Would a great entrance improve your house’s curb appeal? Install exterior door with sidelights is one of the best approaches to designing a big entryway that elegantly invites visitors. This thorough guide will help you through the procedure, from preparation to finishing details, so you can confidently accomplish this job.
Transform Your Entryway with a Door and Sidelights
Your front entrance strikes me firmly first. When you install exterior door with sidelights, you are not just replacing an old door, you are adding an architectural element that improves the look of your house. The little windows called sidelights let in more natural light and provide a more welcome entrance, flank one or both sides of your door.
Beyond appearances, when you install new front door with sidelights may increase your house’s energy efficiency and security. Modern door systems are usually more insulated and include more sophisticated locking mechanisms than earlier types. Furthermore, extra natural light might help you reduce your requirement for synthetic illumination throughout your daily hours.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Before installing an outside door, you must compile the correct equipment and supplies. The job will go much easier if everything is ready before you begin.
Essential tools include:
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Level (4-foot level works best)
- Drill with various bits
- Hammer and pry bar
- Utility knife
- Caulking gun
- Screwdriver set
- Shims
- Safety glasses and work gloves
Materials you will need:
- Your new door unit with sidelights
- Exterior-grade screws (usually 3-inch)
- Waterproof silicone caulk
- Low-expansion foam insulation
- Flashing tape
- Exterior trim (if not included with door)
If this list appears difficult or you are missing something, consider hiring a door installer near me.
Measuring for Your New Door
Installing an external door with sidelights and accurate dimensions is vital. Measure the width and height of your current door frame; add an additional inch to each measurement to cover the rough opening. You will require a noticeably larger aperture for doors with sidelights than a normal one.
Ordering your door will require you to indicate the width of the sidelights and whether you like them on one or both sides. Usually falling between 10 and 14 inches, standard sidelight widths. Choose if you want fixed panels or operable sidelights, such as those that open.
Removing Your Old Door
Removing the current front door is the first practical step toward installing a new one. First, take off all the hardware—including the lock and doorknob. Take the door off its hinges after that. Cut through any paint sealing the trim to the wall with a utility knife next. First remove the inside trim; next, work on the outer trim.
You may remove the original door frame after the trim is off. Use a reciprocating saw if you must cut through any nails fastening the frame to the house. Observe so as not to ruin the adjacent construction.
Preparing the Opening
Make sure the entrance is clean, level, and suitably ready before you install an outside door:
- Out from the aperture any trash, old caulk, or nails.
- Verify the level and sturdy nature of the subfloor or threshold region.
- Measuring diagonally from corner to corner in both directions can help you to confirm that the hole is square. The readings should be equal.
- To stop water seeping in the sill region, use flashing tape there.
Should you discover structural concerns or rotten timber after this examination, take care of them before moving further. Installing a new door over a compromised frame will only cause issues down the line.
Setting the Door in Place
Here is when assistance becomes indispensable. Alone handling exterior doors with sidelights is heavy and uncomfortable. To set the door:
- Along the sill area’s length, apply three silicone caulking beads.
- Carefully raise the whole door unit with your assistant, then position it from the outside into the aperture.
- At the sill, press the door firmly into the caulk.
- Center the door in the opening and ensure the door-to-frame gap is even all around.
Once the door is in place, lock it temporarily until you have confirmed it is level and plumb.
Securing and Leveling the Door
Install an outside door correctly by leveling the threshold and adjusting it using shims under the sill.
- Using your level, make sure the hinge side of the door frame is exactly plumb and vertical.
- Sandwich pairs of shims between the door frame and rough aperture at the hinge points.
- Check that the top of the frame is level once the hinge side is plumb, adding shims if needed.
Check that the frame’s latch side is plumb and that the gap between the door and frame is constant.
Once everything is in line, drive 3-inch screws through the door frame (and shims) into the wall studs.
For added robustness, start with screws through the hinges and then add more screws around the edge, 16 inches apart.
Installing Hardware and Weatherproofing
It is time to install the hardware and guarantee your door is weathertight after the frame is secure:
- Following manufacturer directions, install the lock and doorknob.
- If the door was not pre-installed, weatherstrip around it.
- If your door is adjustable in sill height, change the threshold.
- Opening and shutting the door multiple times will help you to guarantee its flawless operation.
Then cover the space between the door frame and rough opening with low-expanding foam insulation. Use sparingly; over-expanding the frame might cause it to distort.
Finishing Touches
- To finish your outer door with sidelights installed:
- Install external trim around the door and sidelights, galvanized finish nails fixing it.
- To seal off drafts and moisture, caulk the outside trim.
- Install inside trim to close the door frame to the wall gap.
- Wood putty can fill any nail holes.
- As preferred, paint or stain the door, frame, and trim.
These last details not only enhance the look of your project but also provide further weather resistance.
Conclusion
Once your external door installation is finished satisfactorily, stop to consider the change. Along with improving the look of your house, your new entrance increases its security and energy efficiency.
Your door will remain looking and working like new with regular maintenance. Check the weatherstripping often; lubricate the hinges; and, if necessary, touch up the paintwork.
Following these guidelines has helped you to do this process yourself and save money as well as give your house great worth. For many years to come, your lovely new entrance with sidelights will greet visitors in elegance.