How to Replace a Steel Door Frame in Masonry
Replacing steel door frames in masonry can be a difficult job that requires special equipment. Masonry is more than just bricks and mortar; and it’s also the blocks or sheets of stone used to make structures like houses, temples, and castles. These buildings are made out of materials that are not easy to work with, which means you need special tools for any type of construction project involving them.
If you’re looking for a simple way to replace your steel door frame in masonry, then this article will help guide you on how to replace a steel door frame in masonry through the process step-by-step so that you can complete your project successfully!
What Things You’ll Need to Replace a Steel Door Frame in Masonry
To replace a steel door frame in masonry, you’re going to need the right tools and materials for the job. Here are some things you’ll need:
- Contractor’s Caulk
- Caulk gun
- Emerald green or lime-green grout
- Weld series 14.3 light-duty steel wedges
- 3/8-in. masonry drill bit
- 2 x 4 wood
- Leveler Hammer
- Tape measure or tape rule
Steps To Follow: How to Replace a Steel Door Frame in Masonry
Step 1 – Decide on New Location
The first thing you want to do is check if you can move the door to another part of your house. If you have a basement, this is ideal for your door because it would be out of the way. While people rarely use basements anymore, they are still a good alternative to other rooms in your home or even the exterior of your house if you don’t have anywhere else to go.
Step 2 – Plan for Door Removal and Replacement
You need to develop a plan of action to replace your steel door frame in masonry with ease. It’s a good idea to draw up plans for how you want your new door frame to look before you go on to the next step. Ensure that you include where all of the hinges will be placed because they will have a large impact on what kind of material you use and how much weight your door can hold.
Step 3 – Prepare for Demolition
The next step is preparing for demolition. The decision to remove a door from your home may be difficult because of the amount of work that needs to be put into it, but you’ll have an upgraded look and feel to your home in the end. Start by chipping away at any paint or varnish on the door surface using your hammer and pry bar. This will make it easier for you to remove the screws that hold the door in place later on during the renovations process.
Step 4 – Remove Exterior Door Molding
After you begin removing paint, keep working by removing any exterior molding around your steel door frame’s entrance. These moldings will need to be replaced to keep the integrity and strength of your door frame. If you can’t remove them by hand, use a drill or impact driver with a screwdriver bit attached.
Step 5 – Remove Door Latches
After you’ve removed any add-ons that were on your entry door frame, begin to remove the door latches. The hinges on your steel door frame will be holding it in place, and you don’t want to destroy them accidentally early in the process. You can get some light-duty wedges that will provide just enough room for you to pry the latch out of its spot on your house without cracking the wood.
Step 6 – Remove Any Exterior Trim
If you want to replace a steel door frame in masonry, you’ll also need to remove the trim going around the edge of your entryway. This means that you’re going to have to use your pry bar again so that it will be able to fit underneath the trim on either side and lift it. This will prevent you from tearing down parts of your house to get rid of these small pieces. If you can’t remove them with a pry bar, then drywall or Sawzall may also be used.
Step 7 – Start Removing the Exterior Door Frame
If your original steel door frame is attached to a brick wall with an exterior door jamb, then you’ll want to start removing it from the top. This will make it easier for you to break through the mortar that holds everything together in place. Once you have loosened this bond enough between the jamb and the bricks, you should use a hammer drill to finish the job. Again, make sure that you wear protective glasses to reduce your risks of getting hurt during this process.
Step 8 – Prepare for New Door Frame Construction
Now that you’ve removed your old door frame, it’s time to prepare for new construction and installation! First, you want to make sure that you have the right materials needed to hold a door in place, so you should make a list of what you need. Obviously, hinges and a latch will be necessary for any new steel door frame in masonry. You’ll also need screws and drill bits if you plan on using them.
Step 9 – Remove Flooring Track or Baseboard
Once you’ve taken down your interior door frame and removed the exterior parts, it’s time to get rid of any loose baseboard or flooring track that was used in construction. This will make it easier for you to install a steel door frame with ease in its place so that everything is circular and even when you’re done. You should also use a stud finder to locate the exact position of any joists or beams that are running through your entryway so that you will know where to install a replacement door frame without encountering construction issues.
Step 10 – Level and Seat Frame in Place
You want your new steel door frame in masonry to be level with the rest of the wood on your house. To do this, you should use shims or wooden blocks to level it. Once everything has been placed in the appropriate place with a square, then you can start fastening screws into woodwork and frame at each joist connection point.
Step 11 – Attach New Exterior Door Frame
Once you’ve completed step ten, it’s time for you to start attaching your door frame. This will be much easier now that you have worked out any kinks from other parts of the job. Use a router to clean out any holes, and then make sure that everything fits correctly before you start using the glue again. The last thing you want is for your new steel door frame in masonry to be crooked or uneven!
Conclusion
If you’ve had a steel door frame installed recently, it may be time to replace the old one. Steel frames are great for strength and durability, but they have some drawbacks that can create problems over time. Replacing a steel door frame is one of the most common types of masonry work. It’s important to know how to replace a steel door frame in masonry so you don’t damage your home or property, which can result in costly repairs.
For instance, if your house is still under warranty or has an HVAC system attached to the back of it, then this type of framing might make sense because it won’t corrode like aluminum or wood. But once those warranties expire, there will be nothing left protecting the metal from rust and corrosion, which could eventually cause major damage in other parts of your home as well. We hope this article has been helpful and that you feel confident replacing a steel door frame on your own going forward!
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
