Installing a door may seem simple, but even small errors can lead to drafts, security issues, higher energy bills, and a shorter lifespan for your door. If you are considering a door replacement, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure long-lasting, high-quality results.
1. Incorrect Door Measurements
Accurate measurements are essential for a proper fit. Overlooking details such as frame width, height, door slab thickness, and flooring clearance can have profound consequences. Even being off by a fraction of an inch can cause sticking, gaps, and operational issues. Professional door installation services always begin with precise measuring to avoid these costly mistakes.
2. Poorly Prepared Door Frames
A door can only perform well if the frame is strong and level. Installing a new door on a damaged or uneven frame is one of the most common and expensive errors.
Signs your frame needs attention include visible gaps, rot or soft wood, and uneven or misaligned sides. Before beginning any door installation, ensure the frame is in excellent condition.
3. Using the Wrong Hardware
Hardware such as hinges, screws, and locks might seem minor, but they’re crucial to the door’s performance and security. Using the wrong size or type of hardware can cause sagging, alignment issues, and faster wear. This is particularly important in custom door installation, where doors may be heavier or uniquely designed.
4. Incorrect Shimming
Shims keep the door perfectly level and plumb. Improper shimming—or skipping it altogether—can cause uneven gaps, trouble closing the door, and excessive pressure on hinges. Correct shimming is essential for smooth, long-term operation of a door.
5. Improper Insulation Around the Door
Poor insulation causes drafts and higher energy bills. Many DIY installers either forget to insulate or use the wrong material. Using low-expanding spray foam or weatherstripping designed for doors helps maintain energy efficiency without warping the frame.
6. Failing to Seal Exterior Doors Properly
Exterior doors face moisture, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. If not properly sealed, wood can swell, metal can rust, and energy efficiency drops. Weatherstripping, caulking, and proper sealant are necessary to ensure durability and protection.
7. Misaligned Hinges and Hardware
Even a perfectly installed door can fail if the hinges or hardware are misaligned. This can lead to rubbing, sticking, improper latching, and squeaking. Proper alignment is key!
8. Choosing the Wrong Door Type
Selecting the wrong door for your space—such as using an interior door on an exterior opening—can result in security risks and premature damage. When standard doors don’t fit your needs, custom door installation offers tailored solutions for better performance and style.
Avoiding these common door installation mistakes ensures your door stays functional, secure, and beautiful for years. Whether you’re handling a door installation, considering door replacement, or investing in custom door installation, attention to detail makes all the difference. Professional door installation services, such as those provided by Arcana Windows & Doors, provide expertise and efficiency that help you avoid these issues altogether.
If you are in southern Ontario (Hamilton, Dundas, Guelph, Burlington, Mississauga, Oakville, Brantford, Kitchener, Grimsby, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, or surrounding communities), or eastern Ontario (Hawkesbury, Vankleek Hill, Alexandria, or surrounding communities) contact us today to learn more about our doors (or any other custom installation services we provide), and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our project consultants provide you with personalized design service to create a customized solution for your unique vision, and let our expert installation teams bring that vision to life. Let Arcana Windows and Doors help you see Life Better Framed.
