How to Install an Exterior Door

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Different doors have different advantages. Choosing an exterior door should be based on the needs of you and your home. Different kinds of doors have different ranges of price, durability, and energy efficiency, and the way they look varies drastically. This article will explain how to install a Solid-wood exterior door, which is considered to be the most visually appealing and expensive kind. While this kind of door is not very energy efficient, certain changes can be made to prevent warp and shrinking in the seasons, and to conserve energy. If done right, a solid wood exterior door can be installed to minimize warp and other issues. This article will outline the basic steps you should take to install your solid-wood exterior door. However, take care to check the instructions for your particular door, as improper installation could void your warranty, or cause unnecessary issues later on. As always, if you’re not confident in your abilities, consult a professional before attempting your door installation. This article is intended to serve as a basic guideline for solid-wood door installation.

This article will outline the basic steps you should take to install your solid-wood exterior door. However, take care to check the instructions for your particular door, as improper installation could void your warranty, or cause unnecessary issues later on. As always, if you’re not confident in your abilities, consult a professional before attempting your door installation. This article is intended to serve as a basic guideline for solid-wood door installation.

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Step One: Prepare the opening

Your frame should be primed and checked before installation. Ensure that your door is not too large, or too small for the frame, and that your flooring will not get in the way of proper installation. A pre-hung door will be mounted to a new doorframe already, if this is the case, remove the existing frame by removing the trim around the existing door carefully for re-installation. If your door comes with pre-attached trim, this won’t be necessary. Remove any insulation surrounding the door frame as well. Using a hammer and nail set and screwdriver, remove the hinge pins and detach the door from them, then also remove the hinges. Remove any other unnecessary elements such as screws and nails which attach the sill and jamb to the door frame. If possible, also remove the small pieces of wood called shims from between the door jamb and house frame. Once all these things are done, carefully remove the doorframe, using a pry—bar if necessary.3

Step Two: Check and repair

First, dry-fit the new door to ensure it fits correctly and that the subsill (or base) is level. Adjust the subsill if necessary. Inspect the house frame for damages such as rot and cracks, or pest damage. Ensure that the new door will clear the finished floor by measuring it from the bottom of it’s sill to the bottom of the new door. If the door doesn’t clear the flooring, raise the doorframe with a piece of treated wood secured to the subfloor with caulk and screws. You may need to weatherproof the subsill with a caulk about an inch from the front and rear of the rough opening. Also apply caulk to the underside of your new solid wood door.

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Step Three: Raise the new door into place

 Set the bottom of the door against the opening, then carefully raise the frame into place. Hold it there by temporarily inserting new shims near the top of the frame. Adjust the frame so that it is square in the opening and insert shims between the doorframe and studs at the hinge locations. Ensure that there is some clearance between the jamb and rough frame. Drive screws through the hinges and shims and place shims near the top and bottom of the jamb, then also drive screws through the jamb and shims. Check for even spacing at the door reveal, and that there is space between the door and jamb stop at the top bottom and middle. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, insert additional shims around the frame and remove any additional shipping braces before you try to test the new exterior door.

Step Four: Test the door

Open and close the door and ensure that it swings smoothly. If it doesn’t, make the necessary adjustments according to your preferences. Once you are satisfied, drive screws through any additional shims to secure the frame, then score the shims with a utility knife, snapping off excess. Following the manufacturers instructions, secure the sill and apply minimal spray foam in the gaps around the frame. Once dried, trim excess with a putty knife and re-attach the door trim.

Enjoy your gorgeous wooden door.

If these instructions have you reeling, we recommend you hire a professional to install your new wooden exterior door for you to avoid mishaps and faulty installation. Our company Winmax corporation will be happy to send our trusted and insured installation staff to help you to replace and install your doors.

Winmax Corporation provides a one-stop-shop for quality window and door products. Providing designs, manufacturing, and installation as well as over 30 years of experience in the GTA, our company is your best bet for quality purchases. Our selection of windows and doors provide customers with functionality and beauty that is highly energy efficient, durable, and easy to install. With a motto based on 100% customer satisfaction, you will be hard-pressed to find a better company to provide you with quality products and installation.

Conveniently located in Vaughan by Highway 407 and Dufferin Street, our company makes window shopping easy. Give us a call today to book an appointment at (416) 491-4400 or visit our website at www.winmax.ca.