Steps For Installing A New Door

By Author: Jason Delmar
Total Articles: 335
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So you have decided to replace your existing door with a new Pre-Hung Exterior door
but aren't quite sure how. This article should put your mind to rest and help you
successfully install your new door. You will need a few tools to complete the job such as:
A hammer, pry bar, cordless drill, sawzall, level, shims, screws, a circular saw(may not
be needed), caulk, and a pencil.

First you must remove the existing door and trim work around it. Start by removing
the trim work on the inside of the door, and also outside if need be. Once you remove the
trim you will be able to have a better look at the task at hand. Remove any insulation
that is stuffed between the jam and the frame. You should then be able to take your sawzall
and cut down through all the screws or nails holding the door in place. Be careful not to
cut any wires if you have a door bell installed. Once you have all the screws or nails cut
you should be able to put the door and frame right out.

Once you have made sure that there are no obstructions in place and the frame work
...
... has no rot or other damage you can go ahead and prepare to put the new door in place.
Chances are the new door and jam are going to need some shims to make the door plum and
level. Once you have the door and jam in place check to make sure it is level and shim
the top as needed. Then check and make sure it is plum and add shims as needed and screw
the door jam into the frame work by screwing through the shims you've added. These shims
should be put in place behind the provided areas on the jam to screw through. Most new
doors will have a screw missing on the hinge side of the door where the hinges are
connected to the jam. This missing screw is purposely left out to allow you to put a
screw through there to secure the jam in place. Once you have the door secured in place
you can begin to insulate the door to make sure it is air tight. After doing this you can
go ahead and put the new, or if you've salvaged the existing trim, back in place. It is
always good to caulk between the trim work and the jam to give a nice finished look and to
provide a little more help in protecting against drafts.
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