Having a faulty front door can leave you vulnerable to high power bills and burglars alike. Replacing it can be a great way to save your family money and make them more secure. But if you know nothing about door installation, then the prospect of replacing your front door can seem daunting and difficult. That is why we put together this helpful guide to get you started. Read on for everything you need to know, from selecting a new door to getting it into its proper place just like a professional door replacement.
An Entryway With Purpose
The goal of your front door is to give your guests a good first impression as well as to keep your family safe.
It should be a noticeable and attractive part of your home’s curb appeal. Make sure you choose a door that complements the size and style of your home.
You may also need to consider the durability of your door if you live in an area that is consistently exposed to heavy weather conditions.
Cost of Door Installation
Door installation will cost you around a thousand dollars. Luckily, they don’t need to be replaced too often.
You can save money by reusing your existing slab or doorframe. Make sure that you install it properly and get the proper equipment for the job.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional to ensure the job is done right the first time and save yourself money on buying additional materials.
Door Material
When you are selecting a new door, you have a lot of options. Make sure you choose one that is sturdy enough to do the job required and that fits well in your budget.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is used to make slab panels that can cover a wooden core for a door. It is a strong and light option that is resistant to most rotting, staining, and warping.
Measuring Door Size
Most often when you are doing a replacement door installation, you want to purchase a new door that is the exact same size as your old one.
If you decide to alter the size, you would have to reframe the entire opening and it will multiply the time it takes to complete the task.
Start by measuring the width and height of your door and then round up to the nearest whole inch. That will be the size of the door you purchase.
You should also measure from the back of the interior trim to the back of the exterior trim to know how wide your door jamb is.
Finally, you need to measure the exterior opening of your doorway from the bottom of the sill to the top of its trim. This is to make sure that your new door fits and doesn’t leave any gap from a difference in molding.
Tear Out Old Door
Taking out your old door is the next step in your door installation process. If you plan to reuse your existing molding, then you want to avoid damaging it as you pull the nails out with pliers.
Once the frame is out, you should check the condition of the subflooring and cut out any rotted wood.
Next, you need to protect your sill from water intrusion. You can buy a flashing tape from lumberyards. This will allow you to channel water away from your door.
Prepare the Sill
Your sill should be level. This occasionally requires you to build it up with lumber. Try setting the door in the frame to see how it fits. Hold it against the hinge jamb and adjust it until the jamb is plumb.
Then you can see how the casing fits against the siding and trim it if necessary. Make sure you mark the casing well and then trim it with a belt sander or a circular saw.
Set the Door
Now that your sill is ready, you need to set the door in its opening.
Start by applying a bead of caulk all along the sides and the top of the door. Then, you are going to center the top of the door and tack it in place with galvanized casing nails. Make sure you plumb the hinge-side jamb as well as tack the bottom corners.
Next, you are going to shim the hinge-side jamb. Continue on and do the same to the latch-side jamb. Make sure the gap you create is consistent and then score your shims with a utility knife to break them off.
Now it’s time to replace the hinge screws. Make sure you use a three-inch screw to ensure that your family is protected if someone tries to kick your door in. You should use nails at least every sixteen inches all along the sides and top of the trim.
The final step of setting the door is adding a drip cap. This helps to make sure water doesn’t get into your door frame.
Insulate, Caulk, and Install Trim
At this point, your door installation is almost complete. All that is left is insulating the door and installing the trim.
Start by filling the space between our doorjamb and framing with a foam insulation that expands only minimally.
Next, you want to cut and install trim. If there is a gap between your new sill and existing flooring, then you can cover it with a beveled transition.
Where to Go for Door Installation
The door installation process may be straightforward, but without significant experience, it is incredibly difficult to get your door hanging properly.
Instead of spending hours in frustration, try contacting a professional to perform the service for you. If you are ready to replace your front door, contact us today.
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