Entry Door Installation Instructions

Measure the rough opening where the door will be installed to determine the size of the door. Run a tape measure along the opening and record both the height and width of the opening so the proper size door can be purchased.

Set the new door into the opening from the exterior of the house and check to make sure that it is square by running a level vertically along the side of the door. Install a piece of drip edge along the top of the opening. Cut it to size with tin snips and nail it in place with a nailer on the underside along the top of the opening.

Run a bead of silicone caulk along the base of the opening in the center and along the sides where the brick mold will be installed. Center the door in the rough opening and set it into place. Push the brick molding tight against the wall and press down so it can adhere to the silicone.

Insert shims around the frame every foot and into all hinge positions. Check to make sure it is level and adjust the shims until it is plumb. Open the door and insert nails into the jamb every foot at each shim location. Open and close the door to make sure it is working properly and adjust the shims if necessary to level out the door.

Nail the brick molding in place around the door. Insert a nail every 6 inches across the top and along the sides of the brick mold. Adjust the threshold of the door with a drill by tightening or loosening the screws until the door is tightly sealed. Cut off the excess shims with a utility knife.

Run a bead of silicone caulk along the outside of the brick mold. Fill all nail holes with the caulk and wipe away any excess with a clean rag. Open and close the door to ensure that the installation was completed properly.