Exterior Door Installation Instructions
A new exterior door can not only improve the curb appeal of your home, it can also help to keep out the cold weather. It will also help to keep your heating and cooling inside where it should be. Installing your own exterior door is a good way to save some money. Ask a friend to give you a hand to make the job easier.
Tools and materials needed:
- Pre-hung door
- Lock-set
- Shims
- Screws
- Screwdriver or drill
- Finishing nails
- Caulking and caulking gun
- Level
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Remove the old door if you have not already done so.
- Remove the trim that goes around the door. You want just the rough opening.
- Use a level to be sure that the door threshold is level. If it is not, you will have to use shims to make it level.
- Check to be sure the opening for the door is straight.
- Make two beads of caulking. One will be on the outside of the threshold and one on the inside of the threshold. Caulk the entire length.
- Slide the door into place from the outside. First put the bottom of the door in place and then tilt the rest in.
- Center the door. While one person is holding the door in place, let the other person place shims around the top and bottom to keep it in place.
- Determine that the door is centered and then place shims along the sides to keep the door securely in place.
- Measure the space around the door; it should be 1/8 inch all the way around. Adjust shims as needed.
- Check door from the inside and outside while the door is closed to be sure that it is level.
- Using the hinges and screws provided, screw the hinges on the door into the door frame. Read the directions that came with the door for proper hinge installation.
- Install your lock set and your door knob. Follow the specific directions on the package for proper installation for your specific brand.
- Determine that your door opens and closes correctly.
- Using a hammer and finishing nails, attach trim around door's frame.