external front door/frame replacement

[jimbo5050]

I need to replace an aging front door which is well rotten. The frame isn't in too bad condition but the opening measures 850mm x 2010mm. There is no sill, just a concrete base.

I visited my local shed which isn't the biggest and the widest doors they had were 838mm wide which would mean a 6mm gap on each side! I also wanted to fit a storm guard at the base as there is no sill but they were only 838mm wideas well and would restrict the height of the door to about 1980mm.

I did not really want all the hassle of changing the frame but if I do can these be bought pre-made?

 

[mr_mike]

Hi Jimbo,

You can buy new pre-made door frames, but you'll have to check the width and thickness of your current frame jambs carefully to find a match. Most modern external door frames that you can buy now are made of smaller dimensioned timber than they used to make 'em of.

Last week I searched in vain for a new frame with 96 x 44mm jambs (side bits) and header. They just don't make them that size anymore (and you certainly won't find them in the sheds). So I had to build a new frame myself from the correct size timber. Not a difficult job if you have the correct tools and are reasonably 'handy'.

If the door is exposed to the elements, you really should fit a proper threshold/cill with a water bar (which means you'll have to rebate the bottom of the door), and be sure to fit a weatherboard to the bottom rail of the door, so that rainwater runs away from the threshold.

Not having this could well be why your 'aging front door is well rotten' !

 

[JohnD]

A 6mm gap each side shouldn't be a prob, much easier than trimming down a frame that's too big. Shim it well each side with shallow wedges before screwing it in, and fill in with expanding foam, then trim off with a wooden moulding all round both sides. You could alternatively scrape back the foam and use a sealant gun.

You can prevent the foam sticking to the show surfaces by covering them with cling-film and masking tape.