It s best to work from the outside of the house when you re inserting the door into the opening.
How to install outside french doors.
Install any molding to cover the edge of the doorframe and caulk any gaps in both the exterior and interior joints.
Use a level to make sure the door is plumb.
Place the bottom of the door first tilting the top out toward you then slide the door into place.
Unlike pocket doors and sliding doors french doors command more space for operation.
In order to install the door jamb we had to have one guy on the outside checking gaps and door alignments while the guy on the inside shimmed and nailed the jamb into place.
If everything works nicely use the screws to put the frame in its place permanently.
A safe way to remove the trim without damaging the wall is to score some caulking.
Standard door sizes start at 1 foot 6 inches and are offered at 2 inch increases up to 3 feet wide.
How to install exterior and interior french doors in a existing opening step 1.
A popular choice for exterior doors steel provides superior security and weather resistance without proper care these doors may rust over time.
You may want to enlist a friend to help you lift and place the door depending on its weight.
Prep the opening figure out your space s opening for where you want install your doors.
Once you have secured your french doors caulk around the edges of the frame and add insulation to the sides.
Adjust as necessary to keep the door jambs square with each other.
Optional grilles and hardware can be added to round out your door style.
Fiberglass doors are a great alternative to traditional wooden doors they are easy to maintain and offer superb durability insulation and versatility in appearance and style.
Then test the new doors to make sure they fit in the frame and open smoothly.
A straightedge on the jamb helped align the jamb for shimming and nailing.
Installation costs do not differ by material.
Center the door and frame in the rough opening as a test fit.
Take the width of the door and layout a radius around the pivot point on both sides of the jamb to see how much space you ll need to allow.
Questions you should ask photo by jodi jacobsen istock photo.
Today s exterior french doors often arrive prehung in a wood frame complete with sill and weatherstripping.
Insert door into opening.
We put the doors back on their hinges before completing the installation.
If necessary shim under the lower side jamb until the door is plumb.
Diy or hire a pro.
Caulk around the outside of the french doors and also over the insulation.