How To Replace Exterior Door Frame

Apply wood preservative to the end grain of the casing.

How to replace exterior door frame. The next few steps involve installing shims around the interior frame and securing the door in place with screws. These are all replaceable with new parts nails. Exterior door casings that are exposed to the elements often rot at the bottom due to the absorption of rainwater through the wood s end grain. The shims will be placed around the frame above the three hinges and on the latch side at the top middle and bottom.

To prevent rot when replacing outside door casings such as brick mold use casing made from plastic composite material. If you choose to install a front door made of steel you will need a helper. How to replace an exterior door. If wood casing is used.

Next create a rough opening around your frame that s at least 1 inch wider and taller than the outside of the door system you re installing then insert the new door into the opening and place shims on the hinge side of the door making sure there s a gap of 1 8th inch between the edge of the door and the jamb. Installing an exterior door that is insulated and made of steel can be heavy and cumbersome due to the weight of the materials. Certain wood front doors will also be heavier than others so take that into consideration before starting this project. Replace a worn drafty front door with a stylish new energy efficient one.

Whether your existing frame has begun to rot or has suffered other damage or if you simply want to enhance the appearance of your home by modifying one of your doors there are a variety of reasons to replace exterior door frames replacing an outside door frame can give your house s exterior a fresh new look while simultaneously strengthening the area around the door itself. Replacement doors come pre hung in a weatherstripped frame and you don t have to be a master carpenter to do a first class job. We ll show you the techniques that will result in a perfect weathertight installation.