Older homes have non standard sized openings so you may need to install a new jamb inside the opening to fit the french doors of your choice.
How to hang a exterior french door.
You should begin by framing the opening and then sealing it.
Next create a rough opening around your frame that s at least 1 inch wider and taller than the outside of the door system you re installing then insert the new door into the opening and place shims on the.
It s a good idea to measure the actual door too.
How to install exterior and interior french doors in a existing opening step 1.
Installing an exterior door that is insulated and made of steel can be heavy and cumbersome due to the weight of the materials.
Remove the interior trim and measure the width and height of the frame.
Also measure the jamb depth.
Prep the opening figure out your space s opening for where you want install your doors.
Before removing the old door have the new one on hand.
For standard door frames french doors are also available in pre hung kits making installation simple and straightforward.
To install an exterior door start by removing the old door as well as the existing interior and exterior trim and old insulation.
You re more than likely going to be removing the drywall and or trim around the space.
Before you install the pre hung french doors in the newly enlarged rough opening you should finish up doing any electrical work and hang drywall around the sides of the new opening.
To install exterior french doors you can follow similar instructions to those on the previous page for installing interior french doors though you have to remember to seal your opening carefully to protect the interior of your home from the elements.
The new door should be 1 2 inch less than the height of the rough opening and 3 4 inch less in width.
If you choose to install a front door made of steel you will need a helper.
A safe way to remove the trim without damaging the wall is to score some caulking.
Measure both the door and rough opening to make sure the door is the right size.
Connect the old wiring to any new wiring at a junction box according to building code the junction box must remain exposed.