So, you have decided to replace your creaking and rotten old exterior doors with new ones and have no experience in the installation process? Everyone has how they do theirs, but, until you work with a qualified professional, you will never get the standard way of installing your door.
However, before hiring for the work, you need to have an idea of how it is supposed to be done. Nowadays, everyone claims to be a professional and it is challenging to differentiate between the authentic ones from the unqualified until when the work is done. According to Total Home Windows and Doors, replacement exterior doors achieve ultimate performance when installed by a professional.
1. Entry Door Installation Methods
The two distinctive door installation methods are pocket and full-frame installations. You should familiarize yourself with the two before work begins. Here are some insights:
2. Pocket Entry Door Installation
This installation method calls for measurement accuracy. It involves retaining the existing door frame if it is in good shape and only replacing the door. Like a pocket, the door is slid into the old frame. The downside of using pocket installation is if the measurements are not taken correctly, the door becomes incompatible.
Some homeowners also have impeccable woodwork with a long family history. So long as it is level and in good shape, they prefer preserving such pieces for another couple of years by using pocket installation methods for their exterior doors. It is a quick entry door replacement method that consumes approximately an hour per door.
3. Full-Frame Entry Door Installation
Like the name of the method suggests, it involves a complete replacement of your entire door. The frames and trims are not exempted. Full-frame front door installation allows you to exhibit your creativity and you can pick any design of your choice including that which involves adjusting your door frame.
While this method is not limiting, it is labor extensive and time-consuming. It is also expensive and when done by a non-professional can negatively affect your home’s integrity.
4. Preparing for Entry Door Installation
The first thing is to obviously purchase the door type you want to be installed for your entrance. After that, you have to start looking for available professional installers. You can find one from a manufacturer or an independent one.
These contractors should be ready and willing to provide you quality services. Your exterior doors are not only meant to provide you with security, but also with curb appeal. Therefore, it should be done with a lot of precision.
A professional contractor makes a pre-visit to your home to assess the area and get a clue of what will be needed for the work and what type of skill will be required for your door design. Depending on their availability, they fix a date for you.
It is recommendable to move things around the door away to give the contractor a conducive working time. It also helps in preventing unwanted breakages. Although a professional contractor respects your property not to break it, you can never be too careful with what you own.
During the installation day, the contractor tries their best to protect what they come in contact with such as your floor and nearing property. They use drop cloths to avoid dust accumulation and other debris that can be challenging to remove. They also limit their working area to avoid messing with your entire compound.
During the installation period, a professional installer keeps updating you about the progress to ease your tension. After they are done with the door, they proceed with fixing other hardware and accessories that you keep on your door such as the house number.
The job becomes complete when the contractor starts packing their things and clearing your compound. Note that these contractors help you with damping the old door and its accessories to ensure they leave your compound looking clean and neat.
Ready to replace that annoying old exterior doors? Use this information to assess your new contractor and the installation method you are intending to use for a satisfying outcome. Remember hiring qualified personnel and choosing the best front doors is key to how your home will ultimately look.
