Exterior Doors

TLDR

• Prep
  • Pull some trim to measure the rough opening
  • Remember to note swing and door jamb depth
  • Fill out the Door Order Form
  • Dont forget handles
• Materials
  • Shims
  • Foam
  • Sealant
  • Flashing tape
• Installation
  • Site protection
  • Pull trim
  • Remove door
  • Flash
  • Install door

Overview

Exterior doors come in all different sizes and types. Like windows their specifications are detailed and complicated. Single, double, transoms, sidelights, fire ratings, self closing, inswing, outswing etc there is a lot to consider.

Prerequisites

• Before you order, determine the RO, size, and depth
• Check the Door Order Checklist

Materials / Tools Needed

• Tape measure and level
• Pry bar, hammer, 3" screws, trim nails
• Sill-pan flashing tape or metal
• Silicone
• Shims
• Low-expansion foam OR backer-rod and sealant
  • There are good options to tape the interior as well
• Drip cap (if not integral)
• Interior casing, exterior trim or coil stock, paint/caulk
• Door handle

Process

1. Ordering doors
   • Remove a trim board, record RO dimensions
   • Confirm style with the client
   • Pick a door handle
   • Request a quote from a dealer
   • Confirm pricing and style with client
   • Place the order
2. Installation
   • Protect finishes
   • Remove ext trim and interior trim if necessary
   • Remove old door
   • Install sill pan flashing
   • Install door
     • Confirm sill is level
     • Confirm bottom of door sill is flat and will form a seal with the sill pan
     • Set door in a bed of silicone or similar sealant
       • Slope sill and backdam if possible or if sealant will not be practical
     • Fasten bottom corners
     • Plumb sides and fasten top corners
     • Tape exterior sides then top
   • Install door handle
3. Spray low expanding foam from the interior between the door and the rough opening
   • Or install backer rod and sealant
   • Or tape the frame to the rough opening with insulation of your choice behind
4. Install interior casing; add exterior drip cap and trim or coil wrap, then paint/caulk

Inspections

Doors separating attached garages from living spaces will likely have a fire rating. The 2021 IRC requires these doors to be self closing and latching.

Best Practices / Pro Tips

Flash the opening and take photos during the installation process to verify that the door was sealed correctly. Doors often don't include a nailing flange like North American windows, so special attention needs to be paid to these steps.

Client Interaction / Communication Notes

• Advise that interior trim will not survive demo and will be replaced.
• Animals must be secured because the house will be open for a few hours during replacement.
• Sometimes the new door requires shoe moulding or similar trim on the interior side because the threshold is thicker or doesn't align with the old flooring depending on how plumb and square the opening is in the home.
• The builder should determine the size and fit of the new door and guide the client on a style that meets their goals.

Door Specification Examples

This is an example of a double door quote with a fixed and active swing panel.

This is an example from another brand

Resources

Exterior Door Order Form

Window and Door Install Checklist