When One Closes Another Opens
Is your exterior door old and drafty? Well that is more than likely because when the door was installed when the house was first built, the company installing the door did not insulate around the frame. At least that is what happened to a recent customer of mine.
The removal of the door frame went quite smooth, the trim came off nice and easy, the frame came out nice and easy; too easy in fact. The customer had complained that the frame had started bowing out, this was more than likely due to the fact that the original shims had more or less disintegrated over the past forty to fifty years. Once the frame was out it was time to make room for the new pre-hung door frame, which meant removing the drywall that had been laid over the frame of the old door and removing some linoleum flooring since the new frame was slightly wider at the base plate.
Once room had been made for the new door it was time to put the new door in and start shimming to get the door to fit and swing level. The most important part of this job is making sure that all three surfaces are as close to level as possible otherwise the door will not swing correctly. After you have your door shimmed you’ll want to replace one short screw from each hinge with a long screw that will anchor into the jack stud of the house frame.
After your door is secured and level it is time for the second most important part, which is putting spray foam insulation in the space between the door frame and the jack stud. This will stop any unwanted drafts from coming into the house and driving up your heating bills. Once the spray foam has been inserted into the vacant space, you will have to let it sit for one hour before you can cut off the excess and re-install the framing pieces (wear gloves when using spray foam).
Pro Tip: Do this on a day when the weather is mild 60-75℉ (15-24℃), not on a day when it is in the single digits fahrenheit.
Tools Used: Battery powered Bauer Multi-tool, battery powered Bauer reciprocating saw, battery powered Bauer brad nailer, Milwaukee M18 ¼” impact
Written By: Ian Clayton