Installing a new front door is no small task. One small mistake could lead to an improper fit. Thus, an improper fit can result in cold and hot air rapidly seeping through your door and allowing insects inside.
It goes without saying that you should leave installing front doors to the professionals. If you do decide to do the work on your own, there are many things you should know about replacing old doors.
Below, you’ll learn about eight prominent front door installation mistakes and whether or not you should request a door installation service instead.
1. Not Installing a Sill Pan
Under every exterior door is a sill pan. This is a metal pan that is your door’s line of defense against water, humidity, insects, and outside debris. Without a sill pan, all of these foreign objects can enter your home at any time.
Still, that’s not the only reason why you should install a sill pan. Making this installation is actually a requirement in numerous local and state jurisdictions.
It doesn’t make much sense to inflict a building code violation when you can just take a few minutes to install a sill pan under your door. Installation, never complete your installation under this step is finished.
2. Using Any Type of Sealant
Exterior doors need a rigid sealant to stay locked in place. It’s important to never cut corners when choosing the right sealant for the job.
This means selecting a sealant that provides a 100% solid composition. It’s also essential for your sealant to meet AAMA 800 requirements.
Using the wrong sealant can cause shrinkage with your door and cause unnecessary air and water infiltration. When choosing the right sealant, you should consult a reputable door installation service provider. They have the expertise to guide you in the right direction for making an appropriate choice.
3. Using Generic Flashing Tape
Flashing tape is an important component of any front door installation project. By sealing a front door with flashing tape, you can:
- Prevent massive mold damage and potentially save thousands of dollars in remediation services.
- Seal off gaps between the front door and the outside of your home.
- Stop insects, humidity, and other foreign debris from entering your home.
When buying flashing tape for your home, make sure it at least meets AAMA 711 standards. You should also purchase a product that can resist low-temperature environments.
4. Not Using Foam Sealant
Just because you use flashing tape doesn’t mean your front door will be a tight fit. There are some gaps that can’t be covered with flashing tape.
This is where foam sealant comes in.
Foam sealant is very easy to apply to any door. Besides, it can seal out sound, air, and other undesired debris. When you apply foam sealant to a door, you can make sure it’s properly fastened for any situation.
Since your front door is the first line of defense of your home, you should perform your due diligence in ensuring it’s always in working order with top-quality foam sealant.
5. Using Only Three Screws for the Job
Most front door designs come with a basic package of three screws. Door installation service providers know that it takes much more than three screws to fasten a door, no matter how large the screws are.
To make sure your door is a tight fit, make sure you use at least a dozen screws for the job. These screws should be rust-resistant and made of stainless steel or galvanized steel.
6. Not Installing Door Shims Properly
Are you wondering what door shims are? Door shims are the thin pieces of wood that are used to allow a door to open and close properly. Door shims play an essential role in leveling any door inside its rough frame.
When you install door shims properly, you can make sure that the gaps between the door and its frame are equal. If one shim isn’t arranged properly, your door’s frame will be ruined.
This is why it’s extremely important to hire a professional that specializes in building equilateral door frames.
7. You Forgot to Install Metal Flashing
Metal flashing is usually installed outside an exterior door. It provides a weather barrier for the front door and reinforces the protection of your sealant.
Many DIYers make the mistake of installing metal flashing incorrectly. The vertical leg of metal flashing is supposed to line up against the sheathing of your front door.
Otherwise, its application will be useless.
8. You Forgot to Bring the Right Tools
Oddly enough, many people forget to bring the right tools when installing front doors. It’s important to have all the right tools on hand before your installation project begins.
Don’t expect the front door manufacturer to provide you with the tools you need. You’ll need to do your research and find out what tools you need to bring to the job. Otherwise, hiring a door installation service provider is your best option.
Should You Install Your Own Front Doors?
Installing a front door can definitely be done without any expertise, much like any home improvement project. However, if you plan to do all the work yourself, you’ll need:
- A wide variety of tools and resources for the job.
- A basic understanding of how doors work.
- Extra accessories, such as metal flashing and sealant.
- Extra help to position the door while it’s being installed.
If you meet all these requirements, installing your own front door is feasible. However, if you simply lack the time and expertise to complete your project, it’s best to hire a door installation expert.
This way, you can receive peace of mind knowing that your door installation project will be completed without a hitch.
Avoid These Front Door Installation Mistakes
Any one of these front door installation mistakes can ruin your project, causing you to waste your time and hard-earned money. If you want to avoid the likelihood of making any of these mistakes, you should consider hiring a professional.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at https://coloradoclassicexteriors.com/doors/ to receive a free estimate.
