When inspecting the hinges on a typical door, you may notice that they are mortised. Door hinges are available in different sizes, materials, shapes and styles. Most door hinges, however, are installed so that they are recessed within the door and the surrounding frame. A process known as mortising, it offers several benefits.
The Basics of Mortising
Mortising is the process of installing an object, such as a door hinge, so that it’s flush with the surface on which it’s mounted. It’s essentially the opposite of surface-mounting.
Surface-mounted hinges are installed directly on the surface of the door and the surrounding frame. Mortise hinges, on the other hand, are installed in a shallow groove or cutout, resulting in a smooth and flush finish.
Increased Strength and Stability
One of the reasons so many door hinges are mortised is for increased strength and stability. When surface-mounted, door hinges will be exposed to wear and tear. They may begin to sag or come loose, thereby jeopardizing the function of the door itself. Mortise hinges offer a higher level of strength and stability because of the way in which they are installed. Mortise hinges are installed in a shallow groove, which helps to support them.
Smaller Gaps
Another reason door hinges are mortised is to minimize the gaps between the hinges and the surrounding frame. Large gaps will allow air to enter and escape the respective space. During the summer, air-conditioned indoor air will escape through these gaps, and it will be replaced with hot air from outside. For a more energy-efficient home or building, you should consider using mortise hinges.
Mortising the door hinges so that they are flush with the door and the surrounding frame will result in smaller gaps. With surface-mounted hinges, gaps typically measure twice the thickness of the leafs. If the leafs are 3 millimeters, for instance, each gap between the hinge and the surrounding frame will measure 6 millimeters.
Improved Security
We can’t talk about the benefits of mortising door hinges without mentioning improved security. Mortise hinges are more secure than their surface-mounted counterparts. This is due to the fact that they have large gaps between the hinges and the surrounding frame.
An intruder can break into a door by placing a crowbar or prybar in these large gaps. Mortise hinges, though, don’t suffer poor security. They are installed flush with the door and the surrounding frame, which allows for smaller gaps and improved security.