Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Door Fitter

🎯 Role Definition

An Aluminum Door Fitter is a skilled tradesperson responsible for measuring, fabricating, installing, adjusting and maintaining aluminium doors, frames, storefronts and associated hardware in commercial, industrial and residential projects. This role requires expertise in aluminium fabrication, glazing, sealing and compliance with building codes and fire-rating standards. The ideal candidate combines hands-on installation experience with strong blueprint reading, quality control and site-safety practices.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice Fabricator or Glazier
Bench Joiner / Metalworker
Construction Site Labourer with glazing exposure

Advancement To:

Senior Aluminum Door Fitter / Lead Installer
Site Supervisor or Installation Manager
Estimator or Project Manager (specialising in doors and façades)
Fabrication Manager or Curtain Wall Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Storefront and Curtain Wall Installer
Commercial Glazier
Access Control / Automatic Door Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct accurate site surveys and pre-installation assessments, measuring openings, checking levels/plumbness and recording site conditions to produce precise cut lists and installation plans.
Read, interpret and apply architectural drawings, shop drawings, door schedules and glazing specifications to ensure installations meet design intent and contract requirements.
Fabricate, cut, mitre and assemble aluminium door leaves, frames, transoms, and sidelights using saws, milling machines, mitre saws, CNC cutting equipment and hand tools to tight tolerances.
Install single and double aluminium doors, pivot doors, storefronts, curtain walls and unitized systems, ensuring correct fit, alignment and functionality in both new-build and refurbishment projects.
Install glazing units (insulated glass units, laminated glass, safety glass) into aluminium frames and apply appropriate glazing beads, setting blocks, gaskets and spacers to achieve weather-tight seals and U-value performance.
Select, fit and adjust mechanical hardware including hinges, locks, latches, panic exit devices, closers, electric strikes, maglocks and automatic door operators in accordance with manufacturer instructions and ADA/DDA requirements.
Install and integrate access control and electronic hardware (keypads, card readers, electric strikes, door operators), coordinating electrical connections and testing with site subcontractors as needed.
Assemble and install fire-rated aluminum doors and frames, correctly applying intumescent strips, fire seals, thresholds and hardware to comply with fire safety regulations and manufacturer fire test evidence.
Apply sealants, silicone, gaskets and weather-stripping to ensure water-tight and air-tight performance; select sealant types and joint preparations appropriate to substrate and exposure.
Set thresholds, sills and draught excluders, ensuring correct sealing against thermal bridging and water ingress, and accommodate building movement as specified.
Trim and finish aluminium extrusions, perform cosmetic touch-ups, apply protective coverings and ensure shop- or site-applied finishes (anodizing, powder coat touch-up) are undamaged and match project specifications.
Perform mechanical adjustments and fine-tuning of installed doors and hardware to ensure smooth operation, quiet performance and no rubbing or binding throughout the opening cycle.
Carry out repairs, retrofits and maintenance on existing aluminium door assemblies and glazing systems, diagnosing faults, fabricating replacement parts and restoring operation to manufacturer standards.
Coordinate with site managers, general contractors, glaziers, electricians, and other trades to sequence installations, manage penetrations, and ensure on-time delivery and site safety.
Manage loading and off-loading of fabricated doors and frames, using safe manual handling practices and mechanical lifting aids (forklifts, hoists, suction lifters), protecting materials from damage on site.
Maintain accurate installation records, test certificates, hardware schedules, punch lists and as-built documentation for client handover and quality assurance.
Conduct pre-handover commissioning tests including operation cycles, safety edge checks, access control interlocks, closing speeds and door gap tolerances; log defects and complete remedial works.
Follow manufacturer installation manuals, warranty procedures and technical bulletins, ensuring warranties remain valid and installations meet specified performance criteria.
Ensure compliance with local building regulations, glazing standards, acoustic and thermal requirements and accessibility codes (ADA/DDA) for every installation.
Lead or mentor apprentices and junior fitters on-site or in the workshop, providing instruction on safe tool use, fabrication techniques and quality standards.
Keep the fabrication workshop and site tidy, secure tools and materials and perform basic preventative maintenance on hand and powered tools to retain efficiency and safety.
Participate in pre-construction meetings and job briefings to clarify scope, tolerances and special requirements such as anti-fingertrap profiles, thermal breaks or bespoke hardware.
Verify material deliveries against packing lists and purchase orders, inspect aluminium extrusions, hardware and glazing for defects and report non-conforming items to procurement and project management.
Implement and monitor site-specific health and safety measures, ensure appropriate PPE is used, work at height is safely controlled and risk assessments/method statements (RAMS) are followed.
Troubleshoot complex installation issues on-site, propose practical remedial solutions (field modification, splice repairs, reinforcement) and liaise with manufacturers or engineers when necessary.

