For Housing

Installing Exterior Entrance Prehung Doors

Measure width and length of the rough opening; check the rough opening to make sure it is level and square.  NOTE:  Older homes may require adjustments to the rough opening to insure a level and square door installation.

Order your door; the door should be a minimum of ¼” smaller on each side of the rough opening allowing clearance for door installation.

Examine your new exterior entrance door and make sure all shipping nails/brackets are removed.  NOTE:  If this is a remodeling project, the existing door and jamb should be removed at this point.

Test set your door.

Apply a good urethane caulking at the door sill.

Apply a small bead of caulking on the back of your brick-mold.

Set the door; make sure it is closed in the jamb.

Make sure the brick-mold or trim is flush with the exterior wall.

Level the hinge side to the rough opening (installation of shims may be needed).

Attach the hinge side of the door using 2 ½” screws (usually provided with the door in the open holes in each hinge).

Check level on the attached hinge side of door.

Level the handle side of the door and the top of the door (use of shims may be necessary).

Install galvanized finish nails on the handle side of the door.

Make sure the threshold is set tight and level.

Open and close the door to make sure it functions without drag.

Nail the brick-mold with galvanized finish nails on 2’ centers.

Install fiberglass or spray foam insulation in openings between door jamb and frame as needed for added weatherization; install trim and caulk entire perimeter on both interior and exterior sides.

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