If you are into doing your own home renovations and want to save yourself some money it pays to know how to install an exterior door. If you have some basic knowledge and skills when it comes to carpentry, installing a pre-hung exterior door should not be a challenging task.
In the following guide, we shall give you a quick tutorial on how to install exterior doors in Toronto.
How to Install an Exterior Door
How to frame a door: Tools needed
- Hammer & Nails
- Saw
- Utility Knife
- Level
- Pry Bar
- Tape Measure
Step 1: Obtain correct measurements
In order to correctly hang your new doors, you will have to measure the current opening. This includes the width, depth and height of the door. As well, you will need to measure the width of the jamb, inside to out. Next, you will need to get a measurement for the “rough opening” which is the opening of the door sans the door and jamb. Measure header to foot and trimmer to trimmer.
Step 2: Remove the current exterior door
First, you will want to remove the exterior and interior trims of your old door. Gently ease it between the wall and the casing with a pry bar. Then, remove the hinge pins using a screwdriver. Next, unscrew the jamb frame and sill from the house frame. Finally, remove any shin with a pry bar to remove the door frame.
Step 3: Repair the weatherproofing
The above steps can have an effect on weatherproofing, especially if your door has a minimal overhang. First, inspect for water damage. Replace the flash and repair the weather stripping.
Step 4: Set the sill
Prepare the sill using treated lumber, which you can screw and/or glue to the desk. Use a two-foot level to ensure that the sill plate is level.
Step 5: Install the door frame
Apply a bead of caulk and per the manufacturer’s directions, set the door frame in the opening. Make sure that the frame is square and plumb in the opening using a four-foot level. Check that the door is functioning properly and not binding before nailing the frame in place through the shins and door jamb.
Step 6: Insulate
Use expanding foam to caulk and insulate the frame in place between the framing material and the jamb. This is used using as insulation and does not count as sufficient weatherproofing.
Step 7 — Install Casing and Hardware
Apply the interior casing as well as the hardware, including deadbolts, handles, locks and so forth.
Step 8: Finish
If your door has a raw finish, you will need you to need to finish any exposed edges to thoroughly seal the top and bottom of the door.
If you still need advice on how to install an exterior door, contact Direct Pro Windows and Doors. We can give you tips and answer any questions you may have about DIY window and door installation.
