Fixing | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated outside | Same as above (38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood screws) |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick not rebated (plain) | 63 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (see Fig. 10 in IS 1081) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts with nuts |
flowchart TD
A[Modular Opening] --> B[Opening = Unit Size + 12.5 mm gap]
B --> C{Type of Surround}
C -->|Wooden rebated| D[Use 38 mm No.10 galvanized screws]
C -->|Concrete/stone rebated| D
C -->|Concrete/stone plain| E[Use 63 mm No.10 galvanized screws]
C -->|Brick/masonry plain| F[Use slotted steel adjustable lugs]
C -->|Steelwork| G[Use clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts]
This summary ensures proper fixing methods and gap allowance for standard Indian doors, windows, and ventilators per IS 1081.
IS 1081 Fixing Procedures: Key Specifications & Materials
| Surround & Method of Fixing | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated on outside | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated on outside | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick NOT rebated (plain jambs) | 63 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (see Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts & nuts |
graph TD
A[Surround Type] --> B[Wooden Frame Rebated Outside]
A --> C[Plugs in Concrete/Stone Rebated]
A --> D[Plugs in Concrete/Stone Not Rebated]
A --> E[Direct Brick/Masonry]
A --> F[Steelwork]
B -->|Fix with| G[38 mm × No. 10 Galvanized Wood Screws]
C -->|Fix with| G
D -->|Fix with| H[63 mm × No. 10 Galvanized Wood Screws]
E -->|Fix with| I[Slotted Steel Adjustable Lugs]
F -->|Fix with| J[Standard Clips + 8 mm Bolts & Nuts]
This ensures durable, standardized fixing per IS 1081.
IS 1081 - Fixing Materials for Doors, Windows, and Ventilators (Clause 7.1, Table I)
| Surround & Method of Fixing | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated on the outside | 38 mm (1½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete, stone or brick work rebated on the outside | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete, stone or brick work not rebated (plain jambs) | 63 mm (2½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Fixed direct to brickwork or masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (sizes per Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm (5/16 in) galvanized bolts with hex nuts |
graph TD
A[Fixing Surround] -->|Wooden frame rebated| B[38 mm × No.10 galvanized screws]
A -->|Plugs in concrete/stone rebated| B
A -->|Plugs in concrete/stone plain jambs| C[63 mm × No.10 galvanized screws]
A -->|Direct masonry plain jambs| D[Slotted steel adjustable lugs]
A -->|Steelwork| E[Standard clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts]
This table and notes ensure proper, durable fixing per IS 1081 standards.
IS 1081: Procedure for Fixing Composite Units
| Surround & Method | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick plain | 63 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry plain | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts/nuts |
General Procedure for Composite Units (Clause 8.0):
Important Handling (Clause 5.2):
Fixing to Steelwork (Clause 6.15):
flowchart TD
A[Start: Composite Unit Fixing] --> B{Surround Type?}
B -->|Wooden frame rebated| C[Use 38mm No.10 galvanized screws]
B -->|Concrete/Stone rebated| C
B -->|Concrete/Stone plain| D[Use 63mm No.10 galvanized screws]
B -->|Brick/Masonry plain| E[Use slotted steel adjustable lugs]
B -->|Steelwork| F[
IS 1081: Hardware Installation and Protection - Key Points
| Surround & Method of Fixing | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | 38 mm (1½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated outside | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick NOT rebated (plain jambs) | 63 mm (2½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (see Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm (5/16 in) galvanized bolts with hex nuts |
| Surround Type | Screw Size |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Concrete/stone/brick rebated | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Concrete/stone/brick plain jambs | 63 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
flowchart LR
A[Prepare Surround] --> B{Type of Surround}
B -->|Wooden Frame Rebated| C[Use 38mm x No.10 Galv. Screws]
B -->|Concrete/Stone Rebated| C
B -->|Concrete/
1. Glazing Securing (Clause 2.4 & 10.5):
2. Bead Fixing (Clause 10.8.2):
3. Double Glazing (Clause 100):
4. Painting (Clause 11.2.5):
5. Fixing & Glazing Responsibilities (Appendix A):
| Location | Max Distance Between Screws |
|---|---|
| From each corner | 10 cm (4 in) |
| Between screws elsewhere | 20 cm (8 in) |
graph LR
A[Glass Pane] --> B[Glazing Bead]
B --> C[Screw at corner (max 10 cm)]
B --> D[Screw along bead (max 20 cm apart)]
This ensures structural integrity, ease of maintenance, and long-term durability of glazing in metal doors/windows.
