How to Install Exterior Steel Doors
The use of steel doors has become more popular with home owners because of their advantages. It is resistant to termites, as well as moisture and other weather factors. In addition, they have the benefit of generally being cheaper than traditional wood doors.
What you will need:
Tape measure, caulk, hammer, steel door, level, nails, screws, wood shims, trim, insulation
Directions:
- Set up the opening for the door. It should be about an inch higher and wider than the door frame.
- Inspect the base of the floor at the opening and make sure it is level. If it isn't even, raise it up using wood shims. These shims can be nailed to the floor to make sure they remain in place while you work on the door installation.
- Spread adhesive to the underside of the door sill, then put the door and frame into place. Make sure the frame is centered with the door's opening so each side have equal space.
- Make sure the frame is square and even using your level. If they are not level, you can add shims under the sill to keep it level.
- Check that the structure remains in place by hammering finish nails. Put a nail at each of the hinge areas, and do the same on the jamb opposite.
- The sill should be screwed into position, and should come with holes for this purpose.
- Use fiberglass insulation to cover any holes between the wall framing and the jambs, and spaces are filled without compressing the insulation.
- Add trim around the door frame. This can be done with nails and it helps to cover any gaps. Small finish nails should be used to keep the trim secured.