Knowledge plus skills about carpentry will help you know how to replace water damaged door jamb in your house. If you want to know more, the steps below in this article can help you.
Door Jambs And Their Importance
A door jamb is one of the vital parts of a door. It forms the vertical portions of the door frame to take the door’s weight and help keep the rest of the frame square stable; thus, It plays a vital role in every home:
- Leveling and support
- Hinging and closing
- Locking and protection
Different types of door jambs
A single rabbet and double rabbet door jamb are the two different types of door jambs. Single rabbet will hold one or a single door while two doors of opposing egress a double rabbet door jamb can have; both are well-recommended.
8 Steps On Replacing Water Damaged Door Jamb
Water-damaged door jambs eventually must be replaced quickly to secure the whole door from complete damage. You can also check this article to know “how to repair water damaged door facing“.
Here are eight steps you can do in replacing your water-damaged door jamb:
Step #1. Remove the existing door from the frame
In removing the door from the frame, you must pull out the hinge pins and lift off the hinges while leaving the other side of the hinges on the door jamb. Set the door aside safely, and for the nails not to get lost, you can get a small container to put them inside.
Step #2. Remove trim casing from the doorway
Next, carefully remove the trim casing using a flathead screwdriver or small pry bar to separate the case and the drywall. You can start at one place along with the trim, slowly loosen the rest of the casing, and then set the other pieces aside so that you can reuse them for the new door jamb.
Step #3. Remove the existing door jamb
You can remove the existing door jamb by pulling it using the screwdriver or pry bar, but you have to look closely at how the door legs connect to the door framing. In older homes, you will notice nails, while in newer homes, they use wood screws in door jambs.
Step #4. Take measurements of the door opening for the new jamb
You will be measuring the door opening together with the width and height of the door, side to side and from bottom to top. Also, you have to take note of the location of the hinges.
Step #5. Install the new door jamb temporarily
Put on the door opening the replacement jamb in one piece and screw it temporarily on the post into the place on the hinge side first. Slide the shims into place along with the door legs and the wall.
Step #6. Do the level and plumb
After installing the temporary new jamb, you must take the level and check your door jamb to see if there will be adjustments for the shims. Also, you can use the carpenter square to make sure that it is already plumb.
Step #7. Fasten the new jamb permanently
After doing the level, plumb, and making necessary adjustments, you can affix the other new jamb pieces to the door opening and screw them into place permanently.
Step #8. Put back the hinges and door
Finally, you have to unscrew the old door jamb piece’s hinges and put the new jamb pins on the previous marks with an electric screwdriver. Slide the hinge pins back and tap them on the ends lightly using a rubber mallet to check if the nails are too tight to slide in completely.
How much does it cost to replace a door jamb?
Here’s a cost checklist of door jamb pricing and installation:
- Door jamb material prices range from $100- $180
- Door jamb installation cost is from $180 – $280
- Door jamb price in total is $280 – $460
- Door jamb per unit total average cost is $302.50 – $435
What are the most causes of door jamb damage?
Door jamb damage most causes are:
- Wood rot
- Slamming
- Termites, critters, and molds
- The raindrops
- Rapidly changing temperatures
- Water leaks
How long does it take to replace a door jamb?
Replacement takes 3-4 hours for a handyperson, so it is good if everything is ready before replacing a door jamb. Furthermore, you can also check this to know “how to replace water damaged door frame.”
What is the best material for door jambs?
Typically, door jambs materials are wood, 3/4 inch thick pine, hemlock, or fir softwoods that are economical and easy to use. An oak and any other hardwood is also okay, but some home stores and lumber yards offer premade jamb material or steel door jambs.
Conclusion
Knowledge, skills, plus a self-help guide will aid you in how to replace water damaged door jamb. Remember the process, and you can make it happen!