There can be many reasons for needing to replace a front exterior door on your home. However, once the decision has been made, you next need to decide if you want to replace the front door yourself or hire a pro. Well, you are still reading, so you are somewhat accomplished when it comes to home repairs. Below, we have outlined the equipment and steps you need to make sure that your new exterior door will function as it should.
Items needed for the install
If all works according to plan, you may not need all of the tools above.
Caution: carefully examine the door frame and door jambs for any sign of wood root, decay, or damage before beginning. Those might be telling signs that the job just became more complex and a professional might be a good idea.
How to Replace an Exterior Door
Taking your time here will pay off later. Accurately measure the door along each side as well as the places for the hinges, strike plate, and handle and deadbolt holes. If your measurements are between whole numbers (35.5” or 90.2cm) for a new front door, round up to the next number.
Separate the weather stripping from around the exterior of the door. You might want to use it later, or you might want to use it as a measuring guide for its replacement.
To remove the door, use your screwdriver, or power drill with screwdriver bit, to remove the screws from the door. Support the bottom of the door to keep it from twisting away and potentially damaging the door or door jamb. Ideally, have someone there to support and hold the door. Move the door aside. Remove the hinges from the door jamb, and keep the screws safe for reuse.
Unscrew the threshold, also known as the saddle, if there is any evidence that there might be rot, cracks, or damage. If there are no signs of any deterioration, then it could be fine to leave the threshold in place and move to Step 5.
If you would like to change the hinges with new ones, prep the new door and install the new hinges. Ensure that the hinge is being installed the correct way. Inward opening doors with hinges installed for outward opening is a mistake you will laugh about years later. However, at the time, it could weaken the area around the hinges as you install the hinges the correct way.
Don’t take the new door off the sawhorses yet. Take the handle, deadbolt, and door sweep off the old door and gently place it on top of the new wooden door. Make sure that the handle hole and hinges line up and trace the old door’s shape on the new one. Any amount to be removed to make the door to fit should be carefully removed with a power sander or saw. Remember, you can’t put anything back on. Most likely, your new door shouldn’t need modifications.
With a helper to support the door, take it, with hinges attached, over to the door jamb. Starting with the middle hinge, and with support from a shim below, screw it to the door jamb, followed by the top and then bottom hinge. Don’t immediately cinch the screws down tight until all screws are set in place to eliminate any tension in the hinges. Tighten them all and check for a free swinging door.
Prep and install other items:
While replacing an exterior door in itself may seem initially daunting, if taken step by step with items prepared beforehand, it can be handled by most with an above basic level of home handiness. Of course, there is no shame in calling for assistance. At Belleli Doors, we understand that the unexpected can happen and you might need to make a call.
Your home’s security is a top priority for us, so if you would like us to come to the rescue with our 24/7 emergency service, or even install the door, we are a phone call away. Call us for prompt response.
