I just bought a house and both front and back door were installed to open outwards instead of in. Im wanting to remove the entire door and frame (frame is a must-door is slightly larger than the opening on one side, so just taking the door off wont work) and reverse it, but all i can tell thats removable is the trim. I dont see anyway the door frame is screwed in. any suggestions? I have a screen door i want to put up, but cannot use it with the doors opening this way!
2007-05-18 16:20:30 · 6 answers · asked by tony b 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Be sure that the threshold will still provide you with a waterproof seal before you make the decision to make the switch.
If you do decide to move forward you should install a sweep on the door base outside to keep water from blowing under the doors, even though your new screen door will help protect.
Removing the trim boards will allow you to see and cut the fasteners, and once you locate them you can cut them off and drive them all out before re-installing the door. Patch all the holes in your frames before installing if the holes need to re-drilled due to placement of the frame.
It is definately much easier to do the entire door and frame than to try and simply change the door what with the hinges and locks needing changes.
2007-05-18 17:09:11 · answer #1 · answered by William C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
More than likely if these are "newer" prehung units your project is destined to fail. Turning the units will cause major water and air infiltration problems. You can ID these units by examining the threshold. If the door comes against the threshold and it`s connected to the jambs, it`s a prehung and it should not be turned.
If the door is above the threshold your project has possibilities, but you will have to move the threshold in after the turn around.
Solutions for the screen would be to recase the interior and buy inswing upgrade hdw, or take a look at some sort of retractable screen I.E. Phantom Screen
Also keep in mind if the project comes to the point of installing new units, they will probably be about an inch or more taller depending on the manufacturer.
2007-05-18 23:39:35 · answer #2 · answered by william v 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually these are hard to see due to the type of nails and screws used. You can really fight with them all day and not accomplish nothing. The best way is to take a sawzawll and run it down each side of the frame and just pull the entire frame out, have someone help you, of course.
Go to Home Depot. I just saw a Spring special they were running on outside doors for less then $100.00 apiece with the frames. You can't beat that. Just slip it in and nail it in.
2007-05-18 23:01:56 · answer #3 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove the inside trim and you will see where the screws or nails are. Usually there will be shims between the frame and door jam. you can cut through these with a sawlzall/reciprocating saw. Take outside trim off and turn door and frame around and reshim and nail. Hopefuly the door swing will be right.
2007-05-18 16:47:06 · answer #4 · answered by James 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove the door and the inside trim. You should be able to see the screws for the door frame then. If you have a Habitat for Humanity Restore in your area you can donate the door you are replacing and they will send you a donation slip for your tax return if they sell it for more then $100. Are both back and front doors the same type that swing, if they are the same size and are able to lock then you might be able to just switch them.
2007-05-18 16:35:50 · answer #5 · answered by Wolfmanscott 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove the inside trim and you will be able to see where the screws or nails are
2007-05-18 16:27:26 · answer #6 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