Installing New Front Entry Door

Measure the old door.

Installing new front entry door.

Installing an exterior door that is insulated and made of steel can be heavy and cumbersome due to the weight of the materials. The new door should be 1 2 inch less than the height of the rough opening and 3 4 inch less in width. Also measure the jamb depth. Replacement doors come pre hung in a weatherstripped frame and you don t have to be a master carpenter to do a first class job.

For instance is your floor level. Measure both the door and rough opening to make sure the door is the right size. Replace a worn drafty front door with a stylish new energy efficient one. If you re in a situation where you cannot or do not want to use a drill to install your lock there are a couple ways of installing an interior door lock without a drill.

It s a good idea to measure the actual door too. Once that cures the door is ready for paint and a lock. Run a neat bead of caulk between the exterior trim and the siding. A seasoned pro shows you how to replace a front door step by step including measuring and ordering a new door removing the old one and ensuring that the new one goes in perfectly square and level and is fastened securely.

Find step by step project details here. Shim it tighter as needed. If you choose to install a front door made of steel you will need a helper. Next create a rough opening around your frame that s at least 1 inch wider and taller than the outside of the door system you re installing then insert the new door into the opening and place shims on the hinge side of the door making sure there s a gap of 1 8th inch between the edge of the door and the jamb.

Remove the interior trim and measure the width and height of the frame. It opens and closes well. Look into keyed entry door knobs also called privacy knobs portable door locks or top of door locks. Screw the jamb to the studs then close the door and look at the gap between the jamb and door.

Protecting the wall with a. Before removing the old door have the new one on hand. There are a few other factors you ll want to consider before installing a new front door. Watch to learn how to install a prehung exterior door.

If not you will need to compensate for this often by shaving or trimming the door or adding shims. If so you can align your door with the floor. Got a door that s due for any upgrade. Jeld wen experts demonstrate how to install a pre hung entry door unit including a tools list and time to complete.