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How to Replace a Front Entry Door
Step by Step Instructions for Installing a
Front Door
By: Mark J. Donovan
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After 20 years we finally needed to
replace our front entry door. There was rust and rot at the bottom of the door
and the plastic around the windows lites had deformed and cracked from years of
ultraviolet exposure. Replacing a front entry door can be done by a do it
yourself homeowner however a second pair of hands is helpful for lifting
purposes.
The first step in replacing a front entry door is to remove the exterior and
interior door trim so that you can get access to the nails or screws that fasten
the entry door to the wall studs.
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Use a hammer and a flat bar to remove
the old trim pieces, however take care not to damage either the interior drywall
or the exterior house siding in the process. A putty knife is helpful in
removing the interior door trim. You can use it to gently rock the interior door
trim loose from the wall and door frame. You can also use it to act as a shield
between the drywall and the surface of the flat bar when prying it off. If
you’re extremely careful you may be able to reuse the interior trim, however I
often end up simply replacing it. If you want to attempt to save the interior
wood trim, pull the nails out of the wood trim via the back of the trim pieces
using a pair of pliers.
Once the door trim has been removed use a reciprocating saw, e.g. a sawzall,
with a long metal cutting blade to cut the nails or screws that secure the entry
door to the door frame wall studs. Make sure you wear eye and hand protection
when using the reciprocating saw. After cutting all the nails or screws call in
your extra pair of hands and remove the entry door from the doorframe.
The first step in installing a front entry door is to install an ice and
water shield membrane along the door sill area to prevent any water from ever
reaching the sill plate.
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If the particular front entry door
you are installing requires a bottom sill extension, attach a piece of 5/4 trim
wood to the side of the home under the entry door area, to create a kickboard
surface for the door. Then attach a finished oak sill support piece on top of
it. Alternatively you may prefer to attach the oak sill support to a piece of
supporting angle iron that then attaches to the kick board area, before
installing the kickboard piece itself. The sill support helps to ensure that the
replacement front entry door has a solid surface to rest on and to prevent it
from rocking. |
Next, just prior to installing the
new entry door, apply several beads of a waterproof silicone caulk along the top
of the sill plate surface to ensure that no water will penetrate underneath the
door frame. Then, with the help of a second pair of hands insert the replacement
front entry door into the doorframe opening. Insert the base of the door in
first and tilt the top piece into place. Make sure you don’t drag the base of
the door along the sill plate so that you don’t scuff up the bottom of the door
and smear the beads of caulk. Also make sure to center the door in the door
frame.
Once you have the door fairly well positioned, secure it to
the door frame by driving a couple of nails into the nailing flange plate.
Make sure, however, to not sink the nails as you may have to remove them at
some point to adjust the door.
After tacking the door into place, use a level and tape measure to make sure
it is square and level. Again, you may need to pull the nails you initially
installed to square up and level the door.
After ensuring the door is square and level use galvanized nails to
permanently fasten the door to the side of the home. |
 Photo by Mark Donovan |
The nails should be installed into the nailing flange plates on the exterior
side of the home. After installing the nails, apply ice and water shield
membrane over the nailing flange tabs to ensure a water tight seal.
Next, install the door hardware to the door and doorframe and ensure it all
works smoothly.
Finally install the interior and exterior trim to complete the project. You can
save some time if you pre-paint or stain the trim prior to installing it onto
the door frame.
For information on Installing Interior Door Trim,
see the
Installing Interior Door Trim Ebook
from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing Interior Door Trim Ebook provides
easy to understand, detailed step-by-step instructions, on how to install interior door
trim around an interior or exterior door. Pictures are included for every
key step in the process!
How to Finance your Home Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required. Related Articles on Interior Doors
Exterior Doors from Amazon.com
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