5 Tips For Installing A New Exterior Door

Do you need to replace an exterior door, but are not quite sure how to do it? If so, it will help to know the following tips for installing a door. 

Gather The Right Tools

It will help to have the right tools on hand to get this job done. You'll need a bubble level, a power drill with appropriately-sized drill bits and screw heads, liquid nails, shims, a hammer, and galvanized finish nails. 

Check The Measurements And Floor Level

There are a lot of things that you'll want to check when installing a new door. Start by making sure that the bottom of the door is level since it is possible that it's shifted from your home settling over the years. You'll need to correct the problem if it is not level by adding some shims underneath the door.

You also want to check measurements across the width of the door along the top and bottom of the door frame. Now is the time to make adjustments to the size of the opening if it is necessary. You ideally want about an inch around the door on each side of the door frame 

Use Liquid Nail With Concrete

If you are installing the door on a concrete surface, you'll need to use liquid nails to secure the door to the concrete. Make sure that you spread the liquid nails across the entire surface of the concrete so that it forms a good seal as well. The liquid nails will also help center the door within the doorframe since it will create a greasy surface at first that helps slide the door around slightly.

Secure The Door In Place

Use your bubble level to make sure that the door is plumb before you secure it in place. This can be done by using your bubble level along each side of the door to double-check that it is completely straight vertically. You can secure the door to the frame by placing a screw into each hinge. The opposite side will have screw holds behind weather stripping so that you do not see the screws. 

Use Shims To Close The Gap

Check the frame of the door with the door closed, and use ships between the door and the frame of the house to close up any gaps. These small pieces of wood are just what you need to close up the gap and form a tight seal between the frame and the door.

For more information or for help installing your door, contact a professional door installation service today.