Install a Prehung Exterior Door

A. Finished-Project Specification

Scope: one completed prehung exterior door installation in the drained Project 07 sill-pan opening, fastened, aligned, and function-tested, ready for exterior flashing and weatherproofing in Project 09.

B. Required Documentation Schedule

Document	Source	Confirmation Required
Door installation instructions	Door manufacturer	Current edition matching the installed unit model
Frame-fastening schedule	Door manufacturer	Fastener type, location, spacing, and sequence confirmed
Shim-location diagram	Door manufacturer	Required shim locations at hinges and other fastening points confirmed
Sill-pan inspection record	Project 07 record	Confirmed passed and undamaged before door is set
Threshold and security-fastener specification	Door manufacturer	Threshold support and security-screw locations confirmed
Change documentation	Design professional / general contractor	All approved field changes incorporated

C. Preparation Materials and Consumables

• Frame fasteners: the type, length, and drive matching the manufacturer's fastening schedule, for permanent jamb fastening only.
• Security fasteners: long security screws specified by the manufacturer for hinges, strike plates, or other designated locations.
• Shim stock: composite or cedar shims sized for the manufacturer's required shim locations, sufficient for the hinge jamb, latch jamb, and head.
• Sealant or bedding material: the product approved for the threshold location, applied only where specified while preserving sill-pan drainage.
• Documentation: one door installation record per opening.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Unit condition	Free of transport damage, warped jambs, loose hinges, damaged weather stripping, cracked threshold, and missing components
Dry-fit clearance	Perimeter clearance, threshold bearing, floor transition, exterior projection, and swing clearance match the manufacturer's specification
Hinge-jamb plumb	Plumb within the manufacturer's permitted tolerance, verified against the approved reference surface before fastening
Reveal	Consistent head and side reveal within the manufacturer's specified dimension
Fastening	Frame fastened in the specified sequence, type, location, and embedment without bowing the jambs
Operation	Free swing without binding or self-movement; correct latch, deadbolt, weather-strip, sweep, threshold, and closer function

E. Review and Inspection (Steps 1–3)

1. Review the door manufacturer's installation instructions, frame-fastening schedule, shim locations, threshold support, security fasteners, sealant locations, and warranty requirements. Confirm the edition matches the installed unit's model number.
2. Inspect the unit for transport damage, warped jambs, loose hinges, damaged weather stripping, cracked threshold, incorrect handing, and missing parts. Compare the unit against the approved door schedule before proceeding.
3. Confirm that the sill pan has passed inspection and remains clean, undamaged, and open to drain. Do not proceed if the Project 07 record shows an open deficiency at this opening.

F. Dry-Fit and Sealant (Steps 4–7)

1. Dry-fit the unit and verify perimeter clearance, threshold bearing, interior floor transition, exterior projection, and door swing clearance. Compare each measurement against the manufacturer's specified dimension.
2. Remove the unit and complete only authorized corrections. Do not enlarge or reframe the opening or alter the sill pan to force an out-of-tolerance fit; mark any condition outside the permitted range for qualified review.
3. Apply sealant or bedding material at the approved threshold locations while preserving sill-pan drainage. Keep sealant off the designated drainage outlet and any weep path.
4. Set the unit into the opening using the required workers and handling method. Keep the door slab locked or braced closed throughout the lift and setting.

G. Plumb, Shim, and Fasten (Steps 8–16)

1. Center the frame and temporarily secure the hinge-side upper corner. Use temporary fasteners at manufacturer-approved locations only.
2. Plumb the hinge jamb using the approved reference surface. Recheck plumb over the full jamb height before installing shims.
3. Install shims behind each hinge and at other manufacturer-required fastening points. Seat each shim firmly without bowing the jamb inward or outward.
4. Fasten the hinge jamb through the frame and shims with the specified fasteners. Follow the manufacturer's fastening sequence and embedment.
5. Check the door slab for free swing, consistent reveal, hinge binding, and threshold contact. Correct the hinge jamb before proceeding if the slab binds or racks.
6. Adjust the latch jamb until the head and side reveals are consistent. Use the hinge-jamb reveal as the controlling reference.
7. Install latch-side and head shims at approved locations. Confirm shim placement matches the manufacturer's shim-location diagram.
8. Fasten the remaining jambs in the controlled sequence without bowing the frame. Check reveal consistency after each fastener is set.
9. Install long security screws at hinges, strike plates, or other designated locations. Use only the length and drive type specified by the manufacturer.

H. Adjustment and Verification (Steps 17–23)

1. Adjust threshold components only by the approved method. Do not shim or force the threshold in a way not permitted by the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Verify latch, deadbolt, weather stripping, sweep, threshold, and closer operation where applicable. Operate each component through its full range before continuing.
3. Confirm that the frame remains square and that the door does not move open or closed by itself when partially positioned. A slab that drifts under its own weight indicates an out-of-plumb hinge jamb requiring correction.
4. Inspect fastener seating, shim support, reveal, frame projection, threshold bearing, and operation. Compare every result against the Acceptance Standards table.
5. Correct binding, rubbing, uneven reveal, loose threshold, or failed latching before flashing work begins. Do not carry an unresolved operational defect into Project 09.
6. Protect the installed door from impact, contamination, and unauthorized use. Restrict traffic through the opening until flashing work is scheduled.
7. Record measurements, adjustments, fastener locations, and photographs. Complete the door installation record before ending the work session.