How To Measure Your Exterior Doors

When you’re preparing for a door replacement, it can be challenging to measure your doors or even understand why you need to know the exact door measurements in the first place.

However, knowing how to take the exact measurements of your doors is vital for getting the most value for your money and maximizing your energy efficiency.

To help you prepare for your door replacement, we’ve created this in-depth guide to measuring your door and why this is an integral part of planning for your door replacement. Keep reading to learn how to measure your existing door.

measure your exterior doors

Why Should You Measure The Width of Your Doors Before Replacement?

Before we discuss how to measure your door, let’s explore why you need to do this. Here are some of the main reasons why collecting accurate measurements is vital to your door replacement:

Energy Efficiency

It seems strange to consider energy efficiency in door replacement, but the truth is doors play an essential role in your home’s energy efficiency and whether you can keep it warm in the winter.

If your door doesn’t fit properly in the frame and leaves significant gaps, it will allow air to flow freely around your home, potentially decreasing energy efficiency.

This is particularly harmful if you’re replacing an exterior door will be exposed to the elements. With excess cold air flowing through your door from the outside, you’ll likely need to keep your heating on for longer and at higher temperatures to maintain a comfortable, warm home.

Time and Money

If you choose a door that’s too big or small, you’ll have to return it and potentially pay more for a larger replacement. Not only will this cost you more money, but it will waste your time and leave you without a functioning door for a significant amount of time.

Ensuring a Proper Fit

Of course, we can’t forget how important measuring your door is to provide a proper fit. A proper fit ensures no gaps where water can leak into your home or allow drafts that can make your home uncomfortable. If you get a door that’s too big, you’ll need to pay for further modification, which is costly and time-consuming.

Safety and Security

Properly fitting entry doors is vital to your safety and security, so measuring your door is essential for your installation. If your door doesn’t fit your frame, it might not latch correctly, making it easier for criminals to enter your home with little force. So, if you want to secure your and your family’s safety, you need to ensure you collect the exact measurements for your doors.

Tools You Need To Measure Your Door

Before measuring your door, you need to gather the right tools. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to measure your door, frame and jamb:

  1. Tape measure: A tape measure is likely the most critical tool in measuring for windows and doors installation. You’ll need this to measure all elements of your door, including the door jamb.
  2. Level: A level ensures that your door sits straight; an uneven door will allow air and water to come through any gaps.
  3. Straightedge tool: A straightedge allows you to measure the depth of your door. All you need to do is place the straightedge on the edge of the door and measure the distance between this and the front of your door.
  4. Pencil and paper: You’ll need a pencil and paper to record your measurements. You can then share this with Euroseal, who will be able to supply you with a door that’s perfect for your exact measurements.

How to Measure Your Door

Now you have all of the tools you need to measure, let’s discuss how to do this:

1. Measure the Width of Your Door Opening

The first step to measuring your door is to measure the width of the door opening. To do this, take the tape measure, measure the opening from the left side to the right, and take your measurements from the top, middle and bottom. You should then record the narrowest of these measurements. This narrow measurement will be the size of your new door.

2. Measure the Height of Your Door Opening

The next step is to measure the height of your door opening. Take each measurement from the left, middle, and right sides, noting the shortest measurement of the three. This height will be the height of your brand-new door!

3. Measure the Depth of Your Door Jamb

The door jamb is a part of the door that makes up the vertical part of the frame and surrounds the door. It has two vertical sections and is connected to the jamb head. You’ll need to measure the door jamb width to ensure your door fits snugly into place. Measure from the inner edge to the inner edge at the top, middle and bottom of the door opening, recording the shortest measurement.

4. Find Out The Swing of Your Door

One of the most important things to measure when installing a new door is the swing. Open your door fully and measure the length between the inner and outer corners. This is especially important if you’re changing from sliding doors to standard swing doors and don’t know how much floor space your door will take.

5. Measure the Plumb of Your Door

Before installing your new door, you must ensure that the door frame is level to avoid gaps or misalignment. Check the door opening by placing the level and ensuring the bubble stays in the middle. You’ll need to adjust the frame if it shifts to the left or right.

6. Measure the Width and Height of The Door Itself

When you get your new door, take some time to measure the width and height before you install it. Ensure that the measurements you record meet the measurements supplied to your supplier. This will save you time and prevent damaging the door frame with an ill-fitting door.

Looking for a Door Replacement Company in Concord?

Looking to replace your door with a more energy-efficient and attractive solution? Trust Euroseal Windows & Doors, your go-to door replacement company in Concord. At Euroseal we take pride in supplying our customers with high-quality and secure doors designed to keep cold air out and warm air in.

If you’re unsure how to measure a door frame, let us take the stress out of it and handle your installation process end to end. We can help you select the perfect door for your space, from sliding doors to steel doors, we cover it all! Contact us today to find out how we can help you.