We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Install a Security Door?

By Lori Kimble
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,614
Share

No neighborhood can guarantee complete protection from crime, but there are practical ways to guard a home, valuables and loved ones. One way to start is to install a security door on your home. Security doors install just like regular doors do, except they can be heavy enough to make any such installation a two-person job. Once you've decided what kind of security door best fits your needs and you've made the purchase, grab a partner, gather your equipment and get busy.

A few tools are required to install a security door. Every door is different, so it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions. The basic list of tools needed to install a security door on your home include a level, a hammer, a tape measure, a caulking gun, and a Philips screw driver. Wood shims, finish nails, screws, insulation, and caulk also are needed.

Assuming the door is a pre-hung version, the first step to install a security door is to prep the rough opening. Once the old door is removed, check to make sure that the opening is plumb and the sub sill is level. If it isn’t level, shims can be used to even things up.

Before installing the new door, run caulk along the sub sill and up the sides of the door's rough frame. The next step is to actually install the door in the opening. This is done by placing the bottom on the sub sill and then tilting the rest of the door up through the opening. Use shims to level the door and keep it in place. The finish nails can be tapped lightly in the frame to hold the door in the right spot, but don’t tap them all the way down, because they will be removed during a later step.

Once the door is plumb, it is time to test it to see if it opens and closes with ease. Make sure the door is making contact with the weatherstripping attached to the frame. If satisfied, secure the jams with screws starting where the hinges sit. Continue inserting screws around the door frame, making sure they go through the shims. The final steps are to insulate around the door, install trim on the inside, carefully caulk all the joints and place a weatherstrip at the base of the door.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-install-a-security-door.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.