Page 222 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 180

In a new installation, you may have to trim floor joists and the joist header to receive the sill. The top of
the sill should be the same height as the finish floor so the threshold can be installed over the joint. See
Figure 9-5. Shim the sill when necessary so it’s fully supported by floor framing. When joists run parallel
to the sill, install headers and a short support member at the edge of the sill. Install the threshold over
the joint by nailing with finishing nails.

When the opening is ready for installation, apply a ribbon of caulking sealer down each side and above
the door opening. This caulk should seal the gap between the wall and the door casing. Set the door
frame in the opening and secure it by nailing through the side and head casing. Nail the hinge side first.

Exterior doors should have a solid core. Hollow-core doors offer little security and warp too much during
cold weather to use on the exterior. If a door has to be trimmed to fit the frame, cut on the hinge edge.
Mortise hinges into the edge of the door with about 3/16" or 1/4" back spacing. See Figure 9-6. Use
3-1/2" by 3-1/2" loose-pin hinges on exterior doors that swing in. Use non-removable pins on
out-swinging doors. Use three hinges (rather than two) on solid core doors to minimize warping.