Setting of Exterior Doors

As mentioned before there is an order to be followed when setting doors, but setting exterior door require or permit an additional step. When ever I set the exterior door, I still use the laser to establish the heads level throughout the unit. This is done in the same manor as the interior doors were and they are accomplished at the same time. I still check and prepare my opening to ensure the ease when installing but for exterior After checking the floor between the adjustable cripples I make sure it is level on its own.

After checking the concrete floor level I look to see what type of flooring will be in the unit’s area. If it is tile, I use an old tile that is similar to the type that will be installed and then I tile those areas. I use thin set because mastic does do as well in wet areas. Though this tile may not be an exact match it will be under the door sill and not noticed. It is per fit for the task it does and needn’t be removed if or when the door is replaced. Basically, I fill that area with a similar mater matching the flooring that will later be installed making sure to level the area below the exterior doors.

Doing so lets me lower the thresholds so they are closer to the finished floor height. This makes it easier for people with many physical impairments to gain assess and lower the odd of the threshold becoming a tripping hazard.  

When I do these steps, I am sure to provide a constant firm foundation below the door’s threshold. I level my thin set; I cut continuous rip stripe for wooden floors and then check to ensure my added flooring material is perfectly level. I make certain that my adjusted floating door members can still be adjusted. This is done by cutting back the bottom plate before leveling the area. I want the legs of my Jams to rest tight upon the flooring I’ve added. Doors left floating will sag in times. So, it is important to ensure all door sit on a firm foundation against the floor. However, the exterior threshold have me taking this precaution that is not need when setting interior doors. The rest of my door setting process is basically the same.

Note: Images on this blog site are from a free source or taken by the author. No image or group of photos is intended to represent the people the author serves. The author does not care about Race (that is a politically correct term that he does not like because we are all of the same Race, the Human Race. He prefers the term ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, marital status, disability, genetic information, national origin, source of income, Veteran or military status, ancestry, citizenship, primary language or immigration status.) He is a service provider for all people. We will all rise together when we band together and help one another. Joseph Erwin is a Real Estate Broker, DRE # O2131799, and a CA general contractor # B 696662.  He resides in Southern California.