Double entry doors offer a striking and functional upgrade to any home’s entrance. They combine aesthetic appeal with enhanced privacy, security, and natural lighting. However, installing a double entry door is a complex task that requires careful planning, the right tools, and a clear understanding of the process. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of how to install a double entry door based on industry-standard practices and verified documentation.
Overview of Double Entry Doors
A double entry door consists of two doors that operate independently or together, creating a wide and welcoming entryway. These doors are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings and are available in a range of materials including wood, vinyl, steel, and fiberglass. Double entry doors are often prehung, meaning they come mounted on a frame with integrated weather stripping, making them more convenient to install compared to individual slabs.
The installation process involves setting the door frame, aligning the doors, securing them in place, and ensuring they function smoothly. Proper installation is crucial to achieving optimal performance, including weather resistance, durability, and security.
Key Benefits of Double Entry Doors
Double entry doors offer more than just a visual upgrade. Their benefits include:
- Enhanced Aesthetics: These doors create a grand entrance and can significantly elevate the curb appeal of a home.
- Improved Privacy and Sound Control: Solid wood double doors can reduce noise transfer between the interior and exterior, making them ideal for homes with offices or entertainment rooms.
- Natural Light: Doors with glass panels allow natural light to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
- Security and Durability: High-quality double doors are built to resist warping and shrinking, ensuring long-term performance in varying weather conditions.
- Versatility in Design: They come in a variety of styles to match different architectural designs, from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic.
Preparing for Installation
Before beginning the installation process, it is important to prepare the necessary tools, materials, and space. The following sections outline the essential components and considerations for a successful installation.
Measuring and Sizing
Accurate measurements are critical when selecting and installing double entry doors. The total width of the entryway must be determined, including the space required for the door frame. For example, a 74-inch entryway may require two 32-inch doors with a custom frame to accommodate the extra space.
Standard doors are available in common sizes such as 30-inch and 32-inch widths, while custom doors can be ordered to fit specific dimensions. It is important to note that standard doors may require a larger frame to make up for the space between the two doors.
Tools and Materials
The following tools and materials are necessary to complete the installation of a commercial double entry door:
Tools:
- Tape measure
- Level
- Finish hammer
- Nail punch
- Nail gun
- Drill and drill bit set
- Screw gun and set of bits
- Chisels
- Paint brush
- Square
- Straight edge
- Sledge hammer
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
Materials:
- Commercial double entry door unit
- New door sill
- Subfloor adhesive
- Wood shims (6 pieces, 36 inches long)
- Shingle bundles (three 10-inch and three 12-inch)
- 15# felt roll
- GAF fasteners (1 lb. roll)
- Spring hinges (4 pieces, 3” x 3/4”)
- Vertical separation weather-stripping
- Compression weather-stripping
- Locking door knobs or handles (4 pieces)
- Deadbolts (2 pieces)
- Surface bolt (1 piece)
- Exterior-grade latex caulk
- Maintenance-free brick mold
- Exterior latex paint for brick mold
- Metal flashing (various pieces)
These tools and materials ensure that the door can be properly measured, aligned, secured, and finished to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
The installation of a double entry door is a multi-step process that requires precision, patience, and attention to detail. Below is a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Attach the Jambs
Begin by attaching the jambs to the door frame. The close-meet finials should be placed into the remaining corner and the strike hinges. The door must be aligned with the edge lip of the meeting jamb to ensure a secure fit. Shims should be used to position the close-meet centers and secure the latch prep in the same way. Fill in any remaining mounting holes to ensure the door is stable.
2. Level the Door
After attaching the jambs, the door’s sill must be checked for proper sloping. Use a level to ensure the hinge-side door is aligned with the jamb spaces. Secure any cross finials that remain on the hinge side of the framing. Then, secure the hinge-side jamb to provide additional support and stability.
3. Set the Double Entry Door
Place the frame pieces in the center of the threshold and secure them with screws. The setting screws should be placed in the center of the hinge jamb, over the threshold. Once the frame is in place, slide the hinge-side door into position and check the fit. The screws will hold the doors in place as you align the jamb faces with a level.
4. Secure the Doors
Once the doors are in place, use the appropriate fasteners to secure them. Ensure that the doors swing freely and close without resistance. Use shims as needed to adjust the fit and maintain alignment. Once the doors are properly aligned and secured, you can proceed with the final finishing touches.
5. Finishing and Final Touches
After the doors are installed, apply exterior-grade latex caulk to seal any gaps and prevent water intrusion. Attach maintenance-free brick mold and paint it with exterior latex paint to match the overall aesthetic of the home. Install the locking hardware, including door knobs, deadbolts, and surface bolts, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Finally, inspect the doors for smooth operation, proper alignment, and weather resistance. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Conclusion
Installing a double entry door is a rewarding project that can enhance both the functionality and appearance of a home’s entrance. With the right tools, materials, and step-by-step guidance, it is possible to complete the installation successfully, even for those with limited DIY experience. By following industry-standard practices and paying close attention to detail, homeowners can achieve a durable, secure, and aesthetically pleasing double entry door that meets their needs for years to come.