IS 1081 - Painting and Finishing: Key Points & Specifications
| Surface Type | Undercoat Requirement | Primer/Preparation Method | Final Coat Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ungalvanized | Moisture resistant, compatible, lead-based | Not rust inhibitive | Tough, smooth, external use paint |
| Galvanized | Good adhesion critical | Natural/chemical etching or calcium plumbate primer (≥70%) | Same as ungalvanized |
flowchart TD
A[Surface Type] --> B[Ungalvanized]
A --> C[Galvan
IS 1081: Key Points on General Conditions Governing Fixing and Glazing
| Surround/Method of Fixing | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated outside | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick not rebated (plain jambs) | 63 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (see Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts with nuts |
| Opening Type | Gap Between Window & Opening |
|---|---|
| Flush with rendering | As per Fig. 1 (usually tight fit) |
| Flush without rendering | Minimum 3 mm gap (Fig. 2) |
| With mastic/metal bead | Gap depends on bead size |
flowchart LR
A[Prepared Opening by General Contractor] --> B[Fixing Contractor Cuts Holes]
B --> C[Fixing Contractor Fixes Units
IS 1081 - General Responsibilities & Fixing/Glazing Key Points
| Surround & Fixing Method | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | 38 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated outside | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick not rebated (plain jambs) | 63 mm × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts & nuts |
flowchart TD
A[General Contractor] -->|Prepares holes in steel/RC| B[Fixing Contractor]
A -->|Corrects opening misalignments| B
A -->|Provides scaffolding| B
B -->|Cuts holes in brick/block| C[Fixing & Glazing]
IS 1081:1960 (Amendment October 1980) covers the Code of Practice for Fixing and Glazing of Metal (Steel and Aluminium) Doors, Windows, and Ventilators. Key points include:
| Glass Thickness (mm) | Frame Width (mm) | Max Glass Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | ≤ 50 | 1200 x 900 |
| 5 | 51 - 75 | 1500 x 1200 |
| 6 | > 75 | 1800 x 1500 |
Allowable Glass Load:
[
q = \frac{P}{A}
]
where (P) = load on glass, (A) = area of glass panel.
Fixing Spacing:
Maximum spacing of screws/bolts = 450 mm for frames.
flowchart LR
A[Metal Frame] --> B[Fixing: Screws/Bolts/Welding]
B --> C[Glazing: Glass Thickness & Size]
C --> D[Sealants & Gaskets]
D --> E[Weatherproof & Vibration Resistance]
For detailed tables and installation steps, refer to the full IS 1081:1960 document with October 1980 amendment.
Frequently Asked
According to IS 1081 Clause 7.1 and Table I, the recommended fixing methods for metal doors and windows to different surrounds are:
| Surround Type | Fixing Method | Fixing Material |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | Direct fixing | 38 mm x No.10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated outside | Plug fixing | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick not rebated (plain/square jambs) | Plug fixing | 63 mm x No.10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain/square jambs) | Lug fixing | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (see Fig. 10 in IS 1081) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Clip and bolt fixing | Standard clips + 8 mm galvanized bolts with hexagonal nuts |
Additional notes:
This ensures secure, durable fixing adapted to the surround material.
According to IS 1081:1960, glazing in steel and aluminium frames should be secured as follows:
Summary:
| Glass Pane Size | Glazing Method |
|---|---|
| ≤ 60 cm x 30 cm | Front putty alone |
| > 60 cm x 30 cm | Spring glazing clips + putty |
This practice prevents glass damage and ensures durability of the glazing installation in metal frames.
According to IS 1081, Clause 7.1 and Table I, the materials and fasteners for fixing metal fenestration units depend on the surround and fixing method:
| Surround & Method | Fixing Material |
|---|---|
| Wooden frame rebated outside | 38 mm (1½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick rebated | Same as above |
| Plugs in concrete/stone/brick not rebated | 63 mm (2½ in) × No. 10 galvanized wood-screws |
| Direct to brick/masonry (plain jambs) | Slotted steel adjustable lugs (sizes per Fig. 10) |
| Fixed to steelwork | Standard clips + 8 mm (5/16 in) galvanized bolts with hexagonal nuts |
Additional notes:
This ensures secure, durable fixing tailored to the substrate type.
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IS 1081 primarily focuses on recommended methods for fixing and glazing steel and aluminium doors, windows, and ventilators. Although it does not explicitly detail handling and protection during installation, good engineering practice based on the code's intent includes:
These practices align with the code’s emphasis on proper fixing and glazing methods to maintain structural integrity and finish quality.
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Guidelines from IS 1081 for Weather Tightness & Structural Movement:
Weather Tightness (Clause 8.1):
Accommodation of Structural Movement:
Additional Points:
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This ensures durability, weather tightness, and accommodates frame movement without damage.
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