How To Install Outside French Doors

Bob vila takes a close look at the process of installing french doors.

How to install outside french doors.

Use 100 percent silicone caulking as this will ensure that the door frame is waterproof and will also help the exterior caulking to prevent air from escaping. Measure both the door and rough opening to make sure the door is the right size. Fiberglass doors are a great alternative to traditional wooden doors they are easy to maintain and offer superb durability insulation and versatility in appearance and style. To install an exterior door start by removing the old door as well as the existing interior and exterior trim and old insulation.

Install any molding to cover the edge of the doorframe and caulk any gaps in both the exterior and interior joints. If you choose to install a front door made of steel you will need a helper. Caulk around the outside of the french doors and also over the insulation. For more how to video visit.

You re more than likely going to be removing the drywall and or trim around the space. Installing an exterior door that is insulated and made of steel can be heavy and cumbersome due to the weight of the materials. Today s exterior french doors often arrive prehung in a wood frame complete with sill and weatherstripping. A safe way to remove the trim without damaging the wall is to score some caulking.

Optional grilles and hardware can be added to round out your door style. Next create a rough opening around your frame that s at least 1 inch wider and taller than the outside of the door system you re installing then insert the new door into the opening and place shims on the. Installation costs do not differ by material. Take the width of the door and layout a radius around the pivot point on both sides of the jamb to see how much space you ll need to allow.

A popular choice for exterior doors steel provides superior security and weather resistance without proper care these doors may rust over time. How to install exterior and interior french doors in a existing opening step 1. Whether you are installing interior or exterior doors be sure to plan for space around the door swing. Questions you should ask photo by jodi jacobsen istock photo.