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IS 1038 : 1994Steel Doors, Window and Ventilator Frames

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SDI A250.8 · BS 6510 · BS EN 14351-2
CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationBIMArchitectural · Doors, Windows and Shutters
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OverviewValues7InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 1038:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for steel doors, window and ventilator frames. This standard specifies the dimensions, manufacturing details, and material requirements for standard hot-rolled steel doors, windows, and ventilator frames. It is utilized by architects and engineers to ensure uniform, modular sizing and quality control during fabrication and site installation.

Specifies dimensions, materials and manufacturing requirements for steel door, window and ventilator frames.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Architectural — Doors, Windows and Shutters
Type
Specification
International equivalents
SDI A250.8-2017 · Steel Door Institute (US)BS 6510:2010 · BSI (UK)BS EN 14351-2:2018 · BSI / CEN (UK / Europe)HMMA 861-17 · HMMA / NAAMM (US)
Typically used with
IS 7452IS 1081IS 2062IS 2074IS 280
Also on InfraLens for IS 1038
7Key values3Tables3FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! This code specifies the frames themselves; for proper installation, fixing, and glazing guidelines on site, engineers must refer to IS 1081.
! Always ensure the hot-rolled steel sections used by the fabricator explicitly conform to the profiles specified in IS 7452.
! Steel frames must be properly treated for rust prevention and receive a priming coat of red oxide zinc chromate before leaving the factory.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3Standard Sizes and TolerancesCl. 4MaterialCl. 6ManufactureCl. 8GlazingCl. 9Finish
Pulled from IS 1038:1994. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
mild steelglassputty

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
SDI A250.8-2017Steel Door Institute (US)
HighCurrent
Specifications for Standard Steel Doors and Frames
Specifies materials, construction, and finishing for standard steel doors and frames, similar to IS 1038's focus on frame fabrication.
BS 6510:2010BSI (UK)
HighCurrent
Steel-framed windows and glazed doors - Specification
Covers requirements for design, construction, and performance of steel-framed windows and glazed doors, directly aligning with parts of IS 1038.
BS EN 14351-2:2018BSI / CEN (UK / Europe)
MediumCurrent
Windows and doors - Product standard, performance characteristics - Part 2: Internal pedestrian doorsets
Covers internal steel doorsets but is a performance-based standard, contrasting with the prescriptive nature of IS 1038.
HMMA 861-17HMMA / NAAMM (US)
HighCurrent
Guide Specifications for Commercial Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
Provides guide specifications for manufacturing hollow metal doors and frames, closely related to the scope of IS 1038 and SDI standards.
Key Differences
≠IS 1038 is a prescriptive standard, defining specific material thicknesses and profiles (e.g., Profile A, B, C). Modern international standards like BS EN 14351-2 are performance-based, specifying results (e.g., acoustic rating, thermal transmittance) rather than construction methods.
≠International standards like SDI A250.8 provide a detailed classification system based on usage levels (Level 1 to 4) and duty types (Standard, Heavy, Extra Heavy), which dictates material thickness and hardware preparations. IS 1038 does not have a similar graded performance system.
≠While IS 1038 specifies a single minimum primer thickness, US standards (SDI/HMMA) often specify different types of corrosion protection, including various grades of galvanizing (e.g., A60/G60) for enhanced durability, which is an option rather than a default in IS 1038.
≠Fire ratings in international standards are typically integrated into the main specification (e.g., a frame is specified as '20-minute' or '90-minute' rated). IS 1038 is a general fabrication standard, and fire-rated frames are covered separately under codes like IS 3614.
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the use of cold-rolled or hot-rolled mild steel as the primary material for frame construction, with references to their respective national material standards (IS 1079, ASTM A1008, etc.).
≈Fabrication requirements are conceptually similar, covering aspects like welded corner construction, grinding of welds for a smooth finish, and the provision of reinforcements at hardware locations like hinges and strikes.
≈All standards mandate a factory-applied primer coat as a minimum surface finish to protect against corrosion during transport and installation and to provide a suitable base for final painting.
≈Dimensional tolerances for key parameters like opening width, height, squareness, and bow are specified in both IS 1038 and its international counterparts to ensure proper fit and function.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Steel Sheet Thickness (Door Frames)Minimum 1.25 mm1.2 mm (18 gauge) for Level 1, 1.6 mm (16 gauge) for Level 2/3SDI A250.8-2017
Steel Sheet Thickness (Window Frames)Minimum 1.00 mmTypically 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm for hot-rolled steel sectionsBS 6510:2010
Hinge Reinforcement Plate ThicknessMinimum 3.15 mmMinimum 2.7 mm (12 gauge) thick steel plate; thicker for heavier duty hingesSDI A250.8-2017
Primer Dry Film Thickness (DFT)Minimum 15 micronsMinimum 20 microns (0.8 mils) for rust-inhibitive primerSDI A250.10-2011 (Referenced by A250.8)
Base Steel Material SpecificationIS 1079 (Hot or Cold Rolled Steel Sheets)ASTM A1008/A1008M (Cold-Rolled) or ASTM A653/A653M (Galvanized)SDI A250.8-2017
Overall Frame Width Tolerance±1.5 mm±1.6 mm (1/16 in.) for openings up to 1220mm wideSDI A250.8-2017
Frame Squareness Tolerance±1.0 mm (difference in diagonals)±1.6 mm (1/16 in.) (difference in diagonals)SDI A250.8-2017
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values7

Quick Reference Values
module size100 mm
tolerance on overall dimensions±1.5 mm
tolerance on diagonalsMax 3 mm difference between diagonals
hinge pin diameter windowsMinimum 4 mm
hinge pin diameter doorsMinimum 6 mm
thickness of steel plate for hingesMinimum 2.5 mm
primer paint requirementRed oxide zinc chromate primer (IS 2074)

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Standard Sizes of Steel Doors
Table 2 - Standard Sizes of Steel Windows
Table 3 - Standard Sizes of Steel Ventilators
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Standard Sizes and Tolerances
Clause 4 - Material
Clause 6 - Manufacture
Clause 8 - Glazing
Clause 9 - Finish

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 7452:2009Steel Rolling Shutters and Rolling Grills
→
IS 1081:1960Code of practice for fixing and glazing of me...
→
IS 2062:2011Hot Rolled Medium and High Tensile Structural...
→
IS 2074:1992Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Bituminous, Blac...
→
IS 280:2006Mild Steel Wire for General Engineering Purpo...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the acceptable dimensional tolerance for assembled steel window frames?+
Overall dimensions can vary by ±1.5 mm, and the difference between the two diagonals must not exceed 3 mm.
What sections must be used for manufacturing the frames?+
The frames must be manufactured using hot-rolled steel sections conforming to IS 7452.
Are the dimensions in the standard exact manufacturing sizes?+
No, standard sizes are modular. The actual overall manufacturing size of the frame is typically smaller than the modular opening to allow for a nominal clearance (usually 1.25 cm all around) for fixing.

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