Replacing a door jamb


Replace a door jamb

Replacing a door jamb is not as difficult as it seems, as you don\’t have to change the door too if it\’s not cracked and the door hardware is still functional. Although you can replace a door jamb without a high cost, you might have to spend more time on the process. Here are the steps on how to do it.

You will need:

  1. New door jamb
  2. Wood screws
  3. Drill
  4. Wood putty
  5. 3 inch screws
  6. Level
  7. Wood shims
  8. Framing square
  9. Paint

Steps:

  1. First, remove the existing door trim or casing of your door. Work it gently using a flat faced pry bar into the back seam of the casing where it meets the sheetrock. Work one spot until it is loose and you will be able to pull the casing off in one piece using your hands.
  2. Then, use a pry bar to pull the jamb loose in the same process that worked with the casing. Pry the jamb until the paint flakes off and reveal the screw locations. Back out the screws by using your drill. It is important to keep the side of the jamb which has the hinge locations.
  3. Next, go to the pros that offer door and jamb fabrication. Most will make you a custom jamb at affordable prices within 24 hours. To get a perfectly fabricated door jamb, make dimensions on a 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper in clear writing. Measure the width from stud to stud and the length from the bottom face of the header to the floor to measure the rough opening of your door opening. Hold the tape against the jamb with the hinge locations. Pull the tape from the top of the jamb to the bottom. Make note of the center line measurement of the hinge location, middle of the hinge and the door\’s center line. Transfer the measurements and then show the swing of the door on your drawing. Bring the drawing to the lumber yard and the door guys to build the jamb.
  4. When you have the new jamb, pop the dowels at the top of the side jambs into the holes routed in the header. Slide the jamb into the rough opening. Hold the jamb and attach the hinge side first with screws but avoid fastening them all the way in. Place the shims every 12″ or so. Level and check the jamb plumbness. Adjust the hinges and screw in. Attach the other jamb pieces using the same step.
  5. Then, have someone to help you get the door in position so make sure the hinges matches the hinge notches on the jamb. Place extra shims under the door to set it right. Do not screw the hinge into place until it sets as the jamb cannot handle a bunch of re-do with the screws. If the door does not close perfectly once all are assembled, you can go back and fiddle with the jamb screws and shims until it operates normally again. Secure by nailing it back on the trim, and repaint it if necessary.

Additional Reading:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4823407_replace-door-jamb.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sburt/4450967130/