Hanging exterior door
#1
11-09-07, 12:55 PM
Hanging exterior door
Hey guys,
Looking for a bit of advice. I've been reading and reading but still have a couple of questions.
Background, we're ready to replace our exterior steel doors as winter is well on it's way. There isn't a problem in the summer but when it's cold it takes one heck of a body check to get the deadbolt to lock.
So, it's time for the 20 year old doors to go. Definitely going with a pre-hung. I did the slap replacement on a couple of interior doors but wouldn't dream of attempting it on an exterior.
Question, I assume that a complete replacement of door and jam will resolve my -40C body check problem?
My procedure is to remove existing door and jam (sawsall between jam and frame). Install new unit ensuring it's level side to side but more importantly front to back. Shim it up, ensuring adequate shimming behind all hinges while maintaining (close to) 1/8" gap between the door and the inner jam. Sound about right? I haven't shopped for them yet but I assume the brickmold comes with the unit? So I know the door is in far enough when the brickmold hits the house frame.
Long post, sorry. One more question. The house is vinyl siding. What are the odds of finding brick mold that is the exact same width as the existing so that siding doesn't have to be cut down?
Looking for a bit of advice. I've been reading and reading but still have a couple of questions.
Background, we're ready to replace our exterior steel doors as winter is well on it's way. There isn't a problem in the summer but when it's cold it takes one heck of a body check to get the deadbolt to lock.
So, it's time for the 20 year old doors to go. Definitely going with a pre-hung. I did the slap replacement on a couple of interior doors but wouldn't dream of attempting it on an exterior.
Question, I assume that a complete replacement of door and jam will resolve my -40C body check problem?
My procedure is to remove existing door and jam (sawsall between jam and frame). Install new unit ensuring it's level side to side but more importantly front to back. Shim it up, ensuring adequate shimming behind all hinges while maintaining (close to) 1/8" gap between the door and the inner jam. Sound about right? I haven't shopped for them yet but I assume the brickmold comes with the unit? So I know the door is in far enough when the brickmold hits the house frame.
Long post, sorry. One more question. The house is vinyl siding. What are the odds of finding brick mold that is the exact same width as the existing so that siding doesn't have to be cut down?
#2
11-09-07, 02:02 PM
Group Moderator
I don't think I could sleep at night if I sold someone a new door simply because their deadbolt would not latch when it was cold.
There is likely some very minor adjustment that could be done if that is your only problem.
It could be that the door is sagging a little (often fixed by installing a long 3" screw through the top hinge and into the framing).
It could be that your q-lon weatherstripping gets hard in the winter and could be replaced.
It could be that your deadbolt hole just needs to be filed a bit on one side, or the strike plate could be moved a little.
I certainly wouldn't be ready to open up the checkbook before trying a few of those things first.
There is likely some very minor adjustment that could be done if that is your only problem.
It could be that the door is sagging a little (often fixed by installing a long 3" screw through the top hinge and into the framing).
It could be that your q-lon weatherstripping gets hard in the winter and could be replaced.
It could be that your deadbolt hole just needs to be filed a bit on one side, or the strike plate could be moved a little.
I certainly wouldn't be ready to open up the checkbook before trying a few of those things first.
#3
11-09-07, 02:17 PM
I have tried everything that I can think of to resolve the problem. I thought it might be related to the weather stripping as it only happens during the winter. I should mention that the door catch does not work unless the door is given a good slam.
I'm at a loss. I don't think it's the door sagging as the deadbolt and handle catches are lined up properly. It's that the door does not cloes enough front to back to catch. I have tried replacing the weather stripping to no avail. I will try some of your suggestions over the weekend.
I'm at a loss. I don't think it's the door sagging as the deadbolt and handle catches are lined up properly. It's that the door does not cloes enough front to back to catch. I have tried replacing the weather stripping to no avail. I will try some of your suggestions over the weekend.
#4
11-10-07, 01:53 PM
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the other fella
Originally Posted by Gouie
I have tried everything that I can think of to resolve the problem. I thought it might be related to the weather stripping as it only happens during the winter. I should mention that the door catch does not work unless the door is given a good slam.
I'm at a loss. I don't think it's the door sagging as the deadbolt and handle catches are lined up properly. It's that the door does not cloes enough front to back to catch. I have tried replacing the weather stripping to no avail. I will try some of your suggestions over the weekend.
I'm at a loss. I don't think it's the door sagging as the deadbolt and handle catches are lined up properly. It's that the door does not cloes enough front to back to catch. I have tried replacing the weather stripping to no avail. I will try some of your suggestions over the weekend.
