How to Install a New Exterior Door & Casing
If not installed properly, exterior doors can cause a loss in heat or air conditioning that will cost you a lot of money over the course of a year. Making sure the casing is set in properly is the first step in insuring that the door is set right and doesn't sag later on. If done correctly, your door will hang straight and help you save plenty on your energy bills. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Wood shims
- Level
- Hammer
- Nails (long enough to go through the casing that you pick out and into the rough framing)
- 2 wood screws (long enough to go through hinge, casing and into rough framing)
- Door flashing
- Small nails
- Door insulation strips
Instructions
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1
Measure the door rough framework to determine the size of the opening. Measure side-to-side, top-to-bottom, and thickness. There is no casing at this point since it is a new door, so measuring the 2 by 4 framework is all that is necessary.
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2
Purchase a pre-hung door and casing that will fit the measurements.
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3
Remove the door from the casing by pulling out the pins on the hinges and sliding it away.
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4
Slip the casing inside the frame, and adjust until it is even with the trimmer studs.
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5
Slip the door inside the casing to check how it fits. Check it with a level. Use shims on the casing if needed to make the casing plumb. Remove the door.
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6
Nail the casing in place. Nail through the casing into the 2 by 4 rough frame. You can use touch-up paint and putty to cover the nail heads.
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7
Attach the flashing at the bottom of the door frame. Tack it in place. This will help keep water away from the door.
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8
Remove a screw from each hinge and replace it with another that is long enough to go through the casing and into the framing.
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9
Insulate around the inside edge of the casing by attaching insulating strips.
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10
Slide the door back in place on the hinges and tap the pins back in.
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Tips & Warnings
After installing the door, you will want to add trim to match the house construction.
