How to replace a doorframe

Essential Kit:

• Safety goggles
• Screwdriver
• Chisel
• Crowbar
• Door frame
• Hacksaw
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• DPC strips
• Bituminous emulsion
• Hammer
• Nails
• Thin pieces of wood
• Mortar
• Mastic sealant

1. Firstly measure the width and height of your door opening. Extend an additional 10 cm (4 in) outward to allow for the planned doorframe. Based on this measurement, purchase a standard doorframe from your local DIY shop.You will need to begin by removing the old doorframe.
2. Chop away the plaster around the door opening with a chisel to expose the doorframe.
3. Using a saw, cut through any fixings that is holding the doorframe.
4. Once you have loosened the doorframe saw off the top-centre portion of the head and the sides of the frame (jambs). Saw at a 45 degree angle to make it easier to lever out the jambs.
5. Remove the upper corners of the frame and break away any head horns from the masonry.
6. Next, with the help of a crowbar lift the door frame out.
7. Remove any debris and apply damp proof coursing (DPC) strips to the underside of the door opening.
   

   Helpful Tip: A DPC strip will prevent moisture from penetrating into the middle layer of the brickwork. Coat the nails that you'll be using to secure the DPC strip with bituminous emulsion.

8. Now position the new frame in the door opening and wedge it in place with pieces of wood. Check that the frame is straight and centred with a spirit level.
9. Follow by drilling three holes along each jamb to fit the screws. These holes should be evenly positioned along each jamb.
10. Secure the door frame with screws.
11. Fill any gaps around the doorframe with mortar.
12. Allow the mortar to set and harden, then apply mastic sealant around the outer edge of the frame.
13. Now that the doorframe is in place, you're ready to fit the door.
    

    Helpful Tip: When fitting a steel or plastic frame, you’ll need to level the sill on a bed of mortar then secure it with screws along the doorframe. Seal all the joints with mastic sealant.

    
    

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