Introduction:
The first expression of your house, which is the door, is supposed to be robust, durable, and presentable. Any damage to your door can further weaken its strength and is a sign for replacement. While it seems impossible for your door to last for a lifetime (it certainly is meant to wear out before your house); replacing it is not troubling, if you can follow some simple techniques. While you can choose from an array of designs, it would be a preferable idea to get one that is energy-efficient. With the availability of pre-hung doors, the task of replacing your old door has become easier than before.
Difficulty:
Moderate
Things required:
- Tape measure
- Pen
- Paper
- Miter saw
- Caulk gun
- 2-ft. and 4-ft. levels
- Pry bar
- Reciprocating saw
- Hammer
Procedure:
When you are ready with all your tools, just keep this in mind that replacing your door may need time and patience, and may, sometimes, be a lengthy job. Normally, you can get over with a pre-hung door installation within one day, setting aside the other day for the finishing touches, which include painting your door. You can also get a door designed as per your preferences and needs. By following these ordinary guidelines, you can be ready for your next experience.
1. Know your requirements
Before starting to work with your tools, get to know your current requirements. Observe the door, which needs replacement, for most of your requirements. The door size, jamb size (which is the vertical size of your door measuring from the interior to the exterior trim, both from the backside), any rough opening, and exterior opening need careful measurement with the tape so that the new door can exactly fit into the space. The rough opening can be obtained by removing the interior trim. The exterior openings are applicable to doors having a stone or brick surrounding. You may need certain alterations in case a pre-hung door does not comply with the available frame. Write down your measurements to be very precise and avoid undesired inconveniences.
2. Remove your old door
After carefully removing your old door, examine the frame. It there are any unwanted elements like rotten wood, remove it. Use a pry bar and a knife to remove the frame. The sill is very vital to the door. If your new door sill seems thinner than the existing one’s, work on the sill to bring it to the required thickness. Your door needs protection from water too, which can be done by using a special plastic sill. Metal drip cap can also be used to keep water away.
3. Fix the new door
You may have to put in a little extra effort if your sill is not adequate for the new door. First, check the sill with 2ft level. If need be, raise it with the help of shims.
You have to see whether your new door fits into the framework, which has been done. Put in some more effort, if the siding is far out of plumb thereby making the door frame and casing unfit for each other. You can try cutting back the siding. Alternatively, casing can also be trimmed. A saw will be of use here. After ensuring that the door fits in easily, it needs to be made watertight. You have to keep the door watertight along the sill and put the door in the frame. The gaps must be evenly spaced to ensure a proper fit. Nail through the jambs when you are satisfied using the shims.
Ensure that all the gaps have been evenly filled and in case of bigger gaps, you can opt for a foam support. After you have carefully prepared your frame for the door, fix the door. You can fix the door after painting or polishing it, whichever better applies to your door texture.
Try to get all the door components of the same make as this will ensure better compliance and longer life of your door. Check with house ware dealers of your area for the choices available to you to get the best result. Exploring the market can bring out many viable tools for you. Happy working!
Via: ehow / Familyhandyman
