Is your back door getting a little worse for the wear? The back door gets the most use of any door in the house, which means things start to break down a lot faster.
Maybe there’s a hitch in your screen door, or the entire frame is starting to come loose from all that slamming. In any case, you might be in the market for a back door replacement. You don’t want to take the hit for the fees of a professional contractor to replace it, though.
We’re going to discuss how to replace a back door on your own today. Hopefully, the information can give you some insight into the process and make it a little easier for you.
Let’s get started.
How to Replace a Back Door Yourself
The first thing to do is to get a measurement of the existing door. Most of the time, the size of the door you’re getting is the precise size of the one you’re getting rid of. That’s only true if you’re not replacing the frame as well, though.
If you’re getting a new frame, you’ll want to remove the existing door and door frame so that you can see what kind of materials you’ll need to install. You can order pre-fabricated door frames or install a new set of materials yourself.
Be sure to hang onto the materials that you removed from the old frame as you tear them down, though. A lot of us like to rip things apart and get rid of them as soon as possible.
It makes sense, considering that it’s fun to rip things up, break them down, and get rid of them. Hold back that urge in this case, though, because you’ll need to know the precise sizes of those things.
If you do happen to break everything up and throw it out, you’ll just need to take some more measurements of the space that your frame existed within.
Measurement Considerations
The measurements are the most critical part of this process. They’re also the most difficult. Anybody with minimal skill as a handyperson can screw in a new door.
It’s the math and the thinking that gets in the way.
When you measure your old door, be sure to round up. For example, a door that measures out to 45-3/4 inches by 80-3/4 inches requires you to order a new door that’s 46 inches by 81 inches.
Old doors might shrink a little bit, which can contribute to them breaking in the first place. A good rule of thumb is to add that extra fourth-of-an-inch to the measurements so that you’re set with a large enough door.
It’s better to have more material than less in these cases. You’ll also want to account for the door jam. When you do this, measure from the back end of the exterior frame to the back end of the interior trim.
This will give you the proper amount of space so that your door doesn’t hang off of the jam and extend.
Door Opening Factors
This one seems obvious, but it turns out to be one of the most frustrating aspects of installing a door. Make sure that it opens the right way. Further, make sure that the extension of the door can move freely through its full rotation.
Keep in mind that you might have screen doors to swing open as well. If you’re changing up the formula of your doors, note that these factors won’t always fall into place. The screen door has to open in the opposite direction as the main door does.
If you don’t consider those things before ordering the materials, you’ll have to send them back and get new doors. You also have to install the door while keeping in mind that it will have to open (duh). Again, it sounds simple, but it gets in the way.
Make sure that you account for the space that the door will need to swing freely. An excellent way to do this is to install all of the exterior components of the doorframe before you put the door in place.
You might even wait to order the door until after you lay down those measurements so that you can get a perfect size.
Windows and Glass
You should also think about the kind of glass that you’re going to work with. There are many options at your disposal, and Colorado Window and Door has a lot of great options and insights.
Getting the proper type of glass and installing it might be the only areas that you’ll need professional help. It’s best to order doors that come premade with the kind of glass that you’d like to use.
Different kinds of glass might hold up better in certain elements, and quality glass is an essential factor to consider when you’re thinking about security.
Doors and Security
Another thing to keep in mind is that there are many options to choose from regarding security. Your door is the thing that keeps people out of your house, after all.
You want to make sure that it’s solid and safe enough to protect you. Exterior door options come with a lot of reinforcement and different elements that can prevent intrusion.
You can invest in security doors that protect you without looking any different from standard doors. You don’t need metal fences and cages to sit on the outside of your door.
There are plenty of stylish options that offer safety without compromising aesthetics.
Need Help With Your New Back Door?
Doing your own back door replacement might come with a few challenges. From back door sizing to door hinges, figuring out how to replace a back door can be challenging. It’s something that will save you a lot of money in the long run, though.
Explore our site for more insight into DIY projects that you can manage on your own. We’re here to help!
