There are numerous reasons for wanting to change the exterior doors on your home. Maybe you simply want a style update. Or perhaps you want to bolster the security of your home with stronger doors. Whatever your reason is, here’s what you need to know about doing the job properly.
Select the New Door and Ensure it Fits
To begin with, you’ll need to select the door that’s going to replace your old one. It should have the qualities and components that you’re looking for. Next, you’ll have to measure your existing frame and compare it to the size of the door. You can make changes to the frame, so don’t worry if the frame is slightly too big or small. As long as the difference is relatively small, the door should be able to fit once changes are made.
Remove the Old Door
Depending on which door you chose, you might need to remove the frame and insert a new one. This should be done first. But whether this is the case or not, you will need to remove the old door. It’s a simple case of unscrewing the hinges for most doors. But it can be difficult if you have a door that is already quite bulky and secure. You might need professional assistance if you’re having trouble with this.
Prepare the Frame and Weatherproof It
You’ll need to make sure that any changes to the door frame are made before you try to fit the door. Make sure that the frame is the correct size and the new door will be able to fit inside the frame comfortably. You should add some caulk to the base of the frame on either side. This will help to weatherproof the frame, which will be important in the months and years ahead. You want it to remain in good condition for a long time to come.
Insert the Door and Shims
When it comes to fitting the door, first of all, you should have a trial run. This is when you put the door in place but don’t secure it yet. It should allow you to check that everything fits and that there are no problems. When that’s done, you can add the shims. These take the place of the hinges, so arrange them where you think it will be best to put the hinges later on.
Secure It and Install New Locks
You can then secure the hinges. It doesn’t matter what kind of hinges you use, but there are some options that are more secure than others. Test the swing of the door when the hinges are in place and make any changes if necessary. Then you can move onto the safety features. This includes fitting new locks. You can help with this from companies like Lock, Stock & Farrell Locksmiths. You might want to add extra bolts and even electronic security features too.
Insulate the Frame
Finally, you can add some insulation to the frame of the door. This stops heat from escaping from the home during the winter. It’s a clever way of keeping your bills down and not wasting energy. So, it’s the perfect way to finish off the job.
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