How to Choose a Front Door of the Right Size
Homeowners looking for a new front door often choose prehung models. This option guarantees a smooth installation, but it is essential to order the right size. Discover three essential tips that will help you measure your opening properly.
Measure the Rough Opening
The existing opening should be a little bigger than the outer unit dimension of your new door structure. This will allow you to perform simple levelling through shimming. Remove the interior trim to calculate the distance between framing members and from the bottom of the sill to the top of the opening.
Measure the width between the studs three times (from the highest, lowest point, and the center), and choose the smallest value.
Measure the height on both sides and choose the smallest of the two values.
Measure the Width of Jamb
This is the thickness of the wall. The stud together with any sidings or drywall must be covered completely. Measure the distance between the back of the interior trim to the back of the exterior trim. Customers should include this measurement when they order a prehung door. This will guarantee their replacement will fit flush to the wall, so no jamb extensions will be required.
Measure the Door Size
Determine the height and width of the door you will be replacing. Both should be rounded up to full inches. This will give you the dimensions of the perfect new door. Suppose your old door is 35-3/4 inches wide and 79-1/2 inches tall. In this case, rounding will give you 36-inch width and 80-inch length.
If you want to replace double doors, you need to calculate the total. For instance, if each of the doors is 36 inches wide and 80 inches tall, you may get one 60-inch door of the same height. If sidelights are required, their width should be added to the width of the door itself.
Determine the Swing
Some doors are left-handed, and others are right-handed. How should you choose? Stand with your back against the side of the frame with the hinges. Extend your arm in the direction you want your door to open in. Have you extended your left or right arm? Choose accordingly.
The next aspect is the inswing vs. outswing. The majority of front doors swing inward. However, it is possible to find outswing models. This is a matter of personal preference.
Do You Need a Pre-hung Door?
Pre-hung doors are best in two situations: when there is no existing door frame, or the old one is damaged. They are also used for new buildings. Only highly qualified professionals may install a slab door properly. Tight-fitting is a big challenge. In addition, all-in-one solutions come with weather stripping, and they will allow you to reduce your energy bill.