Proper Installation of an Exterior Door

IF you have never installed a door before, you really need to do your homework. Exterior doors need to be installed with near perfection or the results can be harmful to the framing around the door.

exterior doors with glass

While curb appeal is great, it isn't the main task of the door. Sealing the inside from outside air, rain and snow is really the function of entry doors. If done improperly you will have air and water leakage into the house and possible even rotting of the framing surrounding the door.

EXTERIOR DOORS

When installing a door, the first step is to check the floor for level. Having a level sill is one of the most important steps. If the sill is not level it will be nearly impossible to get the door square with the jamb.

Preparing the sill is second on the importance list. With the introduction of sill guards and sill tapes, this step has gotten easier. Cover the floor where the door sits on the floor with one of these products that will keep out and shed water to the outside. There are many on the market, just pick one that fits your installation best. Don't just settle with caulking the floor and setting the door. Caulking breaks down over time and you will be left with a vulnerable point of water entry.

Cut the house wrap at the top of the door on small 45 degree angle. Tape it up out of the way so it is just above the exterior of the door. Caulk the perimeter of the rough opening and set the door. Slide drip cap under the house wrap. Caulk and tape the angle cuts to keep water from penetrating there.

One of the places that usually gets overlooked are where the jamb meets the sill. Be sure to caulk this area, water runs down the door jamb and collects at the sill. Caulking here will increase the life of the jambs. Another area to caulk is where the exterior brickmoulding meets the jamb. This will also add to the energy efficiency of the door.

Don't shy away from this DIY project, as it is not as scary as you think. Just be prepared, do your research and your new door will look great and function properly for years to come.

Proper Installation of an Exterior Door

You can see some good installation tips for house wrap installation and exterior door installation instructions at http://www.ezhangdoor.com/exterior-door-installation-instructions

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EXTERIOR DOORS

A Basic Solar Panel System - Setting Up and Installation

With a basic solar panel system, you can save thousands of dollars on energy bills every year. While many folks dream of living in a solar powered home to experience the off-grid lifestyle, not many achieve it. This is because few really know what to do to get there.

masonite siding

There are 2 main ways to setup solar energy panels in your home - by engaging professionals or doing it yourself. If you have cash to spare and do not mind the long payback period of commercial solar energy panels, engaging professionals is the ideal way to go.

MASONITE

But if you want the most bang for your buck and want your solar panels to pay for itself in a much shorter period, the DIY route serves you well.

Setting up a complete solar power generator at home requires about ,000 to ,000. You only need a fraction of this cost in order to get do-it-yourself solar energy panels pumping electricity for your home. Using less than 0, you can build a photovoltaic panel that can last for more than two decades. This component can be built using simple tools and commonly available materials like wood, glass and masonite boards.

The number of photovoltaic panels you have to build depends on the size of your system. In order to size up your solar power system, you'll have to sum up the total energy consumption of your home. From this estimate, you'll also be able to know the specification of different photovoltaic components you need.

After the solar energy panel setup is completed, it is time to install your solar energy panels. You need a south-facing roof so as to capture the most sunlight throughout the day. You also need to ensure these solar energy panels are not blocked by vegetation. The slightest shade can cause a drastic drop in voltage output.

In order to determine the best position for your photovoltaic panels, you may need a solar pathfinder. This clever tool enables you to read (at one glance) the shading condition at the area of your choice. You'll then know if your intended installation site is suitable for solar electricity generation.

If you want to build your own basic solar power system, a DIY instructional manual can help you get started. You'll be able to learn where to get cheap and good materials, as well as techniques that only professionals know. You'll also learn what to do when you get into a rut.

Alternatively, you can do fine if an expert is willing to teach you. But not too many of us know someone like that. Therefore an instructional manual is one good resource that helps you save thousands on your solar energy panels.

A Basic Solar Panel System - Setting Up and Installation

John Greenspan is an expert in DIY solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com

MASONITE