Ordering
Often people order doors with sidelights.
Sidelights are decorative panels that fit on one or both sides of the door
frame. Often these panels have glass in them. The problem with sidelights is
this: Security. If a sidelight is attached next to the door frame where the door
latch (lockset/handle) will be, the door will not be as strong as it could be.
Order the door with a 2x4 or 2x6 stiffener between the side light and the
door frame. This will allow you to install 2 1/2 inch screws in the striker
plate assembly. With these screws it will be tough to kick in your door.
Try to purchase a door with an adjustable
threshold. This is really important. Often, after installation (especially in
new housing) lumber shrinkage causes the door to fit poorly. If this happens,
air may leak under the door. Adjustable thresholds allow you to fix this problem
easily.
Think about your lockset options before you
order. Predrilled holes are available from just about all manufacturers. This
could save you money when dealing with your carpenter.
Be sure to check on door frame options,
especially if you intend to stain your door. Some doors offer stainable clear
frames as an option. They might not be a standard feature!! Beware!
Installation
One of the most common mistakes I see is
installing a new door right on top of the subfloor or slab. HUGE mistake!! If
ever you have been in a newer home where the throw rug in front of the door is
swept away each time the door opens, you know what I am talking about. The
solution is simple: install all entry doors on top of a 3/4 inch piece of wood
which is attached to the subfloor. In certain cases you may have to put in a one
inch thick piece of wood. Be sure to account for this extra piece of wood in the
rough-in dimensions when framing the house!!
Entry doors need to be shimmed with tapered
shims when they are attached to the rough framing. The hinge side of the door
has tremendous stress on it from the weight of the door. As such, after a door
was right where I wanted it, I took out one of the hinge screws (one from each
hinge) in the frame and replaced it with an identical screw that was 3 inches
long. This screw would pass through the frame, shims, and into the rough
framing. The stress from the door is now transferred to the framing, not the
door frame.
The reveal (space between the door and frame
when closed) should always be consistent when the door is installed correctly.
If the reveal along the top or side tapers, something is wrong.
If installing a wood door, be sure to
immediately read and follow the finishing instructions! You may lose your
warranty if you dillydally around.
