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Replace an Old Entry Door

Preinstall the trim and get the flashing details right to create a long-lasting, welcoming entrance to your home

The entry door on your house welcomes guests and faces the world. When installed properly, it should last a long time. Builder Emanuel Silva describes his technique for installing an entry door so that it will last a long time and be able to avoid rot. Silva begins by building the door's trim on the worktable, which gives him more control over the trim assembly. Next, he flashes the rough opening, a line of defense against water infiltration and decay. After preparing the door for installation, he hangs it, making sure to finish by adding a bit of spray-foam insulation between the door frame and the rough opening.