Exterior door shortening
#1
10-17-06, 11:47 AM
Exterior door shortening
One of the previous owners of my house put on an addition, and used an interior door as an exterior door. I'm not sure how square the frame will be, etc (it currently measures 32" by 78" - some has been cut off the bottom due to rotting). It also opens to the outside (which stinks when there is a pile of snow on the porch).
The only way I can think to get an exterior type door on there is to buy a solid wood door, and trim it until it fits. How hard is it to hang a new door to open the other way? Does anyone know if I am likely to be able to put in a new frame and door? Are there metal doors that can be adjusted?
thanks
The only way I can think to get an exterior type door on there is to buy a solid wood door, and trim it until it fits. How hard is it to hang a new door to open the other way? Does anyone know if I am likely to be able to put in a new frame and door? Are there metal doors that can be adjusted?
thanks
#2
10-17-06, 03:12 PM
Member
Door
Pre-hung exterior doors open toward the inside.
I would remove the inside trim above the door to be able to see the framing. You may get lucky and be able to enlarge the opening enough to accomodate a regular height door. You need 82 1/2 inches.
I would remove the inside trim above the door to be able to see the framing. You may get lucky and be able to enlarge the opening enough to accomodate a regular height door. You need 82 1/2 inches.
#3
10-17-06, 04:34 PM
Group Moderator
I agree- go with replacing the door with a prehung unit that will swing to the inside and will have an aluminum threshold that slopes toward the exterior. And if the opening is less than 80" you might want to look into getting an exterior prehung door that is made for modular or trailer homes. They are normally about 76" tall, I believe. If you find the right supplier, they will not be special order.
#4
10-17-06, 05:23 PM
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Im currently doing exactly the same , short interior door having been put in as a exterior .
when I pulled the casing I found the jamb had been built of 2x6's
ripping the jamp out and putting in a standard jamb is going to give me 80"
so look to see what you have for opening before special ordering a short door.
"Pre-hung exterior doors open toward the inside."
not always , fl code now requires doors ot open out to strenghten them for wind so you would have to special order a inward opening door around here
when I pulled the casing I found the jamb had been built of 2x6's
ripping the jamp out and putting in a standard jamb is going to give me 80"
so look to see what you have for opening before special ordering a short door.
"Pre-hung exterior doors open toward the inside."
not always , fl code now requires doors ot open out to strenghten them for wind so you would have to special order a inward opening door around here
#5
10-18-06, 02:29 PM
thanks
I'm unlikely to be lucky on this. I did some remodeling before and basically the addition was held up by the exterior stucco and the foundation was (rotted) 2x6's on dirt. The contractor wouldn't replace the door (to save me money). He just cut off the rotting part (which is holding water again) and put a mega rubber sweep on the bottom.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
I'll look at the framing closer and into the modular doors if that doesn't work.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
I'll look at the framing closer and into the modular doors if that doesn't work.
