Helping to install new door

I have to uninstall the J channel and do not want to destroy it if possible. Is there a way of undoing the J channel so I can use it again? Or should I not worry about and replace the best match I can? If brick molding extends under sliding how do you put the door in without damaging sliding? Sorry, a lot of questions





.

 

MY son wants a new door that lets in more light. The door is a side door, not the main door. There will be a storm door over either the new door or the old one. Is there a cut-out that I would be able to install in the door instead of replacing it?

 

I've added a window to a flat wooden door before but is that a panel door?

 

I combined the two similar threads into one thread for continuity.

The J track is installed first and then the siding so that the J tack nails are behind the siding.
You'd need to remove the siding and then the the J track.

 

You shouldn't have to remove any j channel if the door is the right size. Measure the distance between the j channels. For a 36" door, you should have 40" between the j channels. For a 32" door, it should be 36".

The only reason you would need to remove the j channel is if it isnt wide enough. And even then you can usually get by if you remove the brickmould from the new door... install the new door... then rip the brickmould to get it to fit.

If you need to remove remove the j channels, you need to remove or at least unzip the siding first, and you would need a Malco Sideswiper to do that. You "might" be able to carefully sawzall the nails off behind the j channel but I wouldn't recommend it especially if you've never done it before. You could easily cut the siding.

As for your other question, since that door in post #2 has raised panels, the answer is no. There is no pre-made window that would work well for that.

 

THANKS FOR THE INFO. Cutting the brick is a very good idea. I won't know until we try and remove the old door but in the picture, there is some white stuff under the J channel. I am not sure what it is but will find out whenever we do it.

 

Could you not replace the door only not the frame and all?

 

I do not think that would work? The door or frame both look a little off and not enough knowledge to just replace the door IF there is a problem with the door not fitting right. . Will be replacing the frame and door and maybe cutting the brick molding if I have to. Thanks for the idea