If you’re an experienced do-it-yourself-er when it comes to home maintenance, you’ve probably already taken on a wide variety of projects. But you’ve also probably learned that there are things that you just shouldn’t do yourself. If you haven’t learned that less yet, you eventually will. Some projects may seem simple, but the finer points can be complicated, and doing something wrong can often cost more in the long run – first you’ve got to have your work undone (as well as any collateral damage repaired), and then you need to pay a professional to do it right. A wise home DIY’er knows when it’s time to leave things to the pros. And entry door replacement falls into that category for most, except those with door installation experience.
While installing a door may seem simple, unless it’s done right, the door won’t work properly, and you may get damage to the frame and the door itself. But the installation isn’t the first place you need professional help. That should come with choosing the door itself. You may have a look and/or material in mind, but there are other factors to consider. For instance, did you know that you should never install a wood entry door on the side of a house which gets full sun? And unless your entry area is protected by a porch or gable overhang, the exposure to heavy rain and windblown snow will make a wood door age prematurely as well. If you like the traditional, warm charm of wood, an experienced replacement door contractor can suggest maintenance-free, durable alternatives such as fiberglass doors which provide the look of wood without any of the drawbacks or upkeep.
Once the new door has been purchased, the next step is removing the old door without causing damage to the surrounding area. Often that involves carefully removing trim and hardware, reserving them for re-installation when the new door is put in. Then there’s getting that door hung. Hanging it level is critical to its proper operation as well as its appearance. An improperly-hung door won’t seal properly, can be hard to open, and can wear in spots where the door rubs against the frame. Finally, getting the lockset properly adjusted so that the latch fits in the strike plate correctly is a must. Getting the job of a door installation done right requires specialized tools, which the average DIY’er probably doesn’t have.
If you have questions about choosing and installing the right entry door for your Minneapolis area home, give us a call today. We schedule individualized appointments at our showroom so that you can see for yourself the many beautiful options you have in exterior replacement doors.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
