replace front door
Your front door is the first impression your home gives to guests, neighbours and passers-by. It also protects your indoor living space from weather and other elements that can cause damage over time. So, it’s no wonder that over the years your front door may start to show signs of wear and tear.
When your door starts to stick as you open and close it or light is shining in around the frame or casing, it’s probably time for a replacement. You might think about a new door just to add some extra curb appeal, or to improve your home’s energy efficiency by creating a better seal against drafts and cold air.
Fortunately, replacing just the front door can be less expensive than a complete frame replacement and is a relatively simple DIY project for homeowners who are comfortable with basic carpentry tasks. The key to successfully replacing a front door is accurate measurements. If you take the wrong dimensions, your new door will not fit correctly, which can compromise its functionality and appearance as well as the overall performance of your home.
can i replace front door without frame
A front door replacement requires an old frame, a new door, the appropriate hardware, and some basic tools like a drill or screwdriver. You can either purchase a prehung door or a slab door that you will install yourself, depending on your level of comfort with DIY projects. A prehung door is more expensive but comes with the hinges and lock already attached.
If you’re planning to keep the existing frame, you will need to chisel out cutouts for the hinges and deadbolt bore position in the new slab door based on the positioning of the hardware in your existing doorframe. You will also need to remove any trim that covers the old hinges and lock bore positions to ensure a perfect fit for your new front door.
Once you’re done with the cutting and sanding, it’s time to put the door in place. Starting with the hinge side, carefully screw the new door into the existing frame. When you’re done, re-check that the door is hanging straight and secure and make any necessary adjustments. Then, use a premium sealant to apply an effective barrier against rainwater and melted snow that could seep into the wall behind your front door. Once the sealant has dried, you can reinstall any interior door trim that was removed in the process and install your new front door handle/lock. Your door replacement is now complete! If you’re looking to upgrade your home with a new front door, visit Window World for ideas and a free in-home consultation. We’ve helped homeowners transform their homes with our wide range of front doors and can help you find the perfect match for your style and budget. Find a store near you today.