Secondary Functions

Assist estimators and project managers by providing installation time estimates, material take-offs and feedback on constructability during pre-bid reviews.
Support warehouse and logistics teams by preparing door sets for delivery, labelling components and ensuring all hardware and fixings are included for site installation.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by recommending fabrication jigs, tooling upgrades and efficiency improvements for repetitive assembly tasks.
Participate in site QA audits and support third-party inspection visits by supplying technical data, cut lists and installation records.
Provide on-call support for emergency repairs or urgent remedial works for occupied commercial or residential buildings when required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in aluminium fabrication techniques: cutting, mitring, drilling, riveting and mechanical assembly of extrusions and frames.
Experienced in glazing installation including IGU handling, setting blocks, beads, gaskets and structural silicone glazing principles.
Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, elevation details and hardware schedules.
Skilled in installing and adjusting a wide range of door hardware: hinges, closers, panic devices, electric strikes, access control and automatic operators.
Knowledge of fire-rated door assembly and ability to fit intumescent seals, smoke seals and meet fire door certification requirements.
Competent operating powered workshop machinery: cold saws, bench drills, milling machines, presses and CNC cutting equipment.
Proficient with sealants and joint preparation: silicone, polyurethane and butyl tapes for weatherproofing aluminium systems.
Familiarity with thermal break installation, thermal performance considerations and curtain wall interfaces.
Experience with surface finishes (powder coat, anodized) handling, protection and minor touch-up techniques.
Skilled in site-measurement and templating, ensuring precise fabrication to site conditions and structural interfaces.
Ability to install storefront systems, curtain wall components and unitized glazing systems to manufacturer tolerances.
Competent in safe use of lifting equipment and glass handling tools (suction lifters, spreader bars), and manual handling best practices.
Knowledge of building regulations, ADA/DDA accessibility standards, acoustic and thermal performance requirements applicable to doors and façades.
Ability to commission and test installed systems, document results and complete punch lists.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.
Excellent communication skills for client interaction and coordination with site teams and subcontractors.
Problem-solving mindset with practical field experience to resolve complex installation challenges.
Time management and ability to prioritize tasks to meet project milestones and tight installation windows.
Team player who can mentor apprentices and work collaboratively across trades.
Professional customer service orientation for occupied building installations and client handover.
Adaptability to changing site conditions and scope variations.
Safety-first attitude with ability to follow and enforce RAMS, PPE and work-at-height protocols.
Organizational skills for managing tools, hardware schedules and installation documentation.
Resilience and physical fitness for manual handling, lifting and working on ladders or scaffolding.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma / GCSEs or equivalent with practical technical coursework.

Preferred Education:

Vocational qualification (NVQ / City & Guilds / Trade Certificate) in Metal Fabrication, Bench Joinery, Glazing or Construction.
Manufacturer-specific installation training or certificated courses in aluminium systems.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Metal Fabrication and Welding
Carpentry & Joinery (bench skills transferable)
Construction Technology / Building Services
Architectural Metalwork and Glazing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–5 years of hands-on experience installing aluminium doors, frames and glazing systems for junior to mid-level fitters.
5+ years preferred for senior/lead fitter roles, including storefronts, curtain walls and fire-rated assemblies.

Preferred:

Proven track record on commercial projects (retail, office, healthcare, education) with experience in refurbishment and new-build installations.
Experience integrating access control, automatic operators and complex hardware schedules.
Familiarity with manufacturer warranties, technical data sheets and compliance documentation.
Certifications desirable: CSCS or equivalent, PASMA, IPAF, First Aid, Fire Door Competency training, and any manufacturer-specific accreditation.