Perhaps you've come to the realization that you need a new front door. It is drafty, heat has been escaping, the door doesn't close properly, you want to add impact to the front of your home... There are many reasons for changing the exterior doors on your home. Whatever your needs or reasons are, here is a step by step article showing an exterior door install. Materials required to install an exterior door: Prehung Door with Lockset Screws (these should be included in the door kit) Shims Spray Foam insulation Trim Finishing Nails Caulking Tools needed for installing a pre-hung door: Level Measuring tape Drill or screwdriver Hammer Caulking Gun
		Installing a new Insulated Front Door can cut back on heat loss and add curb appeal to your home. The style and color of the door you choose will dramatically impact the exterior look of your home.
Door Installation Our door was hung by professional contractors. They followed the manufacturer's instructions that came with the door. If you are tackling this as a do-it-yourself project, you should know that it is a job that requires advanced skills. Make sure you follow the installation instructions that come with your door, as these instructions will vary from door to door and manufacturer to manufacturer. Rough Opening
	1. Remove your old door and its frame, so that you are down to the rough opening. 2. Make sure the threshold is level and the opening is plumb. If needed, use shims to level the sub sill. 3. Ideally, there should be about 1" of space between the the rough-in studs and outer doorjamb. A 36" door, for example, is 37-1/2" with the door casing, and will require the rough opening to be 38-1/2". 4. Caulk the threshold with two beads of caulking just inside the front and back of the sill. Make sure you apply the caulk from one stud right to the other, even going
up the side an inch or so to ensure that cold air doesn't come in from the sides of the door's bottom. 5. Tilt the door into place, bottom first, from outside the house. Shim the Door
	6. Center the prehung door in the rough opening. Tightly shim the frame in place at the bottom and the top. 7. Shim the rest of the door in according to the our diagram. Including: on the hinge side of the door behind the all three hinges, on the lock side of the door, above the deadbolt, below the lockset and between the two, as well as the second positions just up from the bottom, and just down from the top. Shim the top of the frame assembly as needed. 8. Adjust the shims and door assembly until the frame is plumb, square, and there is a consistent 1/8" space all around between the door and the door jam.
Check for Square 9. Check the door in the closed position from the inside and outside. If the weather-stripping is pinched or uneven it is an indication that your door is off plumb. Mind the gap is consistent. Make any needed adjustments. Secure the Door
	10. Use the screws provided to permanently secure the door. Start with the hinges. There is a hole in each hinge that will allow the screw to be driven through the shims. On the rest of the door, the screws should be driven in under the weather-stripping, as seen in the picture to the left, at each shim location. Follow the order recommended by the manufacturer.
Insulate 11. Spray the expanding foam insulation between the rough frame and the outer door assembly, in and around where the shims are as well. This insulates the door frame in order to prevent air from getting in around your door. Some foam expands more than others - make sure you follow the instructions on the can. Once the foam is dry, you can cut off any protruding foam. Install the Lockset and Trim
	12. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install the lockset and deadbolt. Our lockset was part of our prehung door kit. 13. Once your door is fully installed and opening and closing with precision you can finish off the job by adding your interior and exterior trims. Your new, properly installed, insulated front door will not only add to the beauty of your home, but it will keep the cold outside where it belongs. If this project seems like too much for you to do on your own click on the link below so that you can compare free estimates from contractors in your area.

 

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