IF you have never installed a door before, you really need to do your homework. Exterior doors need to be installed with near perfection or the results can be harmful to the framing around the door.
While curb appeal is great, it isn't the main task of the door. Sealing the inside from outside air, rain and snow is really the function of entry doors. If done improperly you will have air and water leakage into the house and possible even rotting of the framing surrounding the door.
When installing a door, the first step is to check the floor for level. Having a level sill is one of the most important steps. If the sill is not level it will be nearly impossible to get the door square with the jamb.
Preparing the sill is second on the importance list. With the introduction of sill guards and sill tapes, this step has gotten easier. Cover the floor where the door sits on the floor with one of these products that will keep out and shed water to the outside. There are many on the market, just pick one that fits your installation best. Don't just settle with caulking the floor and setting the door. Caulking breaks down over time and you will be left with a vulnerable point of water entry.
Cut the house wrap at the top of the door on small 45 degree angle. Tape it up out of the way so it is just above the exterior of the door. Caulk the perimeter of the rough opening and set the door. Slide drip cap under the house wrap. Caulk and tape the angle cuts to keep water from penetrating there.
One of the places that usually gets overlooked are where the jamb meets the sill. Be sure to caulk this area, water runs down the door jamb and collects at the sill. Caulking here will increase the life of the jambs. Another area to caulk is where the exterior brickmoulding meets the jamb. This will also add to the energy efficiency of the door.
Don't shy away from this DIY project, as it is not as scary as you think. Just be prepared, do your research and your new door will look great and function properly for years to come.
By:Randy Gordon